WFNY Staff Roundtable: 2019 Browns Season Preview

20 seasons worth of Browns football through the eyes of a bot: While We’re Waiting

September 6, 2019

This new feeling

September 6, 2019

Published by WFNY Staff on September 6, 2019

Excuse the mess, the office is under a bit of construction here as WFNY must adapt coverage of the Cleveland Browns to one befitting a football club intent on contention. After only seeing the team finish with more wins than losses twice over the past 20 years, the mere thought of the NFL Playoffs is a bit jarring. Gone are the days of beginning a season with a has-been or never-will-be at quarterback. Neutered defenses requiring for breakout performances from several rookies just to be average replaced by a stacked unit many expect to harass opposing offenses into submission. So, please watch your step as we walk through our expectations for what should be a fun Browns season.

After the fairy tale offseason, who is the one player you wanted to see them sign–or trade for–that would have put it over the top?

Gerbs: A trade for Trent Williams would have been the proverbial cherry on the top of a long term rebuild that was 20 years in the making. It stands to question how much Washington was actually trying to deal Williams, but you could have convinced me to send two firsts for the Pro Bowl left tackle. Protecting Baker Mayfield is of the utmost importance, and the offensive staff and Mayfield himself do a good enough job of creating protection with quick passes and short outlets, but a long term deal for Williams would have been amazing.

Bode: Trading for offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and shifting Greg Robinson to right guard would have alleviated a ton of worries about one of the few starting components on the Browns that is obviously a weak spot. Such a move would have likely cost far too much though. And, with only nine players remaining from just two seasons ago, there wasn’t an extension needing to sign. As such, general manager John Dorsey did well. There are risks, but those are calculated to keep this team in contention for future seasons too.

Andrew: Seeing Bode’s answer, I kind of agree with him now. But my gut instinct was to go with Gerald McCoy, the guy many fans thought was for sure going to sign here. Sure, McCoy was more luxury than anything else, but my goodness the depth of this defensive line would have been unreal. They say you win football games at the line of scrimmage, and that line would have been such a force.

Corey: I think the offense has a ton of weapons, but I would’ve liked to see the Browns add a big game-breaking receiver. Y’know, a real Odell Beckham Jr. type? That would’ve been nice, but – *technician runs over with newspaper from March* – WAIT WHAT?

Suek: *Singing* “And I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life.” Sorry, I’ve had Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight” on a semi-continuous loop ever since the team acquired Odell Beckham, Jr. Anyway, I digress. I am in agreement with Andrew that Gerald McCoy was the guy I really wanted to see the team sign. His presence in the middle of the defensive line would have been incredible and he would have provided much-needed depth at a pivotal position in today’s NFL. I guess we will just have to live with Garrett, Richardson, Ogunjobi, and Vernon, which is still the best defensive line in football.

Mitch: The Browns copiously stocked up on talent this offseason–it’s hard to ask for more. That said, their offensive line is a real question mark this season (see below)—it might’ve been nice to see them take a flyer on Carolina’s Daryl Williams, even if he did miss 2018 with an injury. Or better yet, a trade for a Williams or Tunsil would have really shorn up the group. Two first-rounders is a tall order, but you’ll happily trade them for Baker Mayfield’s health.

O’Connor: Gerald McCoy is a freak and would have been a fun addition to what should be a terrifying defensive line. After years of scraping players from the bottom of the barrel just to fill a roster sheet, it would have been satisfying to have a position group that stood head and shoulders above the rest of the league. A part of me also wished that we landed Clay Matthews. Yes, he is older but it would have been nice to bring that family back to Cleveland.

Gilbert: I would have had a different answer before training camp, but I would go with Trent Williams. Coming into the preseason I had worries about the depth of the interior defensive line, so I would have said with Gerald McCoy or Mike Daniels. But, the emergence of Devaroe Lawrence has eased my worries on the interior defensive line. He really popped in the preseason, giving the Browns a quality player to rotate with the strong starting duo of Larry Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson. Daniel Eukale also had a solid training camp, giving the Browns even more depth. As I wrote on Thursday, the Browns defensive line is the strength of the team now. So, getting back to the question, I am going with Trent Williams of Washington. The Browns tackles, Chris Hubbard and Greg Robinson, are two players I do not have full confidence in coming into the season. Getting Williams would have given Cleveland a Pro Bowl tackle to make this offensive line stronger on the edge.

Poloha: Another offensive lineman. As others have already alluded to, acquiring Trent Williams or Laremy Tunsil. It would have been a game-changing trade for the offensive line. Then again, at this point, I’m just being greedy because, well, the Browns had a pretty good offseason.

What position are you most worried about in 2019?

Gerbs: Hard to see how it isn’t the right guard spot, with the trade of Kevin Zeitler opening up the position for Austin Cor…I mean Kyle Kal…I mean Drew Forb…Eric Kush! As previously mentioned, Mayfield and the coaching staff make protection for themselves, but trading away a Pro Bowl talent, regardless of return, will create issues.

Bode: The entire offensive line except for Joel Bitonio. JC Tretter hasn’t stayed healthy, Greg Robinson and Chris Hubbard have significant deficiencies, and there might be a rotation at right guard. The good news is the players are better at pass blocking than run blocking… the bad news is for Nick Chubb. Hopefully, head coach Freddie Kitchens and offensive coordinator Todd Monken can mask some of these weaknesses.

Andrew: Oh, I see, I’m just going to be agreeing with Bode on everything here. And sure, while I’m still nervous about the kicking situation, my biggest fear is without question the offensive line. If everyone stays healthy, I think they can be adequate, but you know there’s no chance this line stays healthy all year. One injury and things start getting bleak upfront.

Corey: Kicking. I’m cautiously optimistic about Austin Seibert (Greg Joseph always felt like a temporary measure) and downright worried about Jamie Gillan. Fun nicknames/storylines aside it is a tremendous risk for an ostensibly contending team to have two rookies in critical special teams roles.

Suek: See Bode and Andrew above. The Browns have, quite possibly, the best collection of playmakers in the league. However, this does not matter if Baker Mayfield is under constant pressure from opposing defenses due to lackluster offensive line play. I do think the starting right guard situation is fluid, with Wyatt Teller taking over the reins sooner rather than later. The success of this team in 2019 is contingent on the consistent, adequate performance by the offensive line.

Mitch: Like most of these guys have said, the big question mark in the offense right now is the O-line. It wasn’t great last year and, with the loss of guard Kevin Zeitler, appears to have gotten worse over the offseason. Now, the best offensive teams in the league have shown the ability to scheme around a questionable line, and Freddie Kitchens and Todd Monken are thought to be quality schemers. They’ll have their work cut out for them with this bunch.

O’Connor: O-Line, O-Line, O-Line. But for the sake of being (slightly) different, you have to go with the kicker. It’s easy to forget how crucial field goals can be in close games. I wake up at night shivering, thinking about Seibert jogging out onto the field in December with an AFC North title on the line.

Gilbert: The offensive line is by far the position I am most worried on the roster. I have questions about both tackles, Chris Hubbard and Greg Robinson, and right guard, Eric Kush. Those three are average or below-average players at these positions. A bad offensive line can derail an offense. I think Freddie Kitchens will scheme the offense to help alleviate the pressure on the line, while Baker Mayfield will do his part in getting the ball out and moving in the pocket. I also think the Browns might have already addressed right guard with the acquisition of Wyatt Teller, though, time will tell.

Poloha: Offensive line (specifically right guard) and kicker. Baker Mayfield might be able to make up for the lack of talent up front offensively, but Austin Seibert needed to make a kick in a crucial time of the game scares me…a lot. Here’s to hoping the rookie proves all of us doubters wrong.

What position are you least worried about in 2019?

Gerbs: *leans in real close* *looks you dead in the eyes* *whispers*… Baker…

Bode: The defensive line is so amazingly stacked with elite talent starting and good talent even in depth. There is a lot of fun that group should have. I hereby dub them the Havoc Hunters.

Andrew: Yep. Just agreeing with Bode again.

Corey: Running back. Nick Chubb figures to have a monstrous season, Dontrell Hilliard figures to be a solid backup, and Kareem Hunt feels like a mid-season trade acquisition without surrendering a pick.

Suek: Bode.

Mitch: I’m a worrier—that’s what I do. This question is like asking a crippling germaphobe which sickness they’re least afraid of. If I have to answer, I guess I’ll say running back. Chubb and Hunt are each top ten talents in the NFL. I know it’s passé to play two running back sets these days, but no team can match the Browns’ talent at that position could take some attention away from OBJ and Landry…man, it’s easy to dream on this group of skill players.

O’Connor: Receivers. Baker has shown that he can connect with just about anyone, and I mean anyone. Paul Brown’s ghost would average six touches for fifty-two yards with Mayfield under center. Mix in talents like Landry and Beckham and there’s an opportunity to have something special.

Gilbert: As I wrote on Thursday, I think the strength of the team is the defensive line. In particular, I am least worried about the edge rusher position. The unit has two Pro Bowl starters in Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon. Behind them, Chris Smith and Genard Avery give the Browns two quality backups to spell the starters and give the unit solid production when they do play. Chad Thomas is the enigma of the unit, adding potentially even more to this already stacked unit. This position is loaded.

Poloha: The fact that I’m having a tough time picking just one position truly shows how big of a step the Browns have made recently. I mean, I’m not worried about Baker, wideouts, running back (especially once Kareem Hunt returns from his eight-game suspension), among others. What a time to be alive, Dawg Pound!

What player are you most excited to see play this season?

Gerbs: Watching the trio of Mayfield, Odell Beckham Jr, and Jarvis Landry operate will be amazing. The team smartly has held both wideouts out from the competition in the preseason as a way to ensure they enter the regular season untouched and uninjured, so we have no idea the chemistry of these players, but my money is it’s off the charts.

Bode: Myles Garrett is going to go silly on opposing offenses that cannot put extra blockers on him due to the rest of the defense.

Andrew: …see above.

Corey: Myles Garrett looks like one of the friendliest, easy-going personalities in the NFL and I cannot wait to watch him make opponents spit teeth on Sundays.

Suek: Undoubtedly, Odell Beckham, Jr. Each reception is a highlight reel in waiting. The 6 > 13 connection has the potential to be one for the record books.

Mitch: Guys, Odell was ninth in the NFL in receiving yards/game and ELI MANNING was his quarterback.

O’Connor: Nick Chubb. I have a feeling that we only saw a shred of this guy’s potential last season. There have been reports of improvement in his receiving game and if he can be a consistent target out of the backfield, he should put up some impressive numbers. What I love the most about him is his ability to shed tackles. Chubb’s yards after contact statistics have been elite. If he can continue to improve we may have a special talent in our backfield.

Gilbert: I am most excited to see Odell Beckham Jr. The Browns have probably the most talented receiver in the league and we have not had the chance to see him take the field in game action as of yet. The anticipation is killing me. Baker to Odell, hell yeah.

Poloha: Like my last answer, the fact that I’m having a tough time narrowing down my decision says a lot. I honestly don’t have one specific player, there’s just so much talent that I’m looking forward to watching every Sunday.

Who is the surprise break-out player for 2019?

Gerbs: Get ready for Larry Ogunjobi’s breakout season. Larry Lots of Letters will become an easily pronounced/mispronounced name come Sundays as he is harassing quarterbacks and blockers in the backfield.

Bode: I’m not sure how many fans understand just how good Larry Ogunjobi is or how good he is going to be now that he doesn’t need to play over 90 percent of the snaps.

Andrew: Hey, I’m going to give a different answer from Bode this time! (although, his pick is really good). I’m going to build off preseason hype and say Mack Wilson. I don’t watch a ton of non-OSU college football games, but every time I watched Alabama play I noticed Mack. He seemed to be all over the place. I was stunned he dropped so far in the draft, and even more surprised that some still didn’t like the pick for the Browns. I just think the guy leaps out when he plays and I think he’ll turn some heads this season.

Corey: David Njoku. With so many defensive coordinators focusing on OBJ and Jarvis Landry I think the opportunities will be there for Njoku to make some catches, especially near the goal line. I could see him doubling his touchdown totals from last season.

Suek: Rashard Higgins. I know what you’re thinking: there is only one football. In Higgins’ case, I am not sure that matters. He was one of the NFL’s most efficient wide receivers in 2018 and has built a special rapport with Baker. I expect him to be ultra-productive and, possibly, secure the number two wide receiver role even with a fairly limited target share.

Mitch: Turnovers fluctuate wildly—we know this. We also know that a great pass rush means more rushed throws, and more rushed throws mean more interceptions. Someone has to catch them! Denzel Ward was really great last year, but a year of development plus a revamped pass rush? All aboard the Denzel Ward train.

O’Connor: Suek took the words right out of my mouth. Death, taxes, and Baker throwing consistently to Higgins. If he can stand out amongst a bloated receiving corps, then there will be much more discussion about him come next spring.

Gilbert: I think the surprise break-out player will be Terrance Mitchell. He has been the forgotten man in the secondary after the Browns drafted Greedy Williams. Mitchell withstood the charge from the rookie and remained the starting corner opposite of Denzel Ward. I think with the amount of pressure the front seven will produce, Mitchell could be in line to make some plays in the secondary. He showed in glimpses last year that he can produce at a high level.

Poloha: Rashard Higgins on a contract year and trying to earn a big payday next offseason? Count me in. While much of the attention will be on OBJ and Jarvis, Higgins will have plenty of (easy) opportunities to succeed. With that said, I agree with everyone above. The more breakout players, the better, right? LEt’s do this.

What game on the schedule has you the most hyped to watch?

Gerbs: I agree with Andrew. The Patriots are the gold standard of the NFL. The NFL.com commercial during last year’s Super Bowl had Tom Brady hand Baker some of his rings! Play well against the Pats and all the noise the Browns have made this offseason will sound like whimpers comparatively. Plus it’s always great to stick it to Belichick.

Bode: The Arizona Cardinals game has so many great storylines. They fired our defensive coordinator Steve Wilks after 2018 was his lone season as their head coach. Their new head coach is Kliff Kingsbury who refused to give Baker Mayfield a scholarship after his freshman season, so he transferred to Oklahoma. Of course, the Cardinals No. 1 overall draft pick quarterback to oppose Mayfield in this game was his successor for the Sooners. And let’s not forget after former head coach Hue Jackson had Zane Gonzalez play injured, Gonzalez was cut– instead of being placed on Injured Reserve– so he went and signed with Arizona to complete their kicking crew of former Browns legs (their punter is Andy Lee). If all of those off-field narratives are not enough, then the Cardinals attempting to bring a true Air Raid offense to the NFL should keep you intrigued.

Andrew: New England. It’s the measuring stick. Simple as that. I want to see if the Browns’ defensive line can disrupt Tom Brady. I want to see what Belichick comes up with to confuse Baker, and more importantly, I want to see how Baker handles it. That game is the ultimate litmus test for how far the Browns have come and how far they still have to go.

Corey: Jets on Monday Night Football. I’m intrigued by the idea of the Browns and Jets developing a semi-rivalry centered around their two young quarterbacks and strong running attacks. Browns took Round 1 last year in Baker’s glorious debut, and the New York fans will be out for revenge.

Suek: Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football. The Browns have lived in the Steeler/Big Ben shadow ever since returning to the league in ’99. It’s time for the Browns to claim their stake in the division and I don’t see any better way than at home on the national spotlight.

Mitch: I’m pumped for the season, and it starts against Tennessee. So right now I’m most excited about that. But, looking ahead, the Browns’ Week 4 bout with Baltimore has so many storylines. There’s the obvious historical aspect, but there’s so much more than that. Baker Mayfield faces off against the best safety of his generation. The 2018 Browns were porous against the run—the 2019 Ravens are touting their run game as if they’re the Barry Sanders Lions. And then, of course, it’s the first AFC North showdown of the season. Get the popping corn ready.

O’Connor: Thursday night football against the Steelers will be special, and a win would show the Browns progress as a franchise. But for me, I’d like to see them beat Pittsburg at Heinz Field. It’s like Haley’s Comet, but when it happens, it’s a beautiful thing.

Gilbert: Game 1 versus the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. I am so freaking hyped to finally see this whole roster take the field to kick off this season. Is it Sunday yet?

Poloha: The season opener this Sunday, and then every game after that. NFL football is back, baby! The fact that the Browns are expected to be good makes it that much better. Here’s to hoping they start off hot. I don’t think this city will be able to handle it if Hyde and company struggled out of the gate.

The best-case scenario ends with Baker Mayfield holding the Lombardi Trophy on February 2. But, what is your reasonable take on a final record? If that includes the playoffs, then how far do the Browns get?

Gerbs: I want so badly to see a Super Bowl, and this roster is definitely capable. I went over the schedule a few weeks ago, looking and cataloging games as “coin flips or better” giving all those I felt were a win or a toss-up to Cleveland. I came away with a 12-4 record, splitting the Pittsburgh and Baltimore games and taking Ls against the Rams and Patriots. I’m not saying it’s a great prognostication method, and some of those coins will come up heads when I guess tails, but 12-4 is my record, and they will make the AFC Championship game before losing out again to those Patriots. But it will be one hell of a ride.

Bode: I loathe final record predictions because the season can unfold in so many ways. The apparent daunting early-season schedule stacked against what seems to be an easier closing slate. The timing of injuries. The adjustments or lack thereof. Regardless, the question was asked, so it shall be answered. Despite the lack of depth at several key spots on the roster, the coaching and quarterbacking should be strengths. Given those, the depth can mostly be papered over and 10 wins achieved. To be further bold though, I predict the Browns end up with four wins in the AFC North for the first time in recorded history.

Andrew: Back to agreeing with Bode one last time. I also don’t like making predictions on the record. But thankfully, nobody ever holds it against us when we’re wrong. So I’ll play along. The AFC North is still brutal. No matter how much Pittsburgh and Baltimore may be coming back to the pack, playing them four times isn’t easy. Thankfully the Browns play the AFC East, where outside of New England there should be (should be) three wins for the taking. My head wants me to say 9-7 just because of the tough start to the schedule. But 9-7 doesn’t get the Browns in the playoffs. So I’m going with my heart and saying 10-6, winning the division, and losing their first playoff game (it’s a learning process).

Corey: *Predictions are silly, but fun* I think 10-6 is in play. That should (please) be enough to win the division and give the Browns their first home playoff game in a generation. Moreover, I think they win that game over the Chargers! Then they go to New England!! Then…the Pats romp 38-13, and Tom Brady calls Mayfield “a good kid.” But the good news is, it gives Baker a chip on his shoulder which as we know is the fuel that drives him.

Suek: I liken season record predictions to instant-draft grades, with the inherent uncertainties and the mere fickle nature of the sport. However, anything less than a winning season would be a tremendous failure for this team in 2019. Let’s take a pragmatic approach and say the Browns split with the Steelers and Ravens and beat the Bengals twice. That’s a 4-2 division record. Now, let’s say the Browns beat 75% of the teams on their non-division schedule that had a losing record in 2018. That put’s the record at a (rounded down) 8-4. Win the home opener vs the Titans and at home vs the Seahawks. Lose to the Patriots on the road and Rams at home. A 10-6 record and a wildcard birth with a first-round playoff loss.

Mitch: All logic dictates that, based on the actual roster, the Browns should be good this season. Logic dictates that this team will win 10+ games and maybe even scrape through the wildcard playoff round. But logic also dictates that predicting win-loss records is impossible. I can only take so much heartbreak: I’ll believe it once I see it with my own two eyes.

O’Connor: Predictions are like Japanese game shows. No one wants to participate, but we all like to see them. I’ll stick to the status quo and say 10-6, but I can also easily see 11-5. Cleveland will make the playoffs and I see them ending their season in the divisional round. Now, come find me after a win on Sunday and you may hear a VERY different tune.

Gilbert: I believe this team will win AFC North. The roster is the most talented one in the division, in my opinion. 11-5 is my prediction with the team making it to the divisional round of the playoffs.

Poloha: 10-6 and in the playoffs. Not sure if that record wins the division. but it seems like it’s postseason or bust this year. Obviously, I’d love a Super Bowl appearance and to win it all, but I’m not going to get too far ahead of ourselves because we all know that this team hasn’t really done anything on the field.