2013 NFL Preview: Cleveland Browns
Last Season: The 2012 NFL season was yet another one of frustration and losing for the Browns. They had a nice stretch in the middle of the season where they went 5-3, with wins over Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, but that success was surrounded by an 0-5 start and an 0-3 finish, and a 5-11 overall record. The problems with the team were numerous, from an ineffective quarterback, to an injured RB, to a defense that couldn't consistently stop opponents. This has led to whole-sale changes with the team, including an entirely new coaching staff. With the new ownership facing off-the-field issues, and the other teams in the division seemingly set up for success, the Browns face an uphill battle this season.
Offense: The Browns offense averaged just 18 points per game last season, and never got in a groove. They have to improve this year, and that falls mainly on the shoulders of Brandon Weeden. The team added Jason Campbell this offseason, but Weeden will get another chance after struggling in year one. He has the physical tools to compete at the NFL level, but needs to be better in his decision-making. A healthy Trent Richardson will also help. Richardson was the 3rd overall pick in the draft, possessing all the qualities a team could want in a RB. However, nagging injuries held him back all season and his impact was mitigated. If he can stay at 100%, he could be one of the best backs in the league. Receiver Josh Gordon was a revelation in 2012, but will be suspended for two games this season, and there are concerns about his off-field behavior. The rest of the WR corps has issues of their own. Greg Little is the most talented, but struggles with drops. Up front, the Browns are solid. Joe Thomas remains a top LT, and there is talent along the rest of the offensive line.
Defense: The new coaching regime will be making some changes on the defensive side of the ball, beginning with a switch to a 3-4 defense. The front seven will have a new look with several players playing in new spots. Jabaal Sheard moves to OLB, but will look to get after the QB with the same tenacity he has shown in his first two seasons. Free agent signee Paul Kruger joins him amid questions of whether he can duplicate his 2012 season. Phil Taylor should benefit from the change, which will allow him to play his more natural NT position. D'Qwell Jackson is solid in the middle as well, giving the Browns a good base for their defense. In the secondary, Joe Haden looks to bounce back from a 2012 season that started with a suspension and ended with no interceptions. At his best, he's one of the league's best CBs. Rookie Leon McFadden could start across from Haden. TJ Ward will hold down one safety spot, but with Usama Young gone, the team has questions at the other safety position.
Why the Browns Will Finish at .500: Weeden didn't have a great season in his rookie year, but was hampered by injuries along the offense and was asked to throw the ball a lot. He has the tools to be a solid QB if the Browns staff can help him along. Richardson, if healthy, could be one of the best RBs in the NFL, which helps Weeden as well. If Josh Gordon can avoid off-the-field trouble, the offense could be much improved. The defense is seeing some changes, but could benefit at several spots, especially if the new additions step up. Joe Haden is a really talented CB who locks down half the field and Phil Taylor, finally playing at home in a 3-4 D, could have a monster season.
Why the Browns Will Have Another Miserable Year: The team begins the season surrounded by negativity. Ownership has legal trouble, their number one WR is suspended, and they will be without kicker Phil Dawson for the first time in this century. Weeden still has to show he was worth a first round pick, while Richardson has to show he can play a full season. With the defensive changes and changes on the coaching staff, it could spell trouble. There's also the fact that the Browns play in the AFC North, with three playoff contenders. It's an uphill battle for Cleveland, and if history is any indication, it will be a long season.
Instant Impact: The Browns actively sought to improve their pass rush this offseason, adding Paul Kruger in free agency, but the long-term solution might have been added via the draft. Barkevious Mingo was taken with the 6th overall pick, and while he might not start right away, he'll factor in immediately. With a great first step and a nose for opposing QBs, Mingo might be, and for the Browns sake, needs to be, a huge impact on the future of the franchise.
Questions I Have: Can any of the WRs be consistent enough to help Gordon out? How big a factor will the addition of Norv Turner be? Can anybody replace Josh Cribbs?
Overall: The Browns have overhauled the roster over the past few seasons with an eye on competing with Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. They'd like to further close the gap this season, but they have to get past some distractions early, and stay completely healthy. Weeden is the biggest factor for the Browns, and must improve over his rookie campaign. The Browns do have some talent all over the roster, but have to gel as a team and gain experience. That takes time, and might mean the Browns still have some growing pains to go through. They probably are a season or two away from competing. The problem is, they always seem to be a season away.
Offense: The Browns offense averaged just 18 points per game last season, and never got in a groove. They have to improve this year, and that falls mainly on the shoulders of Brandon Weeden. The team added Jason Campbell this offseason, but Weeden will get another chance after struggling in year one. He has the physical tools to compete at the NFL level, but needs to be better in his decision-making. A healthy Trent Richardson will also help. Richardson was the 3rd overall pick in the draft, possessing all the qualities a team could want in a RB. However, nagging injuries held him back all season and his impact was mitigated. If he can stay at 100%, he could be one of the best backs in the league. Receiver Josh Gordon was a revelation in 2012, but will be suspended for two games this season, and there are concerns about his off-field behavior. The rest of the WR corps has issues of their own. Greg Little is the most talented, but struggles with drops. Up front, the Browns are solid. Joe Thomas remains a top LT, and there is talent along the rest of the offensive line.
Defense: The new coaching regime will be making some changes on the defensive side of the ball, beginning with a switch to a 3-4 defense. The front seven will have a new look with several players playing in new spots. Jabaal Sheard moves to OLB, but will look to get after the QB with the same tenacity he has shown in his first two seasons. Free agent signee Paul Kruger joins him amid questions of whether he can duplicate his 2012 season. Phil Taylor should benefit from the change, which will allow him to play his more natural NT position. D'Qwell Jackson is solid in the middle as well, giving the Browns a good base for their defense. In the secondary, Joe Haden looks to bounce back from a 2012 season that started with a suspension and ended with no interceptions. At his best, he's one of the league's best CBs. Rookie Leon McFadden could start across from Haden. TJ Ward will hold down one safety spot, but with Usama Young gone, the team has questions at the other safety position.
Why the Browns Will Finish at .500: Weeden didn't have a great season in his rookie year, but was hampered by injuries along the offense and was asked to throw the ball a lot. He has the tools to be a solid QB if the Browns staff can help him along. Richardson, if healthy, could be one of the best RBs in the NFL, which helps Weeden as well. If Josh Gordon can avoid off-the-field trouble, the offense could be much improved. The defense is seeing some changes, but could benefit at several spots, especially if the new additions step up. Joe Haden is a really talented CB who locks down half the field and Phil Taylor, finally playing at home in a 3-4 D, could have a monster season.
Why the Browns Will Have Another Miserable Year: The team begins the season surrounded by negativity. Ownership has legal trouble, their number one WR is suspended, and they will be without kicker Phil Dawson for the first time in this century. Weeden still has to show he was worth a first round pick, while Richardson has to show he can play a full season. With the defensive changes and changes on the coaching staff, it could spell trouble. There's also the fact that the Browns play in the AFC North, with three playoff contenders. It's an uphill battle for Cleveland, and if history is any indication, it will be a long season.
Instant Impact: The Browns actively sought to improve their pass rush this offseason, adding Paul Kruger in free agency, but the long-term solution might have been added via the draft. Barkevious Mingo was taken with the 6th overall pick, and while he might not start right away, he'll factor in immediately. With a great first step and a nose for opposing QBs, Mingo might be, and for the Browns sake, needs to be, a huge impact on the future of the franchise.
Questions I Have: Can any of the WRs be consistent enough to help Gordon out? How big a factor will the addition of Norv Turner be? Can anybody replace Josh Cribbs?
Overall: The Browns have overhauled the roster over the past few seasons with an eye on competing with Baltimore, Cincinnati, and Pittsburgh. They'd like to further close the gap this season, but they have to get past some distractions early, and stay completely healthy. Weeden is the biggest factor for the Browns, and must improve over his rookie campaign. The Browns do have some talent all over the roster, but have to gel as a team and gain experience. That takes time, and might mean the Browns still have some growing pains to go through. They probably are a season or two away from competing. The problem is, they always seem to be a season away.
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