The Cleveland Browns are hoping that they can get back on track in 2023 and start to live up to some of the expectations that have been placed on them. Their blockbuster move to acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson last offseason didn’t pay dividends in 2022, but they are hoping things turn around this season.
With a full offseason to practice with his teammates, there is optimism Watson will return to the level of play from early in his career with the Houston Texans. He was one of the bright, young stars in the NFL and he recaptures that, the Browns will have one of the top offenses in the NFL.
Given the talent around Watson on offense, betting against him could be a losing proposition. The Browns have stars in Amari Cooper and Nick Chubb to lead the way offensively, with strong complementary players in Donovan Peoples-Jones, Elijah Moore, Cedric Tillman and David Njoku.
But, if the Browns are truly going to turn things around, it is their defense that has to step up. Last season Cleveland finished 20th in points allowed and 14th in yardage. Guys need to step up around Myles Garrett, who continues to terrorize opponents on a weekly basis.
Garrett is the sole source of pass rush for the Browns, as he had 16.0 sacks last season to lead the team; second on the team was Taven Bryan with only 3.0. That is five seasons in a row with double-digit sacks for Garrett, who finds success despite teams loading up against him.
With some additions to the unit, the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft should have another excellent season. Sam Monson of PFF believes that he will produce at a high level again, predicting Garrett to win the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023.
“Myles Garrett had a Defensive Player of the Year kind of season in 2022, but the situation around him was bad enough that he never really captured any kind of momentum for the award. This offseason, the Browns attacked the defensive line hard in every area, adding multiple players who should help take attention away from Garrett and allow him to maximize his production.
The only player in the league with a better pass-rush win rate than Garrett last season was Bryce Huff on a fraction of the snaps for the Jets. Garrett has been playing at this level for some time, but this time he has the help to make it obvious.”
The Browns are fortunate to have one of the best defensive players in the NFL on their side; imagine what that defense would look like without him. Turning only 28 in December, there is plenty of excellent football still on the way for the Texas A&M product.
