The Cleveland Browns have some essential questions that must be answered this off-season. With the NFL combine now concluded teams’ draft boards are beginning to take shape. Some questions must be answered through the upcoming free agency process and the NFL draft. Since the Browns’ playoff appearance and victory three years ago, the team has gone backward. The team faces a critical junction and this Browns off-season hinges on the right moves being made.
Is This The Right Regime?
The Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski regime will be going into its fourth season. This regime has been said to finally be aligned. In other words ownership, front office staffing, and coaching are all on the same page. They agree with the vision for the franchise. During the Browns off-season head coach Stefanski has made tweaks to his coaching staff. New defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was hired. As well the team hired a new special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone. Then added new offensive and defensive assistants. Rumors heading into the regular season are that the Browns’ offense will look different. It is safe to say that this regime feels a sense of urgency to prove they are the right people for the job. Results are needed for this season and no more excuses.
Can Nick Chubb Handle Another 300+ Carry Season?
All of this Browns off-season the word around town is that the offense will look completely different. The belief is that the Browns will not ask Nick Chubb to carry the ball 300 times in a season going forward. For instance, the offense will be more explosive and will throw the ball more for Deshaun Watson. When Watson did return last season the carries for Chubb did in fact go down. It is described that the Browns’ game plan against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season finale is what to expect. Given that the weather is reasonable Watson will be around 40 passing attempts. While Chubb will be close to 12-17 carries a game. Therefore when the season is over Chubb should have 250 carries or less. This season was only the second time Chubb had more than 230 carries in a year.
Will Deshaun Watson Return To Form?
Once Watson returned from suspension his play lacked and he was a lot rustier than many expected. The success of Stefanski and this entire team rely on Watson getting back to form and playing well. Given these points, the offensive line is intact for the next few years. The team’s offensive weapons will all be returning and adding one to two more receivers may be in the cards. During combine week many believe adding a speedy receiver to this offense will happen. They are going to open things up. This Browns off-season will be about giving Watson everything he needs to succeed. With the Browns playing in the Hall-Of-Fame game they get to camp earlier than everyone else and can work out the kinks for the upcoming season.
Will Jim Schwartz Fix All The Defensive Problems?
Along with issues on the offense the defense had its fair share of problems a season ago. By the end of the season, it was apparent that a new defensive coordinator was needed. The former voice in the room lost the ear of the players and it needed to be eradicated. Hiring Schwartz seems to be the solution to that problem. He is a veteran and will bring the very best out of the top defensive players. It is said that with the addition of Schwartz top free agents are interested in playing for him in Cleveland. So therefore the defensive holes such as defensive line and safety can almost take care of themselves. However, there must be an effort to help get what Schwartz needs. This team has the makings to be a top unit. Getting players to do the dirty work is needed.
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