2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 11-6, Loss in Wild Card Round vs. Houston Texans (45-14)

The Cleveland Browns started five different quarterbacks last season. Typically, this would lead to a losing season but the defense was so good that the quarterback play was secondary. Even then, it was more than serviceable. Deshaun Watson went out for the year and the Browns gave chances to Dorian Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker before landing on Joe Flacco. He threw for 300 or more yards four times as he helped the Browns win 11 games. The luck ran out in the postseason as they were run over by the jumpstart Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.

2024 Cleveland Browns Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: WR Jerry Jeudy, QB Jameis Winston, RB Nyheim Hines, RB D’Onta Foreman, OT Hakeem Adeniji, QB Tyler Huntley

Key Losses: QB Joe Flacce, RB Kareem Hunt, TE Harrison Bryant, C Nick Harris

The work of Kevin Stefanski with this offense last season was incredible given the situation under center.

If you say that a team uses five different starting quarterbacks, you would think that they are picking near the top of the draft. Instead, Cleveland won 11 games and made the postseason. Joe Flacco was a much-needed veteran addition. He is now gone but the Browns replaced this position as a backup with Jameis Winston. The hope is that Cleveland will not have to worry about this if Deshaun Watson is able to remain on the field.

The defense was one of the best in the league last season and the Browns are hoping that the offense can follow suit. Cleveland went out and made a trade for Jerry Jeudy this offseason to join Amari Cooper, who continues to be a true No. 1 wide receiver. The Browns also have a viable option at tight end with David Njoku.

Not only did the Browns lose their quarterback, but Nick Chubb went down with a torn ACL in Week 2. He will miss the beginning of the season but is expected to return at some point. Even when he does return, Chubb will not be overused and this could lead to more time from Jerome Ford. The offensive line remains intact and includes the same five starters from last season. Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio make up one of the best guard duos in the league while Jedrick Wills is looking for a bounce back at left tackle.

Defense

Key Additions: DT Michael Hall, DT Quinton Jefferson, LB Jordan Hicks, LB Devin Bush, CB Tony Brown

Key Losses: DT Shelby Harris, DT Jordan Elliott, LB Anthony Walker, LB Sione Takitaki, S Duron Harmon

When thinking about all of the issues on the offensive side of the ball, this makes the work of the defense even more incredible.

It begins with Myles Garrett, who was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year last season. He is arguably the best defensive player in the league and logged 14 sacks last season. Za’Darius Smith was the perfect compliment on the other side of the line. Along the interior, the Browns added Michael Hall, who will play a huge role right away. Dalvin Tomlinson and Shelby Harris return as starters along the defensive line.

The secondary for Cleveland was also among the best in football. Denzel Ward quickly turned into an elite cornerback while Greg Newsome has shut down the slot in Cleveland during his tie there. Juan Thornhill and Grant Delpit make up the last line of defense in Cleveland.

The middle will look a bit different with the addition of Devin Bush and Jordan Hicks in free agency. They will join newly-extended Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

The Browns will continue to have one of the best defenses in the league and will compete in a loaded AFC North once again.

Schedule

Week 1: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 2: at Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 3: vs. New York Giants

Week 4: at Las Vegas Raiders

Week 5: at Washington Commanders

Week 6: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 7: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week 8: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Week 9: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Week 10: BYE WEEK

Week 11: at New Orleans Saints

Week 12: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – Thursday Night Football

Week 13: at Denver Broncos – Monday Night Football

Week 14: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 15: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 16: at Cincinnati Bengals – Thursday Night Football

Week 17: vs. Miami Dolphins – Sunday Night Football

Week 18: at Baltimore Ravens

Record Prediction: 10-6