Key Additions: QB Robert Griffin, G Austin Pasztor, ILB Demario Davis, S Rahim Moore
Key Subtractions: QB Johnny Manziel, WR Travis Benjamin, WR Brian Hartline, C Alex Mack, DT Randy Starks, ILB Karlos Dansby, ILB Craig Robertson, S Tashaun Gipson, S Donte Whitner,
Strengths
Asking what’s positive about the Browns can feel like wondering about the upside of this nation if Donald Trump wins the presidency. It seems over the past few years, the Browns are better at finding people with talent but bereft of moral values as highlighted by the times they drafted Josh Gordon and Johnny Manziel than getting it together on the field.
With those two players out of the picture for the whole 2016 season, the Browns are hoping that Robert Griffin III can rediscover his glory days in Washington and lead the Browns to a relatively more successful campaign. Griffin was released by Washington after sitting out the entire 2015 campaign.
Injuries are always a concern for Griffin at this point of his career but a stout offensive line led by future Hall-of-Famer Joe Thomas and Joel Bitonio and a new coach, the brilliant former Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson, can help Griffin bring out his best game.
Weaknesses
You can fill the FirstEnergy Stadium with things that went wrong for the Browns’ defense last season. Cleveland was 29th in scoring defense in 2015, 27th in total defense, 22nd against the pass, and 30th against the rush. The Browns’ secondary in particular was straight up garbage last year with top cornerback Joe Haden playing in only five miserable games due to an ankle injury. Justin Gilbert, drafted ahead of Manziel in 2014, has been a huge disappointment so far. Fixing all these in an offseason would be a massive challenge for defensive coordinator Ray Horton.
Key Player – Robert Griffin III
There was a time when RGIII looked like a franchise savior. He could be that in Cleveland if he could just stay healthy and learn how to adapt Hue Jackson’s offense. Of course, he has to win the starting job, but the Browns look as if they’re gambling on Griffin’s knees and are going with the former Heisman Trophy winner – for now. Jackson will play a big role in Griffin’s performance in Cleveland. Jackson did wonders to Andy Dalton so much is also expected of the coach about how Griffin will fare from Week 1 to 17.
Key Game – at Washington (October 2)
This should be fun. It’s RGIII against the team that spurned him and opposite Kirk Cousins, whose performance in 2015 expedited his exit in Washington. Rarely are Brown games deserving of the national audience’s attention but if there’s one, this has to be it.
2015 Team Stats
Category
Stat (Rank)
Points per game
17.4 (#30)
Passing yards per game
236.4 (#19)
Rushing yards per game
95.6 (#22)
Scoring defense
27.0 (#29)
Writer’s Prediction
The Browns, who are +1,800 to win the AFC North, finish with a 2-14 record.
