The Cleveland Browns, who have seen their fair share of dysfunction over the last several seasons, seem to be on track to improving from their 7-10 record in 2022, though by how much is difficult to predict. Albeit, both franchise owner Jimmy Haslam and the diehard fans of the Browns have plenty of reasons to be excited for the upcoming season, as they could be gifted with not only an uptick in the win column but a promising future to boot.

2022

Jacoby Brissett on the Cleveland Browns

Former Browns QB Jacoby Brissett – Nick Cammett/Getty Images

There’s no hiding from the fact that 2022 did not go all that well for the Browns. Considering the fact that Jacoby Brissett, who was not expected to do much at all, actually exceeded expectations, may have laid the groundwork for an exciting future before handing over the reins to veteran signal-caller Deshaun Watson.

Of course, Watson did not come into Week 10 and carry the team to the playoffs, nor could such a feat have been expected of a QB who hadn’t thrown a pass in the NFL since the end of the 2020 season. With that said, Watson is undoubtedly more comfortable with the Browns by now, so let’s explore the expectations for the totality of the offense going into 2023.

Weapons

If Watson is able to get back to the 2020 form that had him in the top 5 of NFL QBs, then it goes without saying that Cleveland has a special franchise talent at the position. Nevertheless, his success in this offense is going to depend highly on his weapons, so we’ll look at those first.

Behind the QB, the Browns have one of the best running backs in the league with Nick Chubb. Chubb carried the rock 302 times for 1,525 yards and 12 scores in 2022, and he will continue to be their primary back for the upcoming season. There is not a lot of depth to the position here, so with a trio of relatively unproven backs, the Browns are likely moving forward with Watson expected to not only air the ball out quite a bit but, perhaps, utilize his legs as well.

The receiving group bolsters three dependable wideouts in Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, and Donovan Peoples-Jones. David Bell is another solid WR worth mentioning, and the team recently acquired Marquise Goodwin, adding a veteran. Further stability is proven with TE David Njoku, but will Watson have the protection he needs to get the job done?

Offensive Line

This is actually where the Browns shine brightest, as several outfits have their OL pegged as the second or third-best starting front in the league. The group is enormous, with an average height of 6’5, and they are relentless in their protection of the quarterback. OL coach Bill Callahan is an elite presence, and the group he is leading is much the same as in 2022. The continuity alone makes this an impressive line. All in all, with time for Watson to gel with the offense, the upcoming season offers a lot of promise. But what about the other side of the ball?

The Cleveland Browns defense, 2021. – Harry How/Getty Images

Defense

Nearly enough words are written with the typing of Myles Garret’s name. Nevertheless, a small blurb concerning the entire defense as a whole is warranted. This is not only because of Garret but because of the idea that we should see the same flashes of dominance in 2023 that we witnessed with a similar group in 2022.

Former DB Coach Brandon Lynch being moved to cornerbacks coach leads the charge of other defensive scheme coaches who have moved around this offseason. While skill positions remain largely the same, the Browns have made some under-the-radar moves to improve their attack.

Their secondary is in good shape with Delpit, Thornhill, and Newsome, and guys like Denzel Ward continuing to run the main linebacker role make this D difficult to contend with.

Cleveland Browns

Browns DE Myles Garrett (95) – Jason Miller/Getty Images

Takeaway

With exceptional talent, the Browns should be able to shut down opposing offenses with relative ease in 2023, but the points their offense is able to stack could be another story. At the moment, it feels like Cleveland has made all the right moves to begin building something substantial but might lack the ability and explosiveness to contend with the other AFC powerhouses like the Chiefs and Bills. Regardless, the 2023 season should see the Browns bring much optimism to the dog pound for the foreseeable future.