When the Cleveland Browns decided to go all-in on quarterback Deshaun Watson it was a big risk. The former Texans quarterback missed the entire 2021 season due to legal issues in which several women accused him of misconduct. The Browns knew a suspension was looming but still decided to give Watson a massive contract to come to Cleveland. When Watson finally returned in 2022 you could see the rust in his game. He finally started to look like his old self during the latter part of the season but is it enough to carry the team going forward? Let’s examine that further and offer a record prediction for the Browns 2023-2024 season.
The Good
It’s hard to believe the running back Nick Chubb is still often overlooked as one of the league’s best. It may be due to his quiet personality and business-like work ethic. You don’t hear much from Chubb off the field but on it, he is wrecking ball terrorizing defenses. Chubb is coming off his best year in Cleveland where he ran for 1,525 yards and 13 total touchdowns. Even with Watson back, Chubb is the focal point of the Browns offense and he keeps improving every year. In a year where the running back position is front in center, Chubb has shown he is worth every penny of his $36.6 million dollar contract.
The Bad
Former Dallas Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper was brought in by Cleveland last year to be their #1. For the most part, Cooper impressed and was able to play in all 17 games for the Browns. Cooper needed more help this offseason and the Browns decided to take a flyer on Elijah Moore. Moore flamed out of New York after two disappointing seasons with the Jets. He will now be expected to produce in a large role for Cleveland but there a plenty of question marks on if he can.
Outside of Cooper and Moore the Browns will hope for more improvement from Donovan Peoples-Jones next season. Peoples-Jones had a career-high 839 receiving yards last year for the Browns. Still, I would’ve liked to see the Browns address the wide receiver position more last offseason. As a whole, this group is still below average and will need big years from Moore and Peoples-Jones to be competitive.
The Prediction
This is a make-or-break year for head coach Kevin Stefanski. He was recently listed on our coaches on the hot seat feature going into next season. It really all comes down to how Deshaun Watson performs in year 2. If he can recapture his old form the Browns will be competitive. I just don’t think we will see that version of Watson going forward.
2023 Record: 5-12 (4th in the Division)
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