Three keys in the Browns’ final games are concepts that have been discussed all year long. Many fans believe that the way the Browns finish the season is indicative of how next year will go. Depending on things such as the coaching staff, certain position groups, and even the offense as a whole. Above all, the most important keys for these final games are the progress of Deshaun Watson. The job status of Kevin Stefanski and the rest of the roster overall.
Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski
Kevin Stefanski was named the head coach of the year in his rookie season in 2020. For instance, he took the Browns to the playoffs for the first time in almost 20 years. As well the team won a playoff game for the first time since 1994. Fast forward two seasons later after two straight tumultuous seasons, many fans think his job should be linked to the final four games of this year. In 2021 he had an injured starting quarterback then in the off-season the organization traded for another quarterback who was then suspended for 11 games. In the first season as head coach, he went 11-5 since then he is 13-17. The NFL is about results. However, despite all of those things, he will be back next season to have a full season with his new starting quarterback.
Deshaun Watsons Progression
In Watson’s first game against the Houston Texans, he struggled mightily. That was his first game in almost two years and rust was expected. In his next game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he played much better. He went 26-42 with 276 passing yards and one touchdown. In addition, he added 33 rushing yards and 309 all-purpose yards. Watson improved his mechanics from game one to game two. As well the game seems to be slowing down for him while allowing the game to come to him. He seems to be getting comfortable with this new Browns offense. Above all, it must be understood that Watson is on a new team and in a new offense with the Browns. The entire offense is working out the wrinkles and all ins and outs of the new offense.
Browns Roster
For the last three years, there has been a lot of talk about how talented the Browns roster is on paper. Brown’s general manager Andrew Berry will have some big roster decisions to make this off-season. There are some impactful players that are up to hit free agency this off-season. Those players are Jadeveon Clowney, Jack Conklin, Anthony Walker Jr, Kareem Hunt, and Jacoby Brissett. Of these players who will AB choose to bring back and at what price? Coupled with a number of players coming up on free agency there are a few players eligible for contract extensions on their rookie deals. Jedrick Wills, Harrison Bryant, and Donovan Peoples-Jones. If these players aren’t extended will their fifth-year player option be picked up? Next Amari Cooper and Johnson have bigger contracts that could be renegotiated to make room for more money.
Browns Overview
These three keys mentioned were just a few things to keep an eye on heading into the off-season. One of the main factors for this year will be the limited cap space moving forward. That will affect what players can be brought back and what the Browns can offer players moving forward. The most important of all of this is can Watson and this offense get on the same page for next season. Finally, head coach Stefanski will continue to have a spotlight on him. Giving him and this offense more time will be beneficial. His numbers working with lesser quarterbacks show how great he is. One can only imagine what he can do with a potential top-five quarterback.
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