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Three Big Browns Questions
From Baker Mayfield to the offensive line, we dissect the biggest storylines surrounding Cleveland's brown and orange team this season.
by Chris Manning | Sep. 9, 2020 | 12:00 PM
Courtesy The Cleveland Browns
Stop us if you’ve heard this one before, but last year’s Browns were a mess. Failing to build on Baker Mayfield’s standout rookie season and the addition of Odell Beckham Jr. has resulted in another new head coach and question marks all over. Here are three storylines to watch.
Will Baker Mayfield return to form?
In 2018, Mayfield threw 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions with a 63.8% completion percentage. Mayfield regressed in 2019, throwing 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions with a 59.4% completion percentage. As Mayfield goes, so goes the team’s offense. If he struggles again, it’ll be a long season.
How will the offensive line perform?
One reason Mayfield struggled last year: shaky offensive line play. Per Pro Football Focus, the Browns offensive line ranked 23 of 30 last year. But things are looking up. After adding first-round pick Jedrick Wills Jr. at left tackle and free agent Jack Conklin at right tackle, PFF has the Browns ranked as sixth best unit. Though that was before four lineman opted out due to the pandemic.
Who steps up on defense?
Defensive end Myles Garrett and cornerback Denzel Ward are locks. But cornerback Greedy Williams has a lot to prove after a letdown rookie year. At linebacker, the departures of Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert means the Browns need Mack Wilson or Sione Takitaki to contribute. Rookie safety Grant Delpit has star potential but is competing with Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo for snaps. Overall, this group has an upside.
Will Baker Mayfield return to form?
In 2018, Mayfield threw 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions with a 63.8% completion percentage. Mayfield regressed in 2019, throwing 22 touchdowns and 21 interceptions with a 59.4% completion percentage. As Mayfield goes, so goes the team’s offense. If he struggles again, it’ll be a long season.
How will the offensive line perform?
One reason Mayfield struggled last year: shaky offensive line play. Per Pro Football Focus, the Browns offensive line ranked 23 of 30 last year. But things are looking up. After adding first-round pick Jedrick Wills Jr. at left tackle and free agent Jack Conklin at right tackle, PFF has the Browns ranked as sixth best unit. Though that was before four lineman opted out due to the pandemic.
Who steps up on defense?
Defensive end Myles Garrett and cornerback Denzel Ward are locks. But cornerback Greedy Williams has a lot to prove after a letdown rookie year. At linebacker, the departures of Christian Kirksey and Joe Schobert means the Browns need Mack Wilson or Sione Takitaki to contribute. Rookie safety Grant Delpit has star potential but is competing with Karl Joseph and Andrew Sendejo for snaps. Overall, this group has an upside.
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