Cleveland Browns 2023 Training Camp Preview: Storylines to Watch
By Jake Trotter, ESPN Staff Writer
July 17, 2023, 06:00 AM ET
The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for their 2023 NFL training camp, which is set to open on Friday at the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, there are several key storylines to keep an eye on. Let’s take a closer look:
Biggest question: Will quarterback Deshaun Watson return to passing-leader form?
Deshaun Watson had a challenging debut season in Cleveland, marred by an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Upon his return, Watson struggled to find his rhythm and ranked just 26th in the league in QBR. However, during Cleveland’s minicamp in June, Watson expressed confidence in his abilities and hinted at a potential comeback.
The Browns have shown their faith in Watson by signing him to a massive $230 million fully guaranteed contract. They are banking on him regaining his previous form and becoming one of the league’s top quarterbacks. If Watson can deliver, the Browns could emerge as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. However, if he fails to live up to expectations, the Watson trade could prove disastrous for the franchise.
Most impactful offseason addition: Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
The Browns made significant moves during the offseason to bolster their defense, including signing safety Juan Thornhill, defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, and trading for Pro Bowl pass-rusher Za’Darius Smith. However, the most impactful addition might be defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Tasked with turning around a defense that ranked 19th in efficiency last season, Schwartz has outlined an aggressive strategy.
Schwartz plans to send at least five pass-rushers on almost every snap and rely on the talented cornerback trio of Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson Jr., and Greg Newsome II in man coverage. The goal is to generate more sacks, tackles for loss, and turnovers, establishing a reputation for creating negative plays. Under Schwartz’s leadership, the Browns hope to transform their defense into a dominant force.
Can special teams finally be special again?
The Browns have struggled on special teams in recent seasons, prompting them to make a change. Longtime coordinator Mike Priefer has been replaced by former Cleveland special teams standout Bubba Ventrone. During Ventrone’s playing days with the Browns, special teams was a strength for the team, highlighted by All-Pros Josh Cribbs and Phil Dawson.
Cleveland has a promising young kicker in Cade York, whom they drafted in the fourth round last year. They also have multiple options for kick and punt returns. If Ventrone can bring it all together and restore the Browns’ special teams to their former glory, it could give the team a significant advantage.
Training camp is a success if…
The Browns enter the season fully prepared to compete. While Cleveland has a relatively favorable schedule overall, the first month of games will be crucial. They kick off the season at home against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, followed by a Monday Night Football showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Two weeks later, they face division rival Baltimore Ravens.
A strong start against tough opponents could give the Browns an early advantage in the AFC North. On the other hand, a slow start could put them in a difficult position. With an extended training camp due to their participation in the Hall of Fame game, head coach Kevin Stefanski will need to strike a balance between keeping his players fresh and focused while preparing them for the challenging early matchups.
As the Cleveland Browns embark on their 2023 training camp, all eyes will be on Deshaun Watson’s return to form, the impact of new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the revitalization of the special teams, and the team’s readiness for a demanding early schedule. The Browns have high hopes for the upcoming season, and training camp will be a crucial stepping stone towards achieving their goals.