In the lead up to training camp there has been a lot of talk about the Cleveland Browns. Will they live up to the hype? How will Baker Mayfield’s sophomore year go? Super Bowl odds? Cleveland has been on everyone’s mind!
Now that camp has begun, let’s look at some of the buzz and what to watch for.
Duke Johnson Saga
Many people know already that Johnson requested a trade some time ago, in response to the Kareem Hunt signing. Presumably, Johnson knows that even though Hunt has been suspended for the first eight games of the season, once he returns the former Chiefs running back will likely steal reps from him.
Regardless of the request, Johnson remains with the team.
Cleveland shut down any inkling of a trade, but the battle rages on as Johnson changed up his agent by hiring Drew Rosenhaus. Cleveland’s front office has already met with Rosenhaus to discuss Johnson’s future, but the most impressive part of this whole ordeal is the caliber of professionalism shown by Johnson.
Training camp has begun, and Johnson is present. At a time when holding out is the “in thing,” with the likes of Melvin Gordon and Yannick Ngakoue currently absent from their respective teams, it’s respectable that Johnson has turned up and is doing right by his team. Eyes are on Johnson and his entire situation.
Kareem Hunt Injury
Speaking of Kareem Hunt, he looks to be heading into camp on the non-football injury list, supposedly due to a groin injury sustained whilst working out. This shouldn’t be too much of a concern given he’s not eligible to play until November, so he should have plenty of time to recover. However, when it comes to injuries, you just don’t know what’s going to happen.
Will the injury hinder his ability to keep fit and sharp by the time he prepares to hit the ground running in Week 9? Or will he be fine and able to make an immediate impact in November and beyond? Only time will tell, and the next few weeks will be important to gauge where he’s at.
Emergence of King Myles
Myles Garrett is an absolute beast of a man. He is large in stature, and his drive to succeed is rivaled by none. Not to mention he’s just a really nice guy (unless you’re an opposing quarterback). Last season he racked up 44 tackles, 13.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. The man is a legend in the making and we get to witness his historic rise in real-time.
There’s been talk about whether he improves this year or whether he regresses. For the most part, he’s going to improve. He anchors Cleveland’s defence and is a leader on and off the field. He currently has the sixth best odds of taking the Defensive Player of the Year award this season, a feat no Browns player has ever achieved.
Watch Garrett during training camp and if you’re not already impressed, I guarantee you will be, come season start.
Sophomore Baker
If you don’t know Baker Mayfield by now, it’s time to move on out from under that giant rock. Mayfield is touted as Cleveland’s saviour after firmly taking the reins as QB1 part way through last season. He went on to not only win the first game in 635 days for the Browns, but to rack up 3,725 yards and 27 touchdowns. His efforts secured the Browns a 7-8-1 record in 2018, which was much more than most anticipated.
Now, entering year two and as the solid starter from the outset, Mayfield has a bit of weight on those square shoulders. He performed well last year, but he needs to perform exceptional this season. Playoff teams need consistent, high-level quarterback play and that’s exactly what Mayfield is aiming to deliver.
With an extremely impressive effort by the front office to surround him with talent, Mayfield should have all the tools he needs to do what is now expected. If the Mayfield-OBJ connection is established, you will see the Browns in January. Watch for this connection and chemistry during camp, as it’s sure to excite.
This is going to be one heck of a year ladies and gentlemen … and it all starts now at training camp!
