Can the Cleveland Browns be the New Patriots?

migicontreras

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In a interview with GQ, new Cleveland Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. said he’s going to help turn the Browns into the next dynasty, the new Patriots. To accomplish what the Patriots have done, winning six Super Bowls in nineteen years, is a tall task. And for a Browns team that at times looked like they have been cursed to be a terrible team forever, this task may seem impossible to ever get close to accomplishing that. But, the idea of the Cleveland Browns being a dynasty is not too far-fetched. The young talent and seasoned veterans on the roster give this team the capability to become contenders for years to come.

On offense, this Browns team is lead by the young phenom quarterback in Baker Mayfield and receivers Jarvis Landry and the aforementioned Beckham. Mayfield should have no problem improving from his 3,725 yard and 27 touchdown pass rookie season. Outside of throwing to Landry and Beckham, Mayfield will continue to throw to rising star tight end David Njoku, who caught 56 passes for 639 yards and 4 touchdowns. In the backfield, Mayfield has the luxury of handing it off Nick Chubb, who ran for 996 yards in his rookie season. The level of play can be elevated through the coaching as well. Former offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens was promoted to head coach, and is credited for orchestrating the offense that helped Mayfield be successful. With complete control of the offense, as well as new talent, the Browns offense has the opportunity to be explosive and light up scoreboards week in and week out.

A possible luxury for the Browns offense comes in the form of Kareem Hunt. Hunt, the former Kansas City Chief, is currently suspended eight games for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy after video evidence surfaced of him assaulting a woman in a Cleveland hotel. Once Hunt returns, he adds another layer to a potentially potent offense.

On the defensive side, the Browns are looking different, and for the better. Out goes linebacker Jabrill Peppers and in comes talented defensive end Oliver Vernon, who comes in from a trade with the New York Giants. The addition of Vernon gives the Browns a lethal pass rush as opposing offenses have to deal with the talented duo of Myles Garrett and Oliver Vernon. Last season, the two combined for 20.5 sacks and 44 tackles. To add to an already solid defensive line, the Browns went and signed free agent defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson. Last season while playing for the Minnesota Vikings, Richardson was responsible for 49 tackles and 4.5 sacks. Not only is he an effective pass rusher, Richardson will be a stout run stuffer, plugging holes up the middle. Cornerback Denzel Ward looks to have another solid season after being elected to the Pro Bowl and NFL All-Rookie Team in his rookie year. The addition of safety Morgan Burnett should help boost the play of the secondary on the backend.

Special teams is a spot of continuity for the team. Punter Britton Colquitt returns to the team, and will hope to provide another 45.3 yards per punt. Kicker Greg Joseph returns, and provides a solid kicking game, as he went 17/20 on field goals and 25/29 on extra points.

Though the roster seems solid throughout, there are still some issues that remain. As talented as Odell Beckham Jr. is, he is still injury prone. If Beckham can not stay healthy, the Browns offense will have more issues than it needs. The offensive line may have some issues. The Browns lost one of their talented offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler. However, that emergence of young Austin Corbett should help alleviate the loss of Zeitler. If Corbett can emerge as a solid offensive lineman, he should help star guard Joel Bitonio anchor a solid offensive line in charge of blocking for Mayfield.

Though Denzel Ward should anchor one of the cornerback positions, the other cornerback spots have question marks. Starting on the opposite will either be Terrance Mitchell, an unproven cornerback who’s logged only one interception last season, or Greedy Williams, an unproven rookie cornerback drafted out of LSU. Nickelback should once again be T.J. Carrie, who did not log any interceptions, but had eight pass deflections and 74 tackles last season.

Parts of next season’s schedule will not do the Browns any favors either. Though they have the 23rd toughest schedule in the league, they still have big tests against powerhouse teams such as the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and the Seattle Seahawks.

Overall, the Browns have a legitimate shot at being successful. Though this will take time, the Cleveland Browns can possibly be the next dynasty after the Patriots. Browns fans just have to hope that all the young talent in Mayfield and Ward, as well as talent acquisitions in Landry and Beckham pan out. If anything flounders, then back to the the bottom the Browns go.
 
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