Browns' biggest storylines that could be of interest on new "Hard Knocks" with the rest of the AFC North
From now until the end of July, things are going to be a lot more quiet for the Cleveland Browns. The team wrapped up OTAs last week and will not be back in Berea until they begin training camp on July 22. One interesting point of the 2024 season for Cleveland is that they will […]
From now until the end of July, things are going to be a lot more quiet for the Cleveland Browns.
The team wrapped up OTAs last week and will not be back in Berea until they begin training camp on July 22.
One interesting point of the 2024 season for Cleveland is that they will be featured on the new variation of “Hard Knocks” which will be based on the AFC North. When the Browns have their regular season and potential playoff run covered by the “Hard Knocks” crew, there will be a few storylines to watch specifically.
1. Will Deshaun Watson finally show that he is worth the trade the Browns made with the Texans?
Through two seasons, there is no hiding the fact that Watson has not lived up to the contract or price that the Browns paid to land him from the Texans. The good news is there is still time to change that and his third season has to be the time it happens.
In the first season, it was the suspension that the Browns had a good idea was happening when they traded for him. Last season, he was only able to play in six games due to injury. When he has played, Watson has been very average at best.
Watson is going to be the guy out there in Week 1 and the Browns hope that he can hit the ground running. Following Watson’s season through the final 2024 months will be interesting.
2. When will Nick Chubb return for Cleveland and how will he look?
At this time, there is no timetable for when Chubb will be back on the field for the Browns. When Cleveland lost him in Week 2 last season, the Browns lost much of their identity. With how gruesome the injury looked, it is a miracle that Chubb is even coming back since it was not his first significant injury to his knee.
Cleveland will rely on Jerome Ford and D’Onta Foreman until Chubb can return, though neither can compare to what Chubb gives the Browns. Even if Chubb isn’t the most outgoing player on the team, following his return should be something to watch. There is not a player that is more favored by the Browns franchise than Chubb in recent memory.
3. Can the Browns make the playoffs for the second straight year for the first time in over three decades?
Cleveland has not made the playoffs for two consecutive seasons since the late 1980s. Odds are most people reading this article have not seen the Browns go to the playoffs for back-to-back years since they have been watching.
Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry both got contract extensions recently for the work they’ve done with the Browns over the last four seasons. With the current coach and general manager, the Browns have been to the playoffs two out of four seasons. The ride to getting back to the playoffs will be a story to watch unfold.
