The Cleveland Browns enter the 2024 NFL season with high expectations. Even though the national media may not necessarily view them as AFC contenders, the Browns are ready to prove any doubters wrong.
Looking at the list on paper, there is great potential if two different things happen.
On offense, Cleveland needs to keep Deshaun Watson healthy and performing well, and Nick Chubb needs to get back on the field and play a key role on the ground.
If those two things happen, the sky’s the limit for the Browns this season.
On defense, Cleveland has the talent needed to become the best unit in the NFL. Led by Myles Garrett, the Browns are expected to have an elite defense. From the pass rush to the playmaking skills in the secondary, everything is there to have great success.
Speaking of Garrett, ESPN has released forecasts for his 2024 campaign.
They believe Garrett will finish with 52 tackles and 12 sacks.
During the 2023 NFL season, Garrett recorded 42 total tackles, along with 14 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and three passes defensed. His projections from ESPN are slightly below those numbers and it would not be surprising if he exceeded those predictions.
At 28, Garrett is well on his way to being inducted into the Hall of Fame after his career. He has been a superstar since entering the league in 2017.
Still, it will be interesting to see if he can do more than ESPN is projecting. If he gets to 12 sacks, he would surpass 100 in his NFL career, which would be an impressive milestone.
The Browns will rely heavily on Garrett both on and off the field. He will need to perform at a high level, but he will also need to provide a big leadership role and make sure his teammates are ready each week.
