The Cleveland Browns are the center of attention and drama in the NFL for 2022.
They first got the spotlight on them for their meeting with quarterback Deshaun Watson.
News of the meeting would cause their starting quarterback, Baker Mayfield, to make a post on his feelings regarding the matter.
After days of speculation and rumors of the Browns’ chances of getting Watson, they finally reached a deal.
It split fans of the Dawg Pound on how they feel about the move.
As a female browns fan I say welcome to Cleveland @deshaunwatson
— 𝔹𝕦𝕔𝕜𝕖𝕪𝕖 𝔹𝕚𝕫 (@buckeyenichole) March 25, 2022
Candidly, last I checked, Deshaun was cleared of criminal wrongdoing by two grand juries and the civil cases haven't been decided. At this point, it's fair to say @MRidenourABJ can't be objective about my QB. #Browns pic.twitter.com/ZYGb5Edmn6
— Candid Jimmy Haslam (@JimmyHaslam) March 27, 2022
Some think it improves their playoff chances.
Others don’t feel the same with Watson taking Cleveland to the playoffs.
So what are the three things that could keep the Browns out of the playoffs?
3. Deshaun Watson
I’m on the side of the Cleveland fans that think Watson won’t help the team make the playoffs.
There are a couple of issues to address with Watson.
First, he hasn’t played a game in over a year.
That means he might need some time to get back into the swing of things on the field.
Second, he might face a suspension by the league regarding his criminal cases.
While those cases are dismissed, that doesn’t mean Roger Goodell won’t suspend him.
It wouldn’t be the first time a player got suspended after the dismissal of criminal charges.
In the past, Goodell suspended Ben Roethlisberger when he faced a similar situation.
Watson could face that same fate, hurting the Browns’ playoff chances.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
Last NFL season saw the Bengals make it all the way to the Super Bowl.
The AFC North champions are one of the many teams that stand in the way of the Browns’ playoff hopes.
They aren’t looking to give up their title to the Browns in a tough AFC North division.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals showed the world that they are a serious Super Bowl contender team.
Having to face a team like that twice a year is a tremendous challenge for the Browns.
The Browns aren’t ready yet to overcome the challenge they will face with the Bengals.
1. The Browns Are Their Own Worst Enemy
Every season the Browns shoot themselves in the foot.
From losing close games to losing to teams they should have beat, the Browns find ways to lose games.
While the team has Watson now, they are without Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr.
The team released Beckham in the middle of the season last year, while they released Landry this year.
Browns release WR Jarvis Landry. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/ga8jPsQLqk
— NFL (@NFL) March 14, 2022
The two played a role in the production the Browns had on the field.
Without those two receivers, Watson is without star power at the receiver position.
As a result, Watson will suffer from lackluster numbers unless the team gets him help.
That help might not happen because of the contract that he just signed with the team.
His massive contract takes away money that could have been used to help the team in other areas.
Without additional weapons, the Browns will suffer the same fate they do every season.
NEXT: Deshaun Watson Set To Face The Media On Friday