Grading the Browns 2021-22 season
The Cleveland Browns fell short of expectations during the 2021-22 NFL season and their grades will reflect that. Part of going from an average team to a good or even great team is having certain standards that are met. After going 11-5 last season, Cleveland regressed resulting in a disappointing 8-9 record.
Offense: D
Offensively the Browns were challenged for the majority of the season. Cleveland barely eclipsed the 20 points per game barrier (20.5), ranking 20th overall in the NFL. A five point drop-off from last season, this was not an offensive unit that struck fear in the heart of defenses. A large part of that was the regression in the play of Baker Mayfield. While Mayfield did deal with injuries, they were not the only reason for the decline in performance. The only reason this unit does not get an F grade is that Nick Chubb is still a fantastic running back who can make game changing plays.
Defense: C+
There was one area on the Cleveland Browns that was a glaring issue last season, defense. Cleveland went out and added some much needed talent on that side of the ball. By signing John Johnson III, Jadeveon Clowney, Troy Hill, and Anthony Walker in addition to drafting Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Greg Newsome, this defense was able to take a step forward. Cleveland’s defensive DVOA took a massive jump from 25th last season to 11th this season. Even still, this was not a unit that was enforcing their will on their opponent in the manner that is thought of when dominant defenses are discussed.
Specials Teams: F
The less said about this unit, the better. This team still has kicking issues (kicker and punter) and the return game was a disaster from the start. More turnover in this overlooked unit should be expected this offseason as they are not currently close to having the answer in this department.
Coaching: B-
Kevin Stefanski was about as close to perfect during the 2020-21 season. Stefanski’s near perfection resulted the Browns best season in decades. Unfortunately, perfection was the only way that this team would get back to where they were last season. The reality is that it is just an unfair expectation to thrust upon a coach. While Stefanski was not perfect and did struggle in some areas this season, a lot of that has to do with being hamstrung on the offensive side of the ball. Dealing with subpar quarterback play and a wide receiver who was let go midseason did not help. Stefanski put together a good scheme and game plan for the majority of the season. The problem was that while plays were there to be made, the team failed to execute when called upon.
At the end of the day this team was not good enough. Part of that is team construction while another is not being able perform on a weekly basis. There is only so much this team can do as currently constructed and changes will be needed if they want to achieve their loftiest goals next season.
