Cleveland Browns: 3 keys to a successful 2022 season

Cleveland Browns Key No. 1: Protect the quarterback

Having a new quarterback in Deshaun Watson should help in this key to success. Keeping your quarterback upright and healthy is important. Watson is more mobile than Baker Mayfield, so that will help too.

Even though Mayfield was originally injured on a play where he tried tackling a defender who had intercepted his pass, much of the season saw him on the ground because the offensive line couldn’t protect him.

When Mayfield was with the Browns, he was sacked a lot — 134 times in four seasons. In two of those campaigns, he was sacked 40 and 43 times respectively. This problem for the team needs to be addressed and improved upon this season for the team to have any chance of success.

The Cleveland offensive line went through many injuries a year ago so that contributed some to the issue. It’s obviously important these players stay healthy this season.

It’s worth noting, that while Mayfield had trouble staying upright in the past, so has Watson. When you look at Watson’s sacks, he’s been on the ground a lot too. In 2018 when Watson and the Houston Texans made it to the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, he was sacked a league-leading 62 times.

So, while Watson is more mobile, he’s taken more gambles in the past trying to run around in the backfield.

If the team’s offensive line protects the quarterback and can stay healthy, then we should see more victories.