Browns Alchemy
September 4, 2024 8:37 am ET
The Cleveland Browns begin their 2024 season on Sunday when they host the Dallas Cowboys. Football is often described as a war of attrition, especially at the professional level, where players like mercenaries can be signed off the street in case of emergency. The 17-game season will be long and brutal, with the ultimate reward being more games until no teams are left.
Every week is simple in that a team must win or lose. However, each week brings a new set of unique problems and achievements for a team. Every week’s importance and uncertainty make the sport so enticing to follow.
The Browns have a difficult road ahead of them this season. The team plays the AFC West, NFC East, and the Jaguars, Saints, and Dolphins. The Browns will have to play a lot of Super Bowl favorites from both the AFC and NFC this year. Here are the six games that will define the Browns’ season.
Week 2: Browns at Jaguars
Dec 10, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) lends a hand to help up Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) during the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns fly down to Florida to battle the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2. The game will have massive implications on the wild card race later in the season. The two teams have been constant playoff contenders over the last few seasons. Last year, the Browns helped solidify their spot in the playoffs with a 31-27 win in Week 14.
The Browns harassed an injured Trevor Lawrence and shut down a rather prolific offense. Joe Flacco’s three-touchdown performance helped elevate the Browns to a win.
This year the Browns will have to lock down an improved Jaguars passing attack. The Jaguars selected Brian Thomas Jr. to replace Calvin Ridley who left in free agency. The Jaguars used free agency to upgrade from Zay Jones to Gabe Davis. The Jaguars also improved their defensive line by adding Pro Bowl defensive tackle Arik Armstead.
The Jaguars added a lot of talent this offseason as they push to compete for an AFC South title. The game should allow the Browns to measure themselves against some of the best in the AFC. I would not be surprised if we see a rematch of this Week 2 matchup in the playoffs later this season.
Week 6: Browns at Eagles
(Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
The Cleveland Browns will travel to Stefanski’s hometown of Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in Week 6. The Eagles have been one of the best teams in the NFC for the last decade. Their name has become synonymous with success.
The Eagles struggled at the end of their season. A blow-out loss in the playoffs against Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers made the offense soul-search for a new identity. The Eagles hired Kellen Moore as their offensive coordinator to help provide quarterback Jalen Hurts with more answers in the passing game. It’s similar to Kevin Stefanski and the Browns’ journey this offseason.
Under the stewardship of general manager Andrew Berry, the Browns have modeled themselves off the Eagles. The organization tries to be on the cutting edge of analytics while strengthening the person-to-person. Sometimes the cold analytical approach to objective solutions can alienate those working in those spaces. The Browns have done a great job bridging the gap between the two sides.
In many ways, the Browns mirror the Eagles. It’s probably an unflattering comparison for Eagles fans, but it’s true. The game will be a good competition between two quarterbacks trying to find a new voice and rhythm, to help their team win. Fans of both teams have a lot riding on how those $50 million quarterbacks play. Win or lose, the trip to Philadelphia will tell us a lot about the Browns season.
Week 7: Browns vs. Bengals
Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell (18) leaps to pull down a catch for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024.
The Cleveland Browns host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. This will be the Browns’ first game against an AFC North team and it’s pivotal for them to start hot against their division rivals.
The Browns historically received zero respect from the national media until they beat the Bengals. I assume this year will be the same. The Browns have the Bengals’ number. The Browns’ defense was built to stop the high-flying passing attacks of the AFC, specifically the Bengals’ offense.
A dominant Browns’ win against the Bengals could make the Browns the division favorite headed late into the year.
Week 15: Browns Vs. Chiefs
Aug 26, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) catches a touchdown pass against Kansas City Chiefs safety Mike Edwards (21) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns will host the back-to-back Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, in a Week 15 matchup. The Chiefs will be in top form near the end of the season as they look to three-peat. The Browns will hopefully be in similar form when they meet as they strive to win the AFC North.
The Browns haven’t played Mahomes since 2021, when Mahomes beat the Browns twice – once in the playoffs, and then in Week 1 of the following season. The Browns’ defense has added a lot of talent since they last faced the best quarterback in the NFL. I know the Browns’ defense is heavily anticipating this matchup.
Hopefully, the Browns will have found an offensive identity conducive to winning football games by this point in the season. The game will be a good chance for the Browns to experience what the best offers before the postseason.
Week 17: Browns Vs. Dolphins
Miami Dolphins fullback Alec Ingold (30), dives into the endzone for the first touchdown of the game against the Cleveland Browns during NFL action Sunday November 13, 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
The Cleveland Browns host the Miami Dolphins in their penultimate regular season game. The late-season matchup will be important in deciding playoff seeding. The Dolphins will have one of the best offenses in the NFL as they use their game-breaking speed to wreck defenses.
The Dolphins use their speed to attack teams horizontally before the snap, which has been the best strategy for beating Jim Schwartz’s defense. The Browns will have their work cut out against the Dolphins’ free-flowing attack.
The Browns can run with a lot of momentum heading into the playoffs if the defense can stifle the Dolphins’ offense. If not, the team has enough time to find answers before the playoffs begin.
Week 18: Browns at Ravens
Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws a pass as Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) rushes during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns end their season against the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns face a murderer’s row to finish out their season. If they can survive it, they will play the Ravens for the AFC North division title.
The Browns host the Ravens in week 8, but the Week 18 matchup is far more important. The teams will be familiar with each other, and both teams could be fighting tooth and nail for the division title.
The Browns will have an opportunity to clinch a title, a feat they haven’t accomplished since returning to the NFL. If they win the AFC North in Baltimore they can show the world that the Browns have changed. If not, they could still be competing in the playoffs.
