The Cleveland Browns are 3-6 and need to start thinking about 2023. With that in mind, here are three big changes they need to make in the offseason.
A loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 10 dealt a blow to the Cleveland Browns hopes for 2022 as they’re now 3-6. Even before that loss, the chances of making a run this year were thin but they still felt as though another couple of wins before Deshaun Watson took over could be enough for them to have a shot.
Now, they’re likely looking forward to the 2023 season, which isn’t the worst thing ever. The positive part of this is knowing that they can contend in the AFC North next year since they will have an elite quarterback for all 17 games.
Still, they need to fix things around him. And here, we look at the three biggest changes that need to take place in the offseason as the Browns try and right the ship.
3 big changes the Browns need to make before 2023
3. Improve the linebacker corps
Anthony Walker was playing very well this season before going down with an injury. With him out, Jacob Phillips was unable to step up and Deion Jones has been nothing more than a stop-gap player after being added in a trade with Atlanta.
This isn’t to say all hope is lost since the Browns do have a couple of solid options. The top player is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah but he’s also struggled with durability this year. While he’s been out, Sione Takitaki stepped up and played well but they need more playmakers and better depth at the position.
There’s no need to think they have to break the bank or make a huge draft investment, but they should try and re-sign Walker and Takitaki while also using a mid-round pick on someone with some upside. On top of that, a second-tier free agent would also be a welcome addition.
Whatever they do, they need to fix their linebacker corps because it continues to be an issue.
2. Fix the defensive line
It’s hard to understand how a team that wanted to win with the ground game while Deshaun Watson was out didn’t think it was important to stop the ground game, but here we are. Cleveland has the best running back in the NFL in Nick Chubb and he’s having the best season of his career. But on defense, they basically ignored the opposing rushing attack.
Instead of trying to find space eaters that will force a team to throw the ball, the Browns have continued to use a Band-Aid approach. Last season, it was Malik Jackson and Malik McDowell that spent the majority of the year at the defensive tackle spot, and in 2022, it’s been Taven Bryan and Jordan Elliott.
It’s hard to say which group is better (that’s not a compliment) but neither was known for stopping running backs. This year, Cleveland was gashed by those who are good on the ground — such as the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins — as well as those who can’t run — see the Los Angeles Chargers. Throw in the fact that they have undersized linebackers known for their speed and it’s like Christmas day for running back when they line up against the orange and brown.
In 2023, that has to change. While the Browns don’t need to be an elite run defense, they have to at least be able to make some stops. Using a mid-round pick of a nose tackle would make a massive difference. This coming season is when that should happen.
1. Find a centerfield safety
Grant Delpit has been the target of a lot of criticism this season and much of it’s warranted. His play has been less than stellar and he leaves a lot to be desired in coverage.
Having said that, he showed in Week 10 what he does best as he was playing closer to the line of scrimmage. With most players being bullied, Delpit was making one play after another including a stop on fourth down.
Unfortunately, he doesn’t get to play in this role very often since he’s used as a free safety. That’s because every safety on this team is better when they’re not playing deep coverage. This is why they gave up those long touchdowns early in the season which led to some late meltdowns.
In no way is this meant to completely absolve the players but it would be smart to put them in a better position to succeed. This would be best achieved by bringing in a legitimate centerfielder.
There aren’t a lot of options in free agency — unless they want to break the bank for Jessie Bates III — but there’s a name in the draft to watch. JL Skinner from Boise State would be an excellent fit and could very well be on the board when the Browns make their selection in the second round.
Such a move would do wonders for the entire defense as he would not only give them a great security blanket in the secondary but players such as Delpit would be free to do what they do best as well.
Browns studs and duds Week 10: Kareem Hunt, offensive line ineffective in loss to Miami
The Cleveland Browns fell to 3-6 with a loss to Miami. The biggest surprise in the defeat was the ineffectiveness of Kareem Hunt and the offensive line.