2022 NFL Team Preview: Cleveland Browns -

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The Cleveland Browns have been at the top of most NFL headlines this offseason. From how Baker Mayfield took the exit, to the situation surrounding their new QB, Cleveland has already had to withstand a lot. And games have not even officially started yet. There is definite talent throughout parts of the Browns roster. However, the 2022 season could be one of the most vital for where this franchise is ultimately headed. Will the incumbent core block out the noise enough to contend for the playoffs in 2022?

Key Additions/Re-Signings

Let’s now look into the transactions made by the Cleveland Browns. Here are some of their key additions or re-signings for 2022.

Additions

Re-Signings

CB Denzel Ward (5 year/$100.5 million contract extension)
TE David Njoku (4 year/$56.75 million contract extension)
DE Jadeveon Clowney (1 year/$11 million max value)
LB Anthony Walker Jr. (1 year/$4.25 million)
OL Chris Hubbard (1 year/$2.6225 million)
DB Ronnie Harrison (1 year/$1.235 million)
RB D’Ernest Johnson (1 year/$1.2165 million)

Key Losses

Let’s quickly look into some key names that the Browns lost from their roster this offseason.

Top Headlines That Will Define Browns’ 2022 Season

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After finally making the playoffs for the first time in a long time, things were looking up for the Cleveland Browns after 2020. 2021 was an utter disappointment, however. The Browns went 8-9, enduring a long, tumultuous and frustrating campaign. Mayfield went from possibly receiving a contract extension, to playing through a rough injury. That led to a standoff with the Browns and ultimately the end of his tenure in Cleveland. Eventually, the former number one overall pick got traded to the Carolina Panthers.

On the flip side, the Browns were the team that went out and acquired Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans. Watson originally held out from playing for the Texans, because he was frustrated with the franchise. That hold out eventually turned into a more disgusting situation. Watson was accused of sexual harassment and assault by over 20 massage therapists. After his trade acquisition by Cleveland, the Browns maddened many people. One of the main reasons was due to his $230 million contract being fully guaranteed by Cleveland. After deliberation over his punishment, Watson was suspended for 11 games to open the 2022 season, along with being fined $5 million. He is also set to undergo evaluation by behavioral experts and has to complete a treatment program.

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Overall, this franchise has been surrounded by continued losing and frustration for many years. The Browns now have to deal with a newfound controversy and being forced to handle it. For the most part, the crooked eyes will not go away when Watson returns. For the time being, can this team stay afloat without him there?

Chubb And Hunt Carrying The Load Even Further?

Even with the up and down situation at quarterback, the Browns will likely stick to their strengths to open the season. There may be no running back duo better than Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Chubb is arguably a top three running back, all by himself. His mix of contact balance, power and toughness makes him extremely challenging to stop. Add in his surprisingly impressive burst, and Chubb is one of the last few workhorse running backs in the NFL.

Beyond that, Hunt has tremendous athleticism, given his dense frame. Time will tell if he remains with the Browns in the long-term. But for 2022, there should not be any reason to think that Hunt will be used any less. He is a dual-threat back that can be utilized in a variety of alignments. When looking at his ability to produce on passing downs, it would not be surprising to see him get another chance to possibly start elsewhere down the road. The Browns must be able to get all that they can out of Hunt in this short sample this season.

Cleveland has instilled a commanding presence with their running game and offensive line. Can those units once again be the leaders for how the Browns score points? If so, they can continue to control games and stay ahead of opponents. But if they take a step back, Cleveland’s offense could be too woeful to compete with, because of the circumstances at quarterback.

Can Brissett Make The Smart Decisions?

With Watson suspended, Jacoby Brissett is set to assume starting quarterback duties. He has been able to experience starting reps in a few different environments. With New England, Indianapolis and Miami, Brissett has shown that he can carry out the offense. He has also displayed competitiveness and the ability to adjust as well. His bigger body is capable of gaining yards with his legs. Additionally, Brissett has the size to evade pressure.

The number one thing that will define the 2022 season for the Browns without Watson relies on the decision-making of Brissett. If we are being honest, that was an area where he appeared to worsen in his latest gig. With the Dolphins last year, Brissett did not look comfortable and rarely pushed the ball downfield. How much of that was the offensive scheme, compared to Brissett himself?

He may not be asked to do a lot outside of structure. Nonetheless, Brissett will be tested early in crucial matchups. Cleveland will face a fair mix of deep secondaries and physical pass rushes. Brissett must make quick, urgent decisions in the pocket. If that does not occur, the Browns will be out of the playoff picture before Watson is even eligible to return.

Does Stefanski Have Enough Control Over The Locker Room?

Kevin Stefanski enters his third season as Browns head coach. So far, he holds an overall record of 19-14 in the regular season, along with a 1-1 postseason record. He has been revered for his offensive scheme and creativity. For the most part, Stefanski has created steady offensive production without plenty of star players. That goes back to his history as an offensive assistant before becoming Cleveland head coach.

But in 2022, there is reason to believe that this could be Stefanski’s most pressure-packed season yet. Some may argue that, given the unique and possibly nuclear situation at quarterback. That may be seen as something that is out of the control of Stefanski. Nevertheless, the Browns still have talent and expectations. Could Stefanski be the fall guy if control over the locker room is lost, and the losses pile up?

Let’s be honest, the Browns have not been afraid to quickly dismiss head coaches in the past under this ownership group. Before Stefanski was hired in 2020, Cleveland had burned through six head coaches in an 11-year span. That does not include interim head coaches that finished a season. Maybe all of those hires were doomed from the start. But, the Browns placing heat on Stefanski is not out of the question. Can he counteract that and stay ahead by winning tough matchups?

Defense Largely Relying On Youth

Largely, the Browns present opportunities for youthful pieces to step up on defense. Outside of Myles Garrett, Clowney, John Johnson III and Ward, there are chances for breakouts all over the defense. The Browns have continued to try to stack up the secondary. With increased production, Greg Newsome, Greedy Williams and Grant Delpit could become one of the stingier secondaries. Up front, the pass rush depth is full of questions and inexperience. Without a lethal passing attack, the Browns may be stuck in plenty of close contests. Will this younger defense be able to answer the bell in hard-fought battles in the tight AFC?

Be on the lookout for more 2022 NFL team previews here at Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9 //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.