Heading into 2020, many teams have new faces, and former NFL executive and current analyst Charley Casserly thinks that the Cleveland Browns‘ changes have made them a playoff team:
Why I think the @Browns snd @Buccaneers are Playoff teams this year. @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/mr2Vhth4xR
— Charley Casserly (@CharleyCasserly) June 12, 2020
Why Does Casserly Think the Browns Will Make the 2020 Postseason?
Casserly begins the discussion by stating that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be the NFC team to make it back to the playoffs in 2020.
Then, he goes on to make his argument why the Browns will impress this upcoming season:
“Throw the name out, just write down the team on paper. They’re a playoff team. The heck with the name.”
Casserly looks beyond the history of the Browns not making the postseason since 2002 and knows that this roster will perform well.
He has been very impressed with their additions in free agency and the draft:
“They spent the whole objective of the offseason of trying to help Baker Mayfield. They changed the head coach, they changed the play-caller, they straightened out the offensive line when they brought in new tackles in Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills in the draft.”
The Browns were not done with their strong offseason:
“And then, what they did is change the tight end position. What they’re going to do with Mayfield is this: less options in the passing game will make him better, hold him accountable.”
Overall, Casserly believes Cleveland will make the postseason for the first time in 18 years and end the longest drought in the NFL:
“Cleveland Browns, you’re a playoff team. You got to step up and do it now.”
Casserly Also Broke Down Why Baker Mayfield Will Improve in 2020
The main reason that Casserly sees the Browns improving in 2020 is that Baker Mayfield will improve as well:
What the @Browns have done to help Baker Mayfield be successful this Season @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/6sBR8Ub6ki
— Charley Casserly (@CharleyCasserly) May 20, 2020
“They did everything… Austin Hooper comes in at tight end and Harrison Bryant in the fourth round. They improved around him.”
In order to bounce back from his sophomore slump, there are several important areas in which Mayfield will need to step up.
The Browns, who have the second-easiest 2020 schedule according to 2019 team records, have a decent chance at making the playoffs.
Casserly thinks that with the Browns bringing in Case Keenum as the backup quarterback, Mayfield will be able to make an impact in his third NFL season:
“They brought in Case Keenum to be a mentor. What does he need to do? They’re going to simplify the options. He’s a smart guy who works hard, but he had too many options last year.”
The NFL analyst continues by describing what will make Mayfield succeed in 2020:
“Bootlegs, play action, simpler reads, less options, accountability, less options, and I keep emphasizing less options because that was one of the problems they had. He had too many things to option to last year. Hey, I think he’s going to have a big year.”
First-year general manager Andrew Berry agrees with Casserly and thinks that Mayfield will have a “fantastic year.”
If Mayfield has a fantastic year, then the Browns should make the postseason.
According to Casserly, Browns fans should be able to rejoice in 2020.
NEXT: Report: Browns Willing To Give Jadeveon Clowney A One-Year Deal
