Make or break season for the Cleveland Browns

The upcoming 2023 season is almost here, and there are high expectations for the Cleveland Browns. The Kevin Stefanski – Andrew Berry combo has put everything they need into place, which should lead to a much better campaign this year. With that in mind, this is a make-or-break year for the Cleveland Browns.

After the past few years featured excuses, that does not appear to be the case this season. From the limitations of Baker Mayfield, Mayfield’s injury, Odell Beckham Jr. being incompatible with Mayfield, Joe Woods’ defense being archaic and overall disaster, to Deshaun Watson missing the first 11 games of 2022, it does not appear that anything like this applies to the current version of this team.

This is a Browns team that has added multiple players, and that should complement an already existing core in their prime years. Bringing in the likes of Za’Darius Smith, Dalvin Tomlinson, and Shelby Harris should help on the defensive side. Elijah Moore brings a different skill set to a wide receiver room full of similar players.

There is one question mark in Cleveland

The quarterback position. Deshaun Watson is the ultimate unknown for the Cleveland Browns this year. After missing nearly two seasons, Watson played the final six games and looked rusty at best. While it is unfair to judge him on that six-game sample alone, it did happen and must be accounted for.

Expecting Watson to return to his former form may be wishful thinking, but somewhere between last year and 2020 is certainly possible. This result could be just enough for the Browns to have a winning season and remain relevant in the AFC North.

But if Watson is unable to play at a high enough level, it could be curtains for several people. This includes Kevin Stefanski, Andrew Berry, and Paul DePodesta. These three individuals knew that the 2022 season would not be held against them in regards to Watson and the team’s overall performance. That is not the case this year. The expectation is for this team to be much better and make the postseason. If the team falls flat again and they miss the playoffs, expect a full house cleaning in Berea.