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3 Hidden Traps That Could Derail the Browns' 2020 Season

By Joe Birdsall

After failing to deliver on playoff hype in 2019, the Cleveland Browns once again hope to silence doubters in 2020.
After failing to deliver on playoff hype in 2019, the Cleveland Browns once again hope to silence doubters in 2020. / Michael Hickey/Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns entered the 2019 NFL season as a trendy playoff pick and finished it with an embarrassing 6-10 record. While the team still has a talented roster, it has plenty to prove in 2020, especially in a talented AFC North. If the Browns hope to finally return to the playoffs this year, they must avoid these pitfalls that threaten to make 2020 a repeat of previous seasons.

3. Unproven Defensive Unit

Joe Schobert's departure could weaken an already mediocre Cleveland defense.
Joe Schobert's departure could weaken an already mediocre Cleveland defense. / Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

While the Browns will return most of their defensive starters in 2020, the unit still has a lot to prove. Cleveland ranked near the bottom of the league in total defense and scoring defense in 2019, and the loss of middle linebacker Joe Schobert only brings more uncertainty. While young players like Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward have been fantastic, Cleveland will need others to step up if it hopes to field a solid defensive unit in 2020.

2. Difficult Schedule

Cleveland's AFC North schedule is difficult, but the Browns also face plenty of other contenders in 2020.
Cleveland's AFC North schedule is difficult, but the Browns also face plenty of other contenders in 2020. / Jason Miller/Getty Images

The Browns were already likely to struggle against the Super Bowl favorite Baltimore Ravens and resurgent Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020, but additional games against the Houston Texans, Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys could also prove to be difficult. If Cleveland hopes to return to the playoffs in 2020, it will have to prove that it is capable of knocking off at least a few of these contenders.

1. Relying Too Much on Baker Mayfield

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield regressed in his second season, and the team might be better served building the offense around Nick Chubb.
Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield regressed in his second season, and the team might be better served building the offense around Nick Chubb. / Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Running back Nick Chubb was Cleveland's most consistent offensive player in 2019, and the Browns could ride him to a playoff berth much like head coach Kevin Stefanski's Vikings did in 2019. When Freddie Kitchens forced Baker Mayfield to play hero ball, Cleveland's offense was inconsistent to say the least. If the Browns rely too heavily on their third-year quarterback rather than shifting to a more stable, run-heavy attack, Mayfield could face the same fate as past Cleveland signal callers.