5 indicators of a successful season for the Browns in 2022
By John Suchan
The Cleveland Browns should be able to have a successful 2022 season if they are focused on these key indicators as a team
The good news this season for the Cleveland Browns is that they have a very talented roster of players. While that’s not necessarily different news from recent years, they have only made it into the playoffs once in the last four seasons. That’s a troubling pattern that hopefully can correct itself in 2022.
They may not have their new franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson available to them either this season so that will make a successful season a bit more difficult to determine, but with this squad returning numerous veterans, there will be no more excuses for them not to win ball games.
Let’s discuss now several key indicators that will go a long way in determining how this season plays out.
5 big indicators of a successful season for the Browns in 2022
No. 5 big indicator: The Browns run game has a big season
During the 2020 campaign, the spectacular duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt had a season to remember. They’ve had two other years where they have been together but hadn’t produced as much.
In 2019 Hunt didn’t start playing until the halfway mark of the season because he was coming off a suspension and last year Hunt was injured for nine games and Chubb also missed some games as well to health concerns and Covid.
So now they are both healthy and prepping for a big year again. That upbeat feeling took a bit of a hit over this weekend as news came out that Hunt has been sitting out the last few practices in hopes of negotiating an extended contract with the team because he wants to stay long-term. The Browns, however, may have other ideas down the line as they just drafted new running back Jerome Ford, from Cincinnati and also have third-year back D’Ernest Johnson returning — and Hunt has since asked to be traded.
Confirming that Kareem Hunt is holding out of team drills, only participating in individual drills, as he continues negotiating for a contract extension with the #Browns
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) August 6, 2022
Chubb and Hunt have done some good things together and if they still are together going into Week 1 then the team has a lot to look forward to. In 2020 Chubb went for 1,067 yards on the ground in only 12 games. Hunt, that same year went for 841 yards on the ground and caught 38 passes for 304 yards. They combined for 23 touchdowns in 2020.
They’re such a dangerous pairing in the backfield and Cleveland will continue to expose poor defenses this season by using these two players wisely.
Back in 2019, Chubb ran for 1,494 yards but couldn’t hold the NFL rushing crown at the end. Chubb won’t necessarily need to win a rushing title this year or hit a magic number of yards gained or touchdowns scored but he will need to continue to produce on the field.
One additional indicator for the two backs is if they get both involved in the passing game more, especially Chubb. He had 36 pass receptions in his best career season of 2019. If he could get back to that type of number, then he’d be helping the team even more.