The Cleveland Browns went undefeated in the 2017 preseason. Sounds impressive until you remember that they experienced nothing but defeat for the remainder of the season. The Browns were simply a bad football team a season ago, as well as many of the years prior. But at least they showed some grit at times, but were just unable to finish. The front office has enjoyed their best offseason in the past decade and have put their team in position to be in the mix in the 2018-19 season and beyond. It remains to be seen if all this talent can play together, but on paper, the future looks really bright.
What can the Browns realistically expect from Josh Gordon?
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We recently learned that Josh Gordon would not be with the Browns as they begin training camp, as he is seeking further counseling for his mental health and anxiety before the season opens. Gordon is still making strides to regain his form after missing 43 of the Browns last 48 games. Gordon returned late last season, playing in five games for the team. When he is mentally focused, Gordon is easily a Top 10 talent at the position, and may even be Top 5. But there is still a good deal of rust, and expectedly so. So as far as expectations go, it depends on which Josh Gordon shows up. If he’s where he needs to be mentally, there’s no reason Gordon can’t have close to a 1,000-yard season.
Who will end up being the most important offseason addition?
Tyrod Taylor makes a very strong case, as quarterback is arguably the most important position on the football field. The Browns selection of Baker Mayfield somewhat minimizes Taylor’s impact, although not completely. One has to figure that Taylor’s time as the franchise’s starting quarterback is not long-term. Carlos Hyde also add The move that I really love is the addition of Jarvis Landry. Landry is quite possibly the best possession receiver in the game of football. He is a reliable weapon that takes some of the pressure off of Gordon and the rest of the skill players on this offense. His impact has already been felt and will continue to be felt as the season gets underway.
Will we see Baker Mayfield this season?
As mentioned earlier, it seems as though there’s only a matter of time before the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft sees the field. After Cleveland went out and grabbed Tyrod Taylor, it appears to be a long shot for Mayfield to overtake him in training camp. The quarterback position has been one of melancholy over the past two decades for this franchise. Baker Mayfield is a competitor and expect that intensity to be brought to Cleveland. As an overall skill set, Mayfield is a better quarterback that Tyrod Taylor, by far. So once he learns the scheme and gets the playbook down, the Browns will be Baker’s team. Taylor is a good enough player though, where they may let him play the whole season, particularly if the team is winning. But Mayfield will have every opportunity to compete.
How many games is this Browns team capable of winning in 2018?
The Browns were the laughing stock of the NFL once again last season, finishing without a single win in the regular season. With a number of key offseason moves, this team could take a major leap in the 2018-19 season. Of course, there’s nowhere to go but up from the basement. Looking at their schedule for next season, this team has enough talent to at least be competitive in the majority of those games. Depending on how well these new pieces mesh together, the Browns could win anywhere between five and nine games this season.
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