Expectations for the Cleveland Browns were extremely high heading into the 2024 season. They had just won 11 games, were named the highest seed Wild Card and were playing in a postseason game.

The squad brought its stud quarterback back into the team. QB Deshaun Watson was fully healthy again and vowed to do something special this year. The defense ranked first statistically in almost every category, while the special teams had one of the best punters, kickers and long snappers.

RELATED: AMARI COOPER TRADE DETAILS

Although there was an unknown factor with Watson, the expectation was that he would return to his previous playing self that he displayed during his time as a member of the Houston Texans. He had appeared in three Pro Bowls and led the league in passing for a four-win team. For a club that has just won 11 games, Watson should definitely strengthen the offense and further develop the franchise.

The Browns even reshuffled their offensive coaching staff to better suit Watson.

However, numerous media outlets questioned the Browns' 2024 version. Bleacher Report Author Maurice Moton wrote an article about his prediction that every team would finish last in every division, choosing Cleveland to finish last in the AFC North Division despite its playoff bid the previous season .

Moton explained:

“Since the Browns acquired Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, he has thrown 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 12 games. Watson hasn't shown many signs of the Pro Bowl-caliber player who led the Texans to the playoffs in 2018 and 2019. In his absence last season, Cleveland made the postseason thanks to the strength of Joe Flacco's arm. With Watson under center, Cleveland has been running a strong offense, which raises another area of ​​concern. He completed just 59.8 percent of his passes in two seasons with the Browns.”

Brown's Wire Writers Tony Camino and Owen O'Connor predicted another 11-6-0 result. Cory Kinnan went one step further with a record of 12-5-0.

O'Connor explained:

“With a fully healthy roster in Week 1, the potential for this team is limitless. The 11-win Cleveland Browns in 2023 have expanded their success with some very important additions. Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel are expected to make big contributions in their own ways. With one of the best rosters in the NFL and a very experienced coaching staff, the Browns could easily win 12 games this season.”

GM Andrew Berry was quoted as saying clevelandbrowns.com As I said:

“As we head into training camp and the summer deepens, we are truly excited about the group of players, coaches and staff we have assembled this season. We still have a long way to go and a lot of work to do. But we are encouraged by the early returns to camp and look forward to moving forward and having stack days together and ultimately realizing the potential of this team. It was pretty cool to see how that fit in with expanding the offensive plan.”

Browns fans assumed Watson would play better in 2024 after he showed signs of a return to form last year.

He also had plenty of playmakers in WR Amari Cooper and TE David Njoku, both of whom made the Pro Bowl last year. Considering the fact that WR Jerry Jeudy was acquired from the Denver Broncos and receiver Elijah Moore was already with the team, while RB Nick Chubb would return from injury at some point, the stable looked pretty full.

Naysayers noted that, realistically, can anyone be confident in picking Cleveland for the playoffs again when a signal-caller has not only struggled on the field but also suffered numerous injuries?

But now? The realism is that Cleveland is 1-5-0 and in last place in the division. They lost to the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Football Giants, who themselves have only won two games and are not good teams. Their only win came at the expense of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who had only one win and scored the second-most points in the league. So there is nothing to boast about.

The announcement of Cooper's move on Tuesday was a godsend for this Browns team. His mantel features five Pro Bowl trophies. He is (was) Cleveland's best playmaker – or at least their best chance to make big plays.

However, he has struggled this season. He leads the league in dropped passes. His highest production was just 86 yards in the loss to the Giants, while he had just three catches for 11 yards against Jacksonville. His 2024 totals are 53 targets, 24 receptions, 250 yards, 11 first down receptions, average of 10.4 yards per reception, 2.4 average yards after contact, nine drops, 17.0 drop percentage and two touchdowns.

Nothing to call your grandma about.

But the thing about swapping is this: who will take his place? If there was going to be a big play, a long gain or a spectacular catch, it was always Coop.

Jeudy hasn't shown anything this year and just one good game. He performed below average in all other competitions. Juedy's 2024 totals are 36 targets, 20 receptions, 248 yards, 12 first down receptions, 12.4 yards average per reception, 2.2 average yards after contact, three drops, 8.3 drop percentage and one touchdown.

All other receivers have stats that are negligible. Moore is absolutely the invisible man. Cedric Tillman has only 124 offensive snaps, while rookie Jamari Thrash has never seen the field. The training team includes Michael Woods, Jaelon Darden and Kadarius Toney.

The Njoku factor is a dilemma in itself.

The Pro Bowler was injured in the opening game against the Dallas Cowboys after just four balls for 44 yards. He then sat out two games and returned in Week 5 against the Washington Commanders, where he only had one reception for 14 yards. In the Philly loss, Njoku grabbed five catches for 31 yards. He only scored 15 goals all season. Last year he was second on the squad with 123. Find out.

Now at 1-5-0, how do the Browns handle the rest of their schedule?

At this point in the season, Cleveland owns the second pick in this year's NFL Draft. It has been several years since the Browns drafted in the first round, as the Texans were given a plethora of picks as part of the Watson trade. So getting into the top 5 would be a blessing.

It's highly unlikely that this coaching staff decides to neglect the rest of the game plan. These coaches are very proud men who have a good reputation in the league and no one wants to be held accountable for intentional losses. Does anyone see for a second that DC Jim Schwartz is intentionally taking losses?

Chubb's return could give this offense a new lease of life. The offensive line could find a way to improve, which would help Watson tremendously. The game plan could involve Njoku again and find a way to improve Jeudy's game.

The Browns had a chance to draw level with the Philadelphia Eagles late in the game, but couldn't. There were opportunities to turn the game around against the New York Football Giants. So there were opportunities to improve their record, and yet they failed. They play a weak Cincinnati Bengals team this weekend.

RELATED: BROWNS INJURY IS UNOBSERVABLE

But a word of caution: If Cooper was the Browns' best playmaker and was a third-round pick, what's stopping GM Berry from doing his best and signing players for wholesale?

Could high-priced veterans like CB Denzel Ward, OT Jack Conklin and OG Joel Bitonio be next?

What happens if the Detroit Lions question the availability of DE Myles Garrett after losing their best pass rusher?

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What do you think the Browns offense looks like after the Cooper trade? Do you think there will be more big moves before the trade deadline?

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