Here’s a abstract of how the Cleveland Browns are considered throughout mainstream media retailers in NFL Energy Rankings heading into Week 18 of the 2024 NFL season.
CBS Sports activities – No. 29 (down 4 spots)
They might find yourself with one of many first two picks. Would that imply it’s time to draft a quarterback? It ought to.
ESPN – No. 29 (down 1 spot)
Largest offseason contract scenario to look at: Defensive finish Myles Garrett
Garrett has two years remaining on the five-year extension he signed in 2020 however no extra assured wage. With one other 14-sack season on his résumé, it will seem like the fitting time for a brand new deal that once more locations the reigning Defensive Participant of the Yr because the highest-paid go rusher within the NFL. However in current weeks, Garrett has voiced his need to see the Browns’ offseason plans earlier than additional committing to the group. Can the 2 sides discover frequent floor, or is that this the start of a standoff with a franchise legend?
NFL.com – No. 30 (down 3 spots)
For as many dangerous quarterback performances because the Browns have delivered lately, you could possibly make an honest case that Dorian Thompson-Robinson had as tough an outing as we’ve seen from that crew in a minute. Positive, three Jerry Jeudy drops didn’t assist, however DTR averaged 3.6 yards per try, was strip-sacked, threw an unsightly decide and had three intentional grounding calls in opposition to him. It is going to be fascinating to see how the Browns deal with the QB place within the offseason. Deshaun Watson apparently will likely be again, however Cleveland has so as to add a passer who at the very least can threaten Watson for the beginning job in some unspecified time in the future, ideally one whose expertise match what Kevin Stefanski seeks. The draft feels just like the most certainly route, and the Browns seem like in good condition to get one there in the event that they wish to.
The Browns’ offense lacks competent competitiveness with the QB mess, and the protection has proved again and again that it could possibly maintain up solely a lot.
Yahoo Sports activities – No. 27 (no change)
Dorian Thompson-Robinson had 170 yards on 47 makes an attempt. He’s at 3.8 yards per try for his profession, the bottom mark in NFL historical past amongst gamers with 200 makes an attempt. No person else is beneath 4.2 yards per try. Just one different participant (Kim McQuilken) is beneath 4.4.
Bleacher Report – No. 30 (down 1 spot)
The Cleveland Browns are terrible. With Dorian Thompson-Robinson floundering below middle but once more (170 passing yards, an interception and a passer score of fifty.8), the Cleveland offense might do nothing in Week 17. Cleveland’s protection has been frolicked to dry by that non-existent offense and has been hit exhausting by accidents. This crew is prepared for the offseason but dreading it, as a result of the wage cap scenario is atrocious even after restructuring Deshaun Watson’s abomination of a contract once more.
The crew should additionally attempt to persuade edge-rusher Myles Garrett, who turned the primary participant in NFL historical past to report 14 sacks in 4 straight seasons, that the Browns have a plan to return to rivalry. As a result of whereas addressing the media after the sport, Garrett as soon as once more reiterated that he needs to win as he will get nearer to the bottom of his profession.
“At the end of the day, we play for wins,” Garrett stated. “The individual stuff is great. It’s nice, you want to be remembered for all of the above. But cities remember you for wins and bringing championships back home. That’s always been my intention. So, I want to get back on track, want to get back to winning, whether it’s the last one or whatever’s in store next season.”
That final sentence might come again to hang-out the Browns—who might nicely have to significantly take into account buying and selling their greatest participant. The Watson fiasco simply retains on delivering enjoyable week after week after 12 months after 12 months.
Analyst’s Take
Issues are falling aside shortly for the Browns. Apart from the 3-13 report, final week’s restructure of Deshaun Watson’s contract served as an admission that the crew is locked into that terrible deal for at the very least the following two seasons—whether or not or not Watson truly performs for the crew once more. The prior week, the reigning Defensive Participant of the Yr, Myles Garrett, got here out publicly to specific his displeasure with the crew’s ongoing dropping methods. Everybody will likely be ready to see if proprietor Jimmy Haslam decides change is important within the entrance workplace and/or teaching employees. A top-three draft decide serves because the silver lining, with the opportunity of touchdown a prime quarterback prospect on a rookie deal.
USA At present – No. 31 (down 4 spots)
They quietly restructured QB Deshaun Watson’s contract … which ought to create badly wanted roster flexibility, even when Watson is nearly assured of sticking round for one more season.
Listed beneath is a abstract desk of the place groups within the AFC North are ranked this week.
Bengals
Browns
Ravens
Steelers
CBS Sports activities
15
29
6
12
ESPN
12
29
6
10
NFL.com
15
30
6
10
Sporting Information
14
27
6
10
Yahoo Sports activities
16
31
6
10
Bleacher Report
15
30
6
10
USA At present
13
31
6
12
Common
14.3(up 1.6)
29.6(down 1.9)
6.0(up 0.7)
10.6(down 2.3)
What do you consider the Browns’ rating this week?