The Cleveland Browns were one of the success stories of the 2020 NFL season.
With a rookie head coach in Kevin Stefanski taking over during a pandemic, no one expected the team to finish 11-5 and win a Wild Card playoff game.
Last season’s performance created high expectations for 2021; those expectations include winning the AFC North division, earning a playoff berth, and potentially getting to the Super Bowl.
On top of that, the Browns had another stellar offseason under GM Andrew Berry.
Under his leadership, Cleveland made smart additions to the roster without breaking the bank.
Between free agency and this draft — the @Browns have done a remarkable job improving their defensive talent. Really smart moves.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) May 1, 2021
With all of that being said, both young and old Browns fans are ready to see their team win a Super Bowl.
Here are three reasons why the Browns can win Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.
Awesome Running Game
With the teamwork of running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, the Browns have a top notch running game that can squash opposing defenses.
Both can run, catch, and barrel their way to the end zone.
The other component of the Browns running game that is noteworthy is the outstanding offensive line.
It is regarded as one of the best in football, and it is responsible for creating those holes that Chubb and Hunt run through.
The BEST O-Line in the NFL is ______💪@BaldyNFL has his answer 👇 (via @NFLTotalAccess) pic.twitter.com/0Yx6VmpaLp
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 29, 2021
Improved Defense
To be fair, the Browns defense had a lot of injuries and disappointments last season.
Rookie safety Grant Delpit never got on the field, having suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason.
Second-year cornerback Greedy Williams suffered a nerve injury in preseason that ended his season prematurely in October 2020.
Myles Garrett contracted COVID-19, missed playing time, and suffered from lingering effects long after the virus left him.
Having a healthy Delpit, Williams, and Garrett on the field will be a huge bonus.
Then, there are the free agent additions such as Jadeveon Clowney, Takkarist McKinley, John Johnson III, Troy Hill, Malik Jackson, and more.
The 2021 Browns defense has skill and depth at each position.
If the defensive unit plays up to its potential, the Browns will create a lot of headaches for opposing teams’ offensive coordinators.
Mayfield Plays Great
Quarterback Baker Mayfield is a polarizing figure in Cleveland.
Some love him, and some do not.
There is no happy medium.
He is entering the fourth year of his NFL career; it is the first time he will have the continuity of the same playbook and coaches from a previous season.
Mayfield has also matured and become laser-focused on improving his fitness and his game.
He played well last year with significant improvements to his footwork, and he threw fewer interceptions.
The Browns offensive line gave him protection and time.
This team’s fate rides on Mayfield’s shoulders.
He is already the fall guy if things fail this year.
Colin Cowherd says the only things that can stop the Browns are injuries and Mayfield.
There is no reason to believe that Mayfield will regress.
With his continued improvement in 2021, the Browns can win the Super Bowl.
NEXT: 3 Reasons Browns Cannot Win Super Bowl This Season