2018 Record - 7-8-1
Head Coach - Freddie Kitchens
Newcomers for 2019 - Odell Beckham, Jr. (WR), Kareem Hunt (RB), Sheldon Richardson (DL), Olivier Vernon (DL), Kendall Lamm (OL), Eric Kush (OL), Morgan Burnett (DB), Eric Murray (DB)
Keys on Offense - Baker Mayfield is back at quarterback after a decent rookie season in which he passed for 3,725 yards along with 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. The running game has Nick Chubb (996 rushing yards in 2018 with a 5.2 ypc average and ten total touchdowns) and will get a boost when Kareem Hunt joins the team following an eight game suspension. Hunt played with Kansas City and went for over 1,300 yards as a rookie in 2017. Duke Johnson (47 receptions, three for touchdowns and a 5.0 ypc average) is a solid backup and provides the option as a third down back as well.
The wide receivers are Jarvis Landry (81 receptions for 976 yards and four touchdowns) and Odell Beckham, Jr. (77, 1,052, six TD with the Giants). Rashard Higgins caught 39 passes for 572 yards and four touchdowns a year ago. Tight end David Njoku had 56 receptions for 639 yards and four scores last season.
Keys on Defense - The Browns defense will feature Myles Garrett (13 1/2 QB sacks), Olivier Vernon (seven sacks with Giants) and Sheldon Richardson (4 1/2 sacks with Vikings) up front while Genard Avery, Joe Schobert and Christian Kirksey (two interceptions) will play linebacker. Rookie draft pick Sione Takitaki (BYU) will add depth as well. In the secondary is free safety Damarious Randall, who had four interceptions last season. Also in the mix will be top rookie draft pick Greedy Williams (LSU) at cornerback. Denzel Ward (three picks) is the other corner and Morgan Burnett (free agent from Pittsburgh Steelers) plays safety.
OUTLOOK FOR 2019 - After winning only one game over two seasons spanning 2016-17, the Browns are serving notice they are no longer the doormat of the NFL as they signed some big time free agents and also acquired All-Pro wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. as well as adding a new Head Coach in Freddie Kitchens.
The offense showed promise under rookie QB Baker Mayfield, finishing 13th overall (368.7 ypg) and also averaging 22.4 points per game (20th in NFL). The defense needs to improve after ranking 30th overall (393 yards allowed per game), including 135 yards rushing allowed. Cleveland gave up 24.5 points per game last season, but with the additions of some big name free agents and two rookie draft picks, one of which is expected to start at cornerback, there should be noticeable improvement.
The key for the Browns this season will hinge on a good start and then the month of December, when they will play four divisional games in five weeks to close the season.
If they can be close enough in the division race when that time arrives, they will have a legitimate shot at winning the AFC North. A 9-7 finish this season would be an improvement, but may not be enough to get into the playoffs, However, don't be surprised if the Browns win ten or more games this season and snap a 17-year playoff drought.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week 1 - vs. Tennessee
Week 2 - at NY Jets
Week 3 - vs. LA Rams
Week 4 - at Baltimore
Week 5 - at San Francisco
Week 6 - vs. Seattle
Week 7 - BYE
Week 8 - at New England
Week 9 - at Denver
Week 10 - vs. Buffalo
Week 11 - vs. Pittsburgh
Week 12 - vs. Miami
Week 13 - at Pittsburgh
Week 14 - vs. Cincinnati
Week 15 - at Arizona
Week 16 - vs. Baltimore
Week 17 - at Cincinnati
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