Browns 2024 Training Camp Expectations
The Cleveland Browns are coming off an 11-6 season that ended in a Wild-Card exit to the Houston Texans. This is a team with high expectations. As star defensive end Myles Garrett and star running back Nick Chubb’s prime dwindles, the Browns are looking to maximize their Super Bowl window. They have the highest offensive payroll entering this season.
The Browns guaranteed every penny for quarterback Deshaun Watson. Since arriving in Cleveland, Watson has not been available to play due to serving a suspension and dealing with various injuries. Watson is a dual-threat quarterback and the most talented quarterback the Browns have ever had in their franchise. The addition of Watson has allowed the Browns to open up their playbook and run plays such as RPOs and design quarterback runs such as quarterback power run.
Watson was also first last season in holding the ball the longest. He’s had great protection behind an offensive line led by Pro Bowl guards Joel Bitonio and Wyatt Teller. Chubb is coming off a big injury and he will be their X-factor as to if he can return to his elite form. Before acquiring Watson, the Browns were a heavy-run team. With Watson and Chubb healthy, expect them to be a balanced offense. The Browns also have one of the route runners in Amari Cooper, as well as David Njoku, a good pass catcher and run blocker.
The Browns possessed one of the top defenses last year; they were 11th in rush yards allowed, first in passing yards allowed, and first in total yards allowed. Along with the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Garrett, the Browns also have Pro Bowler Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. They have one of the best secondaries led by Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit. The defense primarily only rushed four defenders at the quarterback and played primarily in man coverage.
Kevin Stefanski is entering his fifth season as the head coach. He has a 37-30 record, one playoff win, and one Coach of the Year selection. The Browns are seeking their second straight playoff berth and third playoff appearance in five years. This is a team that believes that has a quarterback that can go to toe to toe with the top AFC quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen.
