Since I tend to do Cavs season previews, I thought I should write one for the Cleveland Browns, as well.
The Browns sold their soul in exchange for DeShaun Watson last year. I think it was a terrible idea and now we all have to live with it. While I don't think Watson is the franchise quarterback we are always hoping for, his presence combined with Myles Garrett, other roster upgrades, and the 10,000 horsepower engine that is Nick Chubb might be enough for another trip to the playoffs.
The Haslam family has proven incapable of leading an NFL organization that behaves in a consistent and professional manner, and we will likely have to wait for their replacement before the Browns make it all the way. But in hope, I am going to say that the Haslams have a change of heart before the end of Chubb's career so that we can have a shot at winning it all. Or they decide to finally pass the torch.
For now, we have to focus on the year ahead. Here are 5 predictions about the upcoming 23-24 NFL season:
1. Nick Chubb will rush for "[only]" 1,100 yards. Chubb is such a potent offensive weapon, but the Browns have criminally underused him in favor of the modern passing craze in recent years. With Watson in the fold, I think that Chubb's role will be reduced from last year, although they will give him more receiving opportunities.
2. Deshaun Watson will not reach 4,000 passing yards. He is mentally weak, and does not have the discipline to make the most of his talent, in my opinion. He will also probably be injured for a couple games.
3. The Cincinnati Bengals will win the Super Bowl. Hey, at least it's another Ohio team. They are better-positioned right now and have unfinished business to attend to. The Chiefs were weak in their opener and the Eagles are not an Ohio team. That leaves us with the Bengals as the next-best option.
4. The Browns will go 10-7 in the regular season. They will be better than last year, but not by a ton, especially playing in such a competitive division.
5. The Browns will be eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. But that means they will win in the first round!
In other words, I think the Browns will bounce back, but not in a massive way. It will be a good enough season for them to keep Watson and Stefanski, but the Browns will never be a tip-top team while Watson is quarterback. If nothing else, the power brokers in the NFL will see to it that they never let someone with Watson's reputation win a Super Bowl.
Give it another few years, Cleveland. We'll get there.
But don't wait too long! I want to see Nick Chubb plowing into the end zone to win Super Bowl LX for the Cleveland Browns.
***Update***
Prediction 1 - WRONG (Chubb was injured early in the season)
Prediction 2 - RIGHT (Deshaun Watson didn't do a thing, as usual)
Prediction 3 - WRONG (Chiefs won)
Prediction 4 - WRONG (But almost: 11-6)
Prediction 5 - WRONG (Lost in the first round)
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