The Cleveland Browns are turning everything upside down! To build upon their historically bad offensive face-plant from the 2024 NFL season, they’ve completely overhauled their roster and coaching staff. After finishing last in scoring, the Browns have brought in four new quarterbacks: Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and the promising Shedeur Sanders. These additions reflect a renewed commitment to enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities as they seek to rebound from a challenging year.
Undoubtedly, an NFL-best 18th season the terrific Joe Flacco’s depth of experience could pay unexpected dividends to this intriguing lineup. His veteran status could offer security on a club that limped through four different starting quarterbacks last year. Diagnosis The Browns dug deep and made a big change on the coaching staff too, firing offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and replacing him with Tommy Rees. They replaced Karl Dunbar with new offensive line coach Mike Bloomgren. This decision Linebacker U would be a clear indication they’re committed to improving quarterback play and shoring up pass protection along the offensive front.
A New Era of Quarterbacks
With new quarterbacks to lead the way, the Browns are taking a drastic turn. Today, they’re focused on meeting their offensive issue in the backfield. Second-year QB Kenny Pickett, whose big arm and decision-making shined last year at times, is confident in the new-look offense.
“His route-running ability, his ability to separate, drop his weight in and out of routes, it’s special,” – Kenny Pickett
Flacco’s wealth of experience should prove to be invaluable for the younger quarterbacks on the roster. Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders only have a few years of experience between them but much more upside. Sanders, a star at Jackson State, has become one of the most talked about players for his playmaking ability and poise under center.
First, head coach Kevin Stefanski has signaled a flexible plan with the quarterback battle.
“We’re mixing it up every single day,” – Kevin Stefanski
Between all of these moves, it’s obvious that the Browns are dedicated to building an environment in which their quarterbacks can grow and compete. This strategy will be important as the team looks to try to find an offensive-minded head coach to steer the ship.
Coaching Changes and Offensive Overhaul
The immediate decision to move on from Ken Dorsey is a clear indication of the Browns’ urgency to fix everything and get on an upward trajectory offensively. Under Dorsey’s leadership, the staff proved to be one of the worst in the league, finishing dead last in points scored. With Tommy Rees now at the helm of the offense, the focus will be on restructuring plays and developing a cohesive strategy that utilizes the talents of the new roster additions.
Mike Bloomgren’s appointment as offensive line coach further reflects a commitment to strengthening the team’s foundation. Considering how much offensive line play affects quarterback efficacy, this is the most important hire that MSU can make.
While the new coaching staff continues to build their philosophies, a tall task for a first-time head coach, players are still working to learn brand new systems and expectations.
“It’s Day 2 for us, so I think everybody understands where they’re supposed to be and when they’re supposed to be there,” – Kevin Stefanski
Apart from new QB signings, the Browns are banking on a big investment made to their offense during this year’s draft. All but two of the seven draft picks went to improve their offensive side of play. This further demonstrates the team’s commitment to constructing a more dynamic, explosive offense.
Drafting for Success
The selection of Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson aims to establish a formidable one-two punch in the backfield alongside established star Nick Chubb. Furthermore, when healthy Chubb has been among the league’s most productive rushers. During his seven seasons with the Browns, he’s racked up more than 6,843 rushing yards and 51 total touchdowns. Hopefully, the new influx of younger talent will lend him good support.
Jerome Ford should be a factor here, as Ford had rushed for 565 yards and three TDs last year. The Browns are bettor most definitely trying to create more depth in their running game while still having Chubb be the primary option.
The receiving corps will look different this season. Don’t forget about Jerry Jeudy’s Pro Bowl performance from last season – that’s certainly cranked up the excitement! Jeudy had a breakout encore in 2024 with 1,229 receiving yards and four touchdowns. With the Elijah Moore trade to the Buffalo Bills, the landscape is ripe for other receivers to pique fantasy players’ interest.
Johnson’s signing is welcomed for the sake of experience at least, but it does leave you asking if Johnson hasn’t topped 1,000 receiving yards since 2021. The Browns are hoping for Johnson to regain his old rhythm while easing him into a brand new offensive scheme.
The Browns have given their offensive line the same treatment, adding veterans like Cornelius Lucas and Teven Jenkins to give Cleveland one of the best lines in football. It’s a smart strategy to make sure that whoever wins the starting quarterback job will be well-protected.
Building Depth on Offense
Dawand Jones not only stepped up, but he looked great, and unfortunately, he suffered a leg injury that ended his season. He is rehabbing from arthroscopic knee surgery. His lack of availability further highlights the need to have depth options ready to step up.
With training camp well underway, the competition, like training camp, has been intense. The future starting quarterback role in this newly expanded core is very much still up for grabs. It will be a competition between Flacco and Pickett and Gabriel and Sanders. Each contestant is hell-bent on winning their opportunity to pilot a renovated offense.
As training camp progresses, it remains uncertain who will ultimately claim the starting quarterback position in this newly formed lineup. The competition appears fierce among Flacco, Pickett, Gabriel, and Sanders, each vying for their chance to lead a revitalized offense.
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