“I’m seeing accountability [in the offense]. I’m seeing players push players. I’m feeling like a new energy of a sense of urgency. I’m seeing a lot, and this is a new system. Since I’ve been here, they never talk trash back, in my opinion, but you feel the vibe is different. I’m talking junk to Quinshon [Judkins]. I’m talking junk to Shedeur [Sanders]. I’m talking junk to the tight ends, to the tackles. Just hearing them fire back, it’s like we got fight. I haven’t seen we’ve got fight in a long time. I genuinely feel that way. I’m not going to come up here and just say something for the hell of it. They’re holding each other accountable. Even when Todd is getting into the trash talking, too. That’s how you know we’re growing a whole lot closer than what I thought we could be,” Wright said.

@sdbacker80 said:

I think if we play complementary football meaning we aren’t leaving the defense on the field for 35-38 mins a game or with short fields I think they can fare better 

Well said! Even though the era has changed - the formula is in the 1985 season that combined starts by a somewhat-declining veteran Gary Danielson & local hero/fan-fave/rookie QB Bernie Kosar handing off to Mack & Byner (for over 1000 yards rushing apiece). HOF TE Ozzie Newsome wasn't here to block people much like Harold Fannin Jr isn't here to do that either (hence the drafting of 2 TEs that are just as good at blocking as they are at fetching. This was a ball control offense acknowledging where our 2 QBs were in their NFL careers in terms of doable game plans with solid run-blocking upfront (giving our defense time to rest and fresher legs for doing so). Their record? 8-8. Their finish? 1st place in the AFC Central & Playoffs (not a misprint). Keep in mind, they didn't hire Lindy Infante as their OC until after they blew their 18-3 halftime lead over Miami in the 1st round of those playoffs. This year's team should be able to win about 3 or 4 more games than it did last year IMO.

My biggest worry this year is losing either Denzel Ward or Tyson Campbell for any length of time. In 2024 Campbell had multiple injuries in 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile Denzel Ward is nearing the volume of concussions that caused a multiple Pro Bowl LBer like Luke Keuchly to retire. Our depth at Corner feels very thin/troublesome at this time; BUT the FO provided the type of off-season commitment to the OL the Browns needed so we robbed Peter to pay another Peter, Paul and Mary. That is the biggest area that could put a Roadhouse Bouncer's steel toe right into my optimism.

@axe said:

"Vegas oddsmakers have set the Cleveland Browns' 2026 win total at 6.5, with most books favoring the under (-120 to -175). Despite an elite defense, concerns regarding the offensive line, quarterback stability, and a difficult schedule have led to expectations of a 6-11 or 7-10 season. Some analysts suggest betting the over."

Fuckit, I'm taking the over ???

Axe-actly!

I have a feeling the OL is going to end up being a pleasant surprise once they get some chemistry established. Let's just say I'm thrilled with the overdue attention the FO has given to upgrading the OL after all of the X's and Uh-O's from last year. One of the incoming vets - Tytus Howard was a 1st round pick/talent that has played well at OT & OG. This was a GREAT acquisition that also brings some leadership experience. I could see him at RT or either OG spot. Aside from that, this will be the 1st year Dawand Jones will be able to see his toes from a standing position when he shows up to Training Camp 50 lbs lighter. There's going to be some good competition for starting jobs on the OL within the blend of vets and the 3 rookies they drafted.

@fy56 said:

Wow. That means we score quickly.

LOL! Unfortunately the drive times likely include the 3 and outs.?

@kvoethe said:

Average Drive times..2025

Wow. That means we score quickly.

@kvoethe said:

Average Drive times..2025

Offensive Line.  (and WR's that can't get open)

@ballpeen said:

Pretty optimistic.  New coach, new players can lead to a new attitude and focus.  The division seems weaker.

Why not?  LOL..

All we need is good QB play.  Which requires good play from the rest of the offensive units.  The defense is good enough to support a good offense.  

Why not?  LOL...ok, don't list the reasons.  

If we can get off to a decent start and not dig a hole right off the bat, again, why not? I think the schedule release will matter.  When and in what order we play teams can make a big difference. The Browns are at a teetering point between being pretty good or pretty bad.  Getting our identity established early will go a long way towards the final outcome.

NFL Strength of Schedules ?

@orion said:

I gotta say, it was quite a thing to watch our final two opponents last year, Steelers & Bengals, play TOTALLY SCARED of Myles.  So I guess we could say the Myles cost us Fernando Mendoza.    

It will be interesting to see how things go down in next year's draft regarding us getting a QB, because if it doesn't go well and Mendoza ends up being a very good starter, we are going to curse those last two victories.

@orion said:

I gotta say, it was quite a thing to watch our final two opponents last year, Steelers & Bengals, play TOTALLY SCARED of Myles.  So I guess we could say the Myles cost us Fernando Mendoza.    

that's o.k we still had a fine draft

@syd said:

so they gonna triple team Myles ?

I gotta say, it was quite a thing to watch our final two opponents last year, Steelers & Bengals, play TOTALLY SCARED of Myles.  So I guess we could say the Myles cost us Fernando Mendoza.    

@marvin-the-martian said:

. Our D played lights out last year, just to reach that level again will be a task itself. So we may be worse by default.

so they gonna triple team Myles ?

@marvin-the-martian said:

These are the 3 big reasons why I think our defense will be a little less effective

2. The league has ample time to adjust to what they seen last year(hhhmmm tell that to the nfc north Detroit has been a top five D for the past 4 years , alot of good tape did them)