Keep in mind back in the summer season when some players were claiming the Browns had a different vibe without ever before discussing Baker Mayfield by name)? Stefanski claimed he really did not much count on feelings, after that the protection spent the initial two months of the period not much counting on dealing with. Anyway, the Pittsburgh game is going to establish the course for those 2023 feelings even before the guys accountable go about reprising the protection once more). A fifth consecutive season in third location beats a last-place finish, yet it's more concerning the Browns making use of game 17 to reveal that they've really made progression because the begin of December.   Nick Chubb ran for 113 lawns as well as a TD in the Browns' Week 3 win versus Pittsburgh. Lon Horwedel/ U. S. A. Today) The best protective decisionsIt's not as simple as making a decision whether this season's defensive variances and gross late-game failures fall extra on the protective mentoring or the building and construction of the defensive lineup. We might be checking out a 2nd straight season in which the protection starts out unstable however ends up with a prosper-- specifically inside the division Ryan McCollum Shirt.  What is the value of continuity meant to be? Exactly how terribly did the bad run protection leakage into other areas? If the Browns do fire Joe Woods and also much of his personnel, can Stefanski as well as Berry actually out-recruit their peers to get top-level substitutes? I don't know those solutions-- and the Browns wouldn't take my input also if I did. Myles Garrett and also the Browns' cornerback group would certainly produce respectable recruiting devices and a great begin for any kind of defensive schematic change, but it's likewise clear the Browns need workers upgrades at protective tackle, linebacker and total protective depth.  Are a few of those possible upgrades currently on the lineup? If the Browns believe a brand-new protective staff can aid player advancement, then they probably have their answer. There's just a lot they'll be able to carry out in one offseason to include to the protection. As well as let's be sincere: The actions of the last 3 offseasons keep bring about the Browns ending up in 3rd location.  Health and wellness for the offending lineShuffling centers due to injury hasn't helped Watson or the offense in its entirety. Wyatt Teller rather plainly hasn't played at one hundred percent since his calf bone injury in late October. Jack Conklin rehabbed from a significant knee injury to come back in late September, yet he's not been excellent-- as well as he's not under contract for following season.  The Browns are at their best when their offending line is whipping opponents and also the run video game blazes a trail. The finest means for that to happen is for the line ahead back next season healthy as well as have a real offseason to collaborate with Watson as well as a Watson-led crime.