★ The AFCN News ★ A lot of activity in what should be a good division in 2023. ▪︎ And the 2023 odds. ▪︎
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FILED UNDER:
Prior to Smith trade, Browns roster ranked worst in the AFC North
Browns have a lot to prove going into 2023 after Andrew Berry’s busy offseason
By JaredMueller@JaredKMueller May 15, 2023, 10:13am EDTIf you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.
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Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images
The Cleveland Browns were obviously unhappy with their defense last year. It started with the firing of DC Joe Woods immediately after the season ended and continued through free agency, the NFL draft and this weekend’s (reported not official yet) trade for DE Za’Darius Smith.
The defense, along with the putrid play (based on his past, expectations and trade/contract compensation) of QB Deshaun Watson led to a last-place finish, a full two games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, in the AFC North.
Despite that, Pro Football Focus ranked the Browns No. 9 in their power rankings last week. With the Cincinnati Bengals the top-ranked team in the AFC North and the Baltimore Ravens one spot behind Cleveland, three of the four teams in the division were ranked in the top 10.
Somehow, PFF’s newest ranking, looking only at the team’s roster, has a different order with the Browns having the worst roster in the division at No. 14. Published before the Smith trade, it is interesting to note where they saw the team’s biggest weakness:
Biggest weakness in 2023: Defensive Line
Aside from Myles Garrett and Dalvin Tomlinson, there isn’t a ton of depth on the Browns’ defensive line following Jadeveon Clowney‘s departure. The Browns will look for players like Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and rookies Isaiah McGuire and Siaki Ika to step up and take some of the pressure off their star defenders.
As we shared through a FanShot, PFF is high on the Smith acquisition so maybe the Cleveland roster would be able to catch up to the Steelers (12) or Ravens (8). The Bengals are ranked as the third-best roster in the NFL.
While different authors were in charge of this ranking and the power rankings, it is interesting to see the difference between the two. For Browns fans, concern remains with HC Kevin Stefanski and Watson’s return to greatness. PFF notes Watson in their “X-Factor” section of the roster rankings and takes the under on 8.5 wins for the team this season.
Cleveland has a lot to prove on the field before respect will be earned at a national level. With talented teams in the division and conference as a whole, 2023 will be a slugfest. Many Browns fans think the roster is ready for it but PFF wasn’t buying in before the Smith deal.
GO BUCKEYES, BROWNS, INDIANS, CAVS, YSU, NAVY and yes I like ND! -
The AFC is a buzzsaw.
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The AFC is a buzzsaw.
The AFC is a buzzsaw.
Win two of those 3 in the N with a minimum 2-2 record after 4, then we might have a real team. 1 out of 4 and it's tank city for the Texans #1 choice again next year. My fear is that Jimmy comes unglued, panics and then crashes the team entirely once again for restart # what?
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FILED UNDER:
Prior to Smith trade, Browns roster ranked worst in the AFC North
Browns have a lot to prove going into 2023 after Andrew Berry’s busy offseason
By JaredMueller@JaredKMueller May 15, 2023, 10:13am EDTIf you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.
Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images
The Cleveland Browns were obviously unhappy with their defense last year. It started with the firing of DC Joe Woods immediately after the season ended and continued through free agency, the NFL draft and this weekend’s (reported not official yet) trade for DE Za’Darius Smith.
The defense, along with the putrid play (based on his past, expectations and trade/contract compensation) of QB Deshaun Watson led to a last-place finish, a full two games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, in the AFC North.
Despite that, Pro Football Focus ranked the Browns No. 9 in their power rankings last week. With the Cincinnati Bengals the top-ranked team in the AFC North and the Baltimore Ravens one spot behind Cleveland, three of the four teams in the division were ranked in the top 10.
Somehow, PFF’s newest ranking, looking only at the team’s roster, has a different order with the Browns having the worst roster in the division at No. 14. Published before the Smith trade, it is interesting to note where they saw the team’s biggest weakness:
Biggest weakness in 2023: Defensive Line
Aside from Myles Garrett and Dalvin Tomlinson, there isn’t a ton of depth on the Browns’ defensive line following Jadeveon Clowney‘s departure. The Browns will look for players like Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and rookies Isaiah McGuire and Siaki Ika to step up and take some of the pressure off their star defenders.
As we shared through a FanShot, PFF is high on the Smith acquisition so maybe the Cleveland roster would be able to catch up to the Steelers (12) or Ravens (8). The Bengals are ranked as the third-best roster in the NFL.
While different authors were in charge of this ranking and the power rankings, it is interesting to see the difference between the two. For Browns fans, concern remains with HC Kevin Stefanski and Watson’s return to greatness. PFF notes Watson in their “X-Factor” section of the roster rankings and takes the under on 8.5 wins for the team this season.
Cleveland has a lot to prove on the field before respect will be earned at a national level. With talented teams in the division and conference as a whole, 2023 will be a slugfest. Many Browns fans think the roster is ready for it but PFF wasn’t buying in before the Smith deal.
FILED UNDER:Prior to Smith trade, Browns roster ranked worst in the AFC North
Browns have a lot to prove going into 2023 after Andrew Berry’s busy offseason
By JaredMueller@JaredKMueller May 15, 2023, 10:13am EDTIf you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.
Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images
Cleveland has a lot to prove on the field before respect will be earned at a national level. With talented teams in the division and conference as a whole, 2023 will be a slugfest. Many Browns fans think the roster is ready for it but PFF wasn’t buying in before the Smith deal.
I maintain the Browns aren't that far away from the top. A frustrating 7-10 season last year certainly had some potential to be 11-6.
The key is motivated players and better in-game coaching decisions. They have enough talent.
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FILED UNDER:
Prior to Smith trade, Browns roster ranked worst in the AFC North
Browns have a lot to prove going into 2023 after Andrew Berry’s busy offseason
By JaredMueller@JaredKMueller May 15, 2023, 10:13am EDTIf you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.
Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images
Cleveland has a lot to prove on the field before respect will be earned at a national level. With talented teams in the division and conference as a whole, 2023 will be a slugfest. Many Browns fans think the roster is ready for it but PFF wasn’t buying in before the Smith deal.
I maintain the Browns aren't that far away from the top. A frustrating 7-10 season last year certainly had some potential to be 11-6.
The key is motivated players and better in-game coaching decisions. They have enough talent.
I maintain the Browns aren't that far away from the top. A frustrating 7-10 season last year certainly had some potential to be 11-6.
The key is motivated players and better in-game coaching decisions. They have enough talent.
leadership is key to coaching let's hope stef has what it takes
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I maintain the Browns aren't that far away from the top. A frustrating 7-10 season last year certainly had some potential to be 11-6.
The key is motivated players and better in-game coaching decisions. They have enough talent.
leadership is key to coaching let's hope stef has what it takes
leadership is key to coaching let's hope stef has what it takes
I have great doubt.. It's like hes constantly learning on the job.. I mean in some respect.. I get that in year one and two.. But correct me if I'm wrong.. isn't he going into to year 4?...
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Need a laugh ? UH-OH ! (May 27) - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett experienced a moment of panic when his SUV, containing the team’s playbook, was stolen earlier this week.
Fortunately, the vehicle and playbook were swiftly recovered, and an arrest has been made in connection with the theft.
According to a report by Marcie Cipriani of WTAE, Kenny Pickett was attending an event at a car dealership near Pittsburgh on Wednesday when his 2023 Genesis SUV was stolen from the parking lot. Disturbingly, the Steelers’ playbook was in the backseat of the vehicle at the time.
Law enforcement authorities wasted no time in their efforts to retrieve the stolen SUV and the crucial playbook.
(lol) The suspect responsible for the theft had left his own personal vehicle at the dealership, which allowed the police to identify him by running the license plate. Within just 30 minutes of the theft, the stolen car was located at the suspect’s residence, resulting in the swift recovery of both the vehicle and the playbook.
Subsequent reports from WTAE indicate that an arrest has been made in connection with the theft. Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 obtained court paperwork related to the incident, shedding further light on the situation.
(60 ? Really ?) The suspect, identified as Christopher Carter, a 60-year-old resident of Murrysville, has been charged with theft.
To their surprise, they discovered the Steelers playbook in the backseat, containing valuable personal and strategic information.
As news of the theft spread, the Pittsburgh Steelers organization confirmed to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that their playbook had been left in the stolen SUV. However, they reassured fans that the playbook had since been recovered, mitigating the potential risks associated with the theft.
Kenny Pickett, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, he made 13 appearances, showing signs of progress as the season unfolded.
Despite struggling with a 6.2-yard average per attempt and throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, Pickett demonstrated potential and will have the support of a talented skill corps for the upcoming 2023 season.
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Need a laugh ? UH-OH ! (May 27) - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett experienced a moment of panic when his SUV, containing the team’s playbook, was stolen earlier this week.
Fortunately, the vehicle and playbook were swiftly recovered, and an arrest has been made in connection with the theft.
According to a report by Marcie Cipriani of WTAE, Kenny Pickett was attending an event at a car dealership near Pittsburgh on Wednesday when his 2023 Genesis SUV was stolen from the parking lot. Disturbingly, the Steelers’ playbook was in the backseat of the vehicle at the time.
Law enforcement authorities wasted no time in their efforts to retrieve the stolen SUV and the crucial playbook.
(lol) The suspect responsible for the theft had left his own personal vehicle at the dealership, which allowed the police to identify him by running the license plate. Within just 30 minutes of the theft, the stolen car was located at the suspect’s residence, resulting in the swift recovery of both the vehicle and the playbook.
Subsequent reports from WTAE indicate that an arrest has been made in connection with the theft. Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 obtained court paperwork related to the incident, shedding further light on the situation.
(60 ? Really ?) The suspect, identified as Christopher Carter, a 60-year-old resident of Murrysville, has been charged with theft.
To their surprise, they discovered the Steelers playbook in the backseat, containing valuable personal and strategic information.
As news of the theft spread, the Pittsburgh Steelers organization confirmed to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that their playbook had been left in the stolen SUV. However, they reassured fans that the playbook had since been recovered, mitigating the potential risks associated with the theft.
Kenny Pickett, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, he made 13 appearances, showing signs of progress as the season unfolded.
Despite struggling with a 6.2-yard average per attempt and throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, Pickett demonstrated potential and will have the support of a talented skill corps for the upcoming 2023 season.
Need a laugh ? UH-OH ! (May 27) - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett experienced a moment of panic when his SUV, containing the team’s playbook, was stolen earlier this week.
Fortunately, the vehicle and playbook were swiftly recovered, and an arrest has been made in connection with the theft.
According to a report by Marcie Cipriani of WTAE, Kenny Pickett was attending an event at a car dealership near Pittsburgh on Wednesday when his 2023 Genesis SUV was stolen from the parking lot. Disturbingly, the Steelers’ playbook was in the backseat of the vehicle at the time.
Law enforcement authorities wasted no time in their efforts to retrieve the stolen SUV and the crucial playbook.
(lol) The suspect responsible for the theft had left his own personal vehicle at the dealership, which allowed the police to identify him by running the license plate. Within just 30 minutes of the theft, the stolen car was located at the suspect’s residence, resulting in the swift recovery of both the vehicle and the playbook.
Subsequent reports from WTAE indicate that an arrest has been made in connection with the theft. Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 obtained court paperwork related to the incident, shedding further light on the situation.
(60 ? Really ?) The suspect, identified as Christopher Carter, a 60-year-old resident of Murrysville, has been charged with theft.
To their surprise, they discovered the Steelers playbook in the backseat, containing valuable personal and strategic information.
As news of the theft spread, the Pittsburgh Steelers organization confirmed to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that their playbook had been left in the stolen SUV. However, they reassured fans that the playbook had since been recovered, mitigating the potential risks associated with the theft.
Kenny Pickett, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, he made 13 appearances, showing signs of progress as the season unfolded.
Despite struggling with a 6.2-yard average per attempt and throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, Pickett demonstrated potential and will have the support of a talented skill corps for the upcoming 2023 season.
The playbook was recovered with both pages intact.
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Need a laugh ? UH-OH ! (May 27) - Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett experienced a moment of panic when his SUV, containing the team’s playbook, was stolen earlier this week.
Fortunately, the vehicle and playbook were swiftly recovered, and an arrest has been made in connection with the theft.
According to a report by Marcie Cipriani of WTAE, Kenny Pickett was attending an event at a car dealership near Pittsburgh on Wednesday when his 2023 Genesis SUV was stolen from the parking lot. Disturbingly, the Steelers’ playbook was in the backseat of the vehicle at the time.
Law enforcement authorities wasted no time in their efforts to retrieve the stolen SUV and the crucial playbook.
(lol) The suspect responsible for the theft had left his own personal vehicle at the dealership, which allowed the police to identify him by running the license plate. Within just 30 minutes of the theft, the stolen car was located at the suspect’s residence, resulting in the swift recovery of both the vehicle and the playbook.
Subsequent reports from WTAE indicate that an arrest has been made in connection with the theft. Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 obtained court paperwork related to the incident, shedding further light on the situation.
(60 ? Really ?) The suspect, identified as Christopher Carter, a 60-year-old resident of Murrysville, has been charged with theft.
To their surprise, they discovered the Steelers playbook in the backseat, containing valuable personal and strategic information.
As news of the theft spread, the Pittsburgh Steelers organization confirmed to Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that their playbook had been left in the stolen SUV. However, they reassured fans that the playbook had since been recovered, mitigating the potential risks associated with the theft.
Kenny Pickett, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. In his rookie year, he made 13 appearances, showing signs of progress as the season unfolded.
Despite struggling with a 6.2-yard average per attempt and throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, Pickett demonstrated potential and will have the support of a talented skill corps for the upcoming 2023 season.
The playbook was recovered with both pages intact.
The playbook was recovered with both pages intact.
Pretty sure it was an old fashioned matchbook cover.?
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Pretty sure it was an old fashioned matchbook cover.?
Run, run, pass.
Pass, run, fumble.
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Pretty sure it was an old fashioned matchbook cover.?
Run, run, pass.
Pass, run, fumble.
Run up the middle, run off the sidelines, pass short of the first down......punt.
FIFY? That was stolen from Dino Babers when he was the A&M OC with his matchbook cover O Plan.
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Pretty sure it was an old fashioned matchbook cover.?
Didn't hear anything about them being matchbook covers.
Just that 4 plays were drawn up in Steelers issue black and yellow crayons.
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~ The NFL Regular Season -Week 1 - is going to be here before you know it. Too early to get excited about anything ...... yet ?
Or do we get excited about the NFL HALL of Fame Game first ? Your thoghts on this ?
REGULAR SEASON. Week 1 -· Sun 09/10 · 1:00 PM EDT Cincinnati Bengals
CBS. ESPN 850 • 92.3 The Fan • 98.5 WNCX. CLEVELAND BROWNS STADIUM
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