Although John Dorsey didn’t have the financial discipline to sustain with the Cleveland Browns as their general manager, there’s no doubt he is the one that began the transition to winning. Even though the last two seasons have been major disappointments, they still have a total of 15 wins.
There was a span from 2013 to 2017 where this team had 15 wins, so there still must be some positivity with this organization.
But on the flip side, if you are going to constantly talk about winning a Super Bowl, you must compare your roster to those that have made it. Fans want to sit and talk about how loaded the Browns roster is, but I’m not sure that is the case.
Here are three positions that are slightly overvalued if you look at the rosters of the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs who will play for a Super Bowl in two weeks.
Browns Position Comparison No. 3 – Secondary
I wanted to put quarterback as No. 3, but I don’t think that’s fair given how much time Deshaun Watson missed over the last two seasons. However, after week four or five next season, he’s fair game if he doesn’t work out the rust.
A huge frustration this week was watching the secondary for both the Chiefs and Eagles. Yes, the Chiefs gave up a few big plays vs. the Bengals talented offense, but at the end of the day they got off the field when they needed to, and they were at least in the vicinity when a big play was made.
The Eagles secondary was dealt an easier hand with Brock Purdy getting injured, but they suffocated the 49ers receivers and never gave them a chance. Remember, San Francisco has an elusive group of backs and receivers, and all it takes is getting the ball in their hand.
If you ask an average Browns fan they would take Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome, and Martin Emerson over a lot of teams in this league, yet Cleveland struggled in pass coverage all season. Jim Schwartz needs to utilize man coverage next year in which these three thrive and put the pressure on the offense vs. reacting and being behind the eight-ball all game.
With the money Andrew Berry spent in the secondary, play should be better.
Browns Position Comparison No. 2 – Offensive Line
For the last three seasons, the Cleveland Browns have been getting applause from everyone about their “elite” offensive line. Part of the reason is that Bill Callahan (offensive line coach) is considered one of the best at the position. Secondly, the Kevin Stefanski offense is friendly to nearly all positions, including the offensive line with all the play-action and misdirection.
However, this offensive line was often exposed in passing situations. I will agree this unit is an elite running group, everyone is extremely athletic and block well in space. But, many of these guys struggle in pass protection with Jedrick Wills (left tackle) and Wyatt Teller (right guard) being the biggest red flag.
Look at the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend, if they have even a reasonable offensive line, I think they easily win that game. Instead, Chris Jones will likely be in Joe Burrow’s head for the next six months as he caused so much disruption.
Good or bad, this offensive line will remain intact next season. If the Browns want to be serious contenders and have a chance, they’ll need a guy like Lane Johnson or Orlando Browns anchoring the offensive line. I love Joel Bitonio as much as the next guy, but elite guard play has much less factor on a game than elite play at tackle.
With Watson being capable of throwing the ball 40-50 times a game and being successful, this team better find a way to protect him, or he won’t last a full season.
Browns Position Comparison No. 1 – Pass Rush
The biggest thing I noticed from the teams playing in the Super Bowl this season, the pass rush is unbelievable. In fact, the Eagles get so much pressure on opposing quarterbacks, the opponent must alter their entire game plan.
I mentioned him above, but if the Cleveland Browns gave up three first-round picks for Chris Jones I wouldn’t be sad at all. I’m not saying Myles Garrett isn’t a stud player, but I’ve never seen him alter a game like Jones did Sunday or truly lead this team. In fact, Hasson Reddick controlled a ton of the game as well with a few monster plays and pressures.
This paragraph is less about Garrett and more about getting him help next season. While Jadeveon Clowney was a big asset in 2021, he really fell off a cliff last season and didn’t get near the pressures we had seen in the past. Not to mention the defensive tackle being the most abysmal in the league.
I don’t care if it’s an elite defensive tackle or defensive end, the Browns must add someone to help keep Garrett from getting triple-teamed and chipped every single play. Schwartz runs a very basic defensive that focuses on discipline and toughness. He won’t bring a lot of pressure from linebackers, so the defensive line must get home.
You really have to pick your poison with these elite throwing quarterbacks in the league, but I can assure you giving them all day to throw on every play is a recipe for disaster. This defense has a ton of money spent on it already, but Berry better spend more for 2023 to make this a solid NFL unit.
4 first-year Cleveland Browns who will be gone in 2023
The Cleveland Browns brought in a ton of new players in 2022, but here are four players that will be one-and-done in Cleveland.