4 terrible decisions by the Cleveland Browns in 2022
By Greg Newland
The Cleveland Browns were an extreme disappointment in 2022, but these four terrible decisions handicapped them from the beginning.
The Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski era started out as a dream for all Cleveland Browns fans. In 2020 the team went 11-5, won their first playoff game in over 25 years, and Baker Mayfield looked like the franchise quarterback.
A year later and the Browns were shopping Mayfield and licking their wounds after an 8-9 season and no trip to the playoffs. It soured again in 2022 as the Browns finished fourth place in the AFC North and finished a disappointing 7-9.
With Deshaun Watson now past his suspension, the pressure is on for the Browns to finally perform to expectations in 2023. I wouldn’t say the seat is warm for Berry or Stefanski, but fans will turn quickly if things go anything like 2022 again. Before we move on to 2023, let’s look at four of the worst decisions made by the Browns in 2022.
Browns Terrible Decision No. 4 – Playing Anthony Schwartz
One of the biggest question marks coming into the 2022 season was who would be the third receiver? Anthony Schwartz, David Bell, and Michael Woods would all be given a shot, and truthfully all of them would end up striking out.
What was beyond frustrating was continuing to see Schwartz get snaps each game. In 11 total games, he had four receptions for 51 yards, yet it felt like he was in the game at least 10 or 15 snaps per game just eating repetitions for the younger guys.
Schwartz has an extremely limited route tree, struggles to catch the ball, and doesn’t even have the ability to return kicks. The only threat he posed was an end-around, which teams instantly queued on when he went in motion.
Berry has a lot of pride in drafting Schwarts in the third round, but it’s time to let this one go and finally get someone some snaps who has a chance to fill the void.