Category: AFC NORTH

Normally when Cleveland Browns fans think of ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, it’s generally not in a positive light. Smith was a frequent critic of the team’s rise in prominence a year ago, chastising his media brethren for prematurely anointing coach Freddie Kitchens and his Browns as the rising stars.

Smith’s skepticism proved correct. So when he turns around and praises the Browns, new GM Andrew Berry, several new acquisitions and specifically young QB Baker Mayfield, it’s worth paying attention.

Smith even anointed the new-look Browns as the biggest threat to challenge the Baltimore Ravens for AFC North supremacy in 2020, ahead of the Steelers.

“I think they’re the biggest threat (for the Ravens) right now, at least on paper, Smith said on First Take. He then enthusiastically listed off why he believes in the Browns.

“Let’s give credit where credit is due. We don’t expect Baker Mayfield to regress. You have a new coach in Kevin Stefanski who clearly is an upgrade from Kitchens. If you’ve got Jarvis Landry with Odell Beckham Jr., [David] Njoku is your tight end, he’s going to be back. Austin Hooper from Atlanta as a free agent. I look at all of those things — their running game, their tight end, the offensive line was buffered. Baker Mayfield is expected to upgrade.”

Smith concluded with a nod to his doubts about the Browns last year.

“Remember, I didn’t believe in them at all last year, because I thought it was too much hype,” Smith said. “Now that they’ve gotten knocked back down to earth, I do believe they can be a legitimate threat right now.”

The full segment featuring Smith talking about the Browns and the AFC North is available on YouTube.

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