2015 NFL Preview: Browns attempting to rebound from late-season collapse
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Cleveland Browns
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 7-9 | 4th in AFC North/12th in AFC |
The Browns got off to a hot start last season, shocking the NFL world and seemingly putting themselves in position to earn a playoff spot with a 7-4 record.
Issues in the passing game started to come to light down the stretch, however, as Cleveland went on to lose the final five games of the season en route to the 12th consecutive year the club has missed the playoffs.
Highlight of 2014
Amid a late-season showing that otherwise did little to inspire much confidence, Johnny Manziel's first career touchdown gave Browns fans something to get excited about in looking to the future.
Preseason Power Ranking - #31
Josh McCown may be a better option than Johnny Manziel at this point, but he's also 36 years old and coming off a disastrous 1-10 campaign. More ...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Mike Pettine
Off. Coordinator: John DeFilippo
Def. Coordinator: Jim O'Neil
A strong defense and one of the league's best offensive lines should lead the the Browns in some continued progression, but the unresolved situation under center could once again hold this team back.
Manziel making good on his first-round draft status and stealing the starting job is this team's best chance at any sort of short- or long-term success, whether McCown remains the heavy favorite or not.
Key Additions
- QB Josh McCown
- WR Dwayne Bowe
- WR Brian Hartline
- CB Tramon Williams
- DL Randy Starks
- DT Danny Shelton (first round)
- OL Cameron Erving (first round)
- RB Duke Johnson (third round)
Key Departures
- TE Jordan Cameron
- WR Josh Gordon (suspended)
- DT Ahtyba Rubin
- CB Buster Skrine
Cleveland put together a fairly productive offseason, landing talent at key positions in both free agency and the draft, but it remains to be seen whether the players acquired can fix the issues the team was unable to overcome down the stretch.
All eyes will again be on the passing attack in 2015, where veterans Bowe and Hartline will be expected to upgrade what was arguably the NFL's worst group of receivers last year. With the quarterback situation still very much up in the air, however, and Cameron departing in free agency, expectations shouldn't be set too high.
Bold Predictions
Terrelle Pryor will excel as a receiver. Switching positions mid-career isn't easy, but Pryor has the size, speed, and athleticism to make it happen, and has embraced his new role. He'll not only make the 53-man roster, but will turn out to be a reliable receiver for the Browns. - Caitlyn Holroyd
The Browns will lead the league with 25-plus interceptions. Cleveland's secondary was limited by injuries down the stretch, but returns a healthy group that added veteran corner Tramon Williams. It's an elite unit that will start Joe Haden and Williams outside, with Tashaun Gipson and Donte Whitner at safety. Cleveland isn't going to be a fun matchup for opposing quarterbacks this season. - Justin Boone
Cleveland will allow the least sacks in the NFL. Although quarterbacks Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel possess a bad habit of letting the rush come to them, the Browns' offensive line will surrender the least sacks in the league. Mitchell Schwartz is becoming one of the league's best right tackles, and if the Browns miss the playoffs, the offensive line won't be at fault. - Arun Srinivasan