The 2021 NFL postseason is now out of the question for the Cleveland Browns. The team learned the news before their Week 17 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Baker Mayfield started the game with a.
Despite having a strong roster, Kevin Stefanski’s team underachieved this season. The disappointment of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ season should serve as a warning to those who would crown teams before they have earned it.
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Preseason Media Coverage Favoured the Browns to Finish Near the Top of the AFC North.
The Cleveland Browns had an 11-5 record during the 2020 NFL season and qualified for the playoffs as a division winner.
The administration had reorganised, and they appeared to be fielding a more formidable football team in 2021. The Browns strengthened their roster, especially on defence.
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To relieve some of the load on Cleveland’s Pro Bowl defensive end Myles Garrett, the Browns brought in Jadeveon Clowney and defensive tackle Malik Jackson. In the secondary, the addition of John Johnson III and Troy Hill, both formerly of the Los Angeles Rams, brought in experienced players.
Both Northwestern cornerback Greg Newsome II and Notre Dame linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah stand out in the impressive 2021 draught class assembled by general manager Andrew Berry and the front office.
It was reasonable to expect the Browns to take things to the next level after their successful 2020 season. But for Kevin Stefanski, it wasn’t quite that easy.
On paper, Cleveland’s team had more skill than almost any other in the NFL. This squad had Super Bowl hopes, but they blew a once-in-a-generation chance to restore the franchise’s glory days.
Exposing Cleveland’s Weaknesses Despite its Considerable Talent
Although the 2021 Cleveland Browns roster was loaded with potential, the team struggled to produce wins on the field. The season began with visible flaws, and they only worsened.
Multiple games this season, including the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, were lost by the Browns that they could have won. Although Cleveland took an early lead, they were ultimately defeated by second-half mistakes. One or two slip-ups here and there can end up costing even the most competent squads the game.
Similar problems have arisen in the Browns’ locker room. Both the ups and downs of Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham Jr.’s marriage were on full display for all to see, and they ultimately divorced. OBJ seems to be thriving in Sean McVay’s system with the Rams. Meanwhile, Mayfield’s problems haven’t gone away.
To his credit, the fourth-year quarterback has battled through a number of ailments this season (2021). But he’s doing the Browns no favours by continuing to play while injured. He has completed 62.4% of his passes, which is below average, and he has thrown 15 touchdowns against 11 interceptions.
When healthy, Cleveland possesses one of the league’s most dangerous rushing attacks, but this season, the offensive has failed to meet expectations. Despite a sluggish start, the defence has become a top-10 unit. It hasn’t been enough, though, to make up for offensive problems.
This losing season illustrates that bringing in a bunch of A-list players isn’t enough to win in the NFL. The Browns lacked the necessary winning mentality to pull out their comeback.
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In 2022, the Browns have a Chance to Reverse their Fortunes.
The 2021 season is doomed, therefore let’s start planning for next year. How the Cleveland Browns handle the offseason remains to be seen. Many vital inquiries will need to be addressed by the front desk.
By the end of the upcoming season, Baker Mayfield will have played out the final year of his rookie contract, and it’s hard to believe that the front staff is certain he’s the franchise quarterback of the future.
To make it to the Super Bowl, general manager Andrew Berry will have to make some tough calls about the free agents they signed. To wit: Jadeveon Clowney, Anthony Walker Jr., Takkarist McKinley, Malik Jackson, and David Njoku can sign with any team they like.
No matter who starts for Cleveland, this squad needs to think like winners. That’s the view from on high. Five of the Browns’ six losses have been by a single point. If they could find ways to win such close games, it would do wonders for the team’s confidence.
The Browns have the pieces to contend once more, but it won’t mean much if they can’t put it all together. Paper sports lack world championships, sadly.