On Monday, HBO and NFL Films revealed that “Hard Knocks: In Season” will focus on the AFC North for the 2024 season.
Several intriguing narratives are expected from what is anticipated to be the NFL’s toughest division again. Here are the top three storylines for the Cleveland Browns.
1. Deshaun Watson’s last chance
Watson’s initial two years in Cleveland have not met expectations. The 28-year-old quarterback has participated in only 12 games due to suspension and injuries, recording just 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions during this period.
The Browns have made significant efforts to equip Watson with the talent needed to replicate his 2020 performance when he led the league with 4,823 passing yards.
This makes the 2024 season critical for Watson. If he continues to struggle with injuries or underperformance, the team may need to consider other quarterback options, given their otherwise strong roster.
2. Will Nick Chubb be the same player?
Chubb has been a consistently elite running back over his six-year career, amassing 6,511 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns.
However, Chubb suffered a major injury in Week 2 of last season, injuring the same knee he hurt in 2015. Diagnosed with a torn MCL and a damaged ACL, his availability for the 2024 season remains uncertain.
The question now is whether he can return to his previous form.
If he can’t, Chubb may become another example of why running backs are often undervalued due to their shorter career spans.
3. Return of the No. 1 defense
Cleveland boasted the league’s top defense in total yards allowed last season and could potentially repeat this feat in 2024, having retained key free-agent defenders such as edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and defensive tackle Shelby Harris.
The Browns did lose linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. (Dolphins) and Sione Takitaki (Patriots) in free agency, but they replaced them with capable veterans in Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush.
Plus, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, edge rusher Myles Garrett, is looking to wreak even more havoc in his second season under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
