Browns surprising performance in one area last season

The Cleveland Browns were not a good team by any means in 2023, but that does not mean that they did not perform at a rate in one area that comes as a surprise. When it comes to points scored over expectation last season Cleveland finished ranked 17th overall with -4. As noted at the bottom of the tweet from Warren Sharp, this is points scored as compared to projected team total points scored before each game based on betting market. The two teams at the top of this list were Dallas and Detroit at +56 while Tampa Bay ranked dead last with -83.

On the surface this does not sound all that impressive and at face value only it really is nothing special. But considering the circumstances for Cleveland in 2022 it does not seem all the bad. The Browns started veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett at quarterback for the first 11 games of the season. This was followed by six games of Deshaun Watson which were less than stellar. In fact, Watson’s play during his stretch made it appear like Cleveland may have made a mistake acquiring the former Houston Texans signal caller. Good thing is that this was a move made for the long haul and not just the 2022 campaign.

The big takeaway here is that being just under zero is a good sign moving forward. It shows that the team was very close to performing at expectations, but they were not able to get there for one reason or another. Considering the Browns had several of those and they were just under, a positive outcome is very possible next season.

Normalcy should lead to better numbers in 2023

With a normal offseason under the belts and full season at Watson at quarterback Cleveland should improve this season. A lot less moving parts should result in a more accurate representation of the talent level of this team. The Browns may not end up at the top of a list like this and that is fine. It is about getting over zero and closer to the top than the bottom. This is a very important season for the future of the franchise in Cleveland. If the Browns falter it could lead to massive changes coming. Not just for the players, but the front office and coaching staff.