AFC NORTH BROWNS 2014 STRENGTHS: • Improved linebacking corps, hard-hitting defensive backs, depth on special teams Browns Offense LEON HALIP/GETTY IMAGES SPORT All the hype surrounding the offense is centered around rookie Johnny Manziel competing against Brian Hoyer at quarterback. But the Browns’ offense will only go as far as the running game takes them. Ben Tate and Terrance West are both extremely talented and should get plenty of carries this season. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan likes to run the ball and that would be wise with so much inexperience at quarterback. The offensive line has its share of questions, which usually happens when a franchise struggles with a number of losing 2014 WEAKNESSES: • Controversy at quarterback, inconsistency on offensive line, veteran leadership CLEVELAND seasons in a row. If the Browns catch a break and wide receiver Josh Gordon has his suspension reduced, they would benefit greatly. Gordon is appealing the NFL’s oneyear suspension for a positive test for marijuana. Gordon had 87 receptions for 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns last season, so having that type of production even for part of a season would be huge for the Browns. Hoyer will need to be effective. If he’s not, look for Manziel to jump in. The national attention that will come with Manziel won’t be easy to handle. If Manziel produces, everything will settle down. The Browns would be wise to concentrate on the running game, chewing up large chunks of the clock and allow their improving defense to help. The Browns finished 27th in the league in rushing (86.4 yards per game) and just four touchdowns. They signed Tate away from the Houston Texans and drafted West in the third round of the NFL Draft. This duo should be able to improve on those rushing statistics from last season. Jordan Cameron will help at tight end. Cameron looks to be prepared for a stellar season and he has the uncanny ability to make the difficult catch across the middle as well as provide blocking for both the run and the pass. The Browns’ offense likely won’t light up the scoreboard. But it should be better. Offensive Player to Watch The draft couldn’t have been easy for Manziel, a former star at Texas A&M. Then the Browns traded up for spots and selected the electrifying quarterback with the No. 22 overall pick. Within 25 minutes of Manziel being taken, the Browns sold 200 season tickets and had 300 more renewed. Upon arriving in Cleveland, Manziel was told he’d be backing up Hoyer. But for how long? If Hoyer has a subpar performance in the season opener, it could immediately open up a quarterback controversy and the attention that comes along with that. Also, if the Browns win but Hoyer struggles, the fans will be calling for Manziel. It’s an interesting situation to watch because the whole country is fascinated by Manziel’s potential. Manziel has shown flashes of brilliance thus far, but he’s never played in a regular season game in the NFL. This is going to be one of the storylines to watch in the entire league. Johnny Manziel
Chicago Bears Gameday HQ
To see the actual publication please follow the link above