As the Browns enter their bye week, it's a time of self-reflection and self-scouting. It's a time to review the first nine games of the season and evaluate areas of improvement for the second half.
That's the approach of Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry and the coaching staff. They have half a season of film to dissect and pinpoint how they can play complementary football on all three sides of the ball.
"Enter the bye week at 2-7, and it's obviously a disappointment," Berry said. "We haven't played well enough. We haven't done the things that are needed to achieve consistent results and wins throughout the season. It's disappointing for us internally. It's disappointing for our fans. And really, all of us share in the record. And our focus this week is on doing the things that are within our control to play quality football through the last eight weeks of the regular season. Because we have not done that to date."
Here are the main takeaways from Berry's mid-season press conference.
Assessing the trade deadline
The Browns made some changes to their defensive line at the trade deadline, sending DE Za'Darius Smith and a 2026 7th round pick to the Lions in exchange for a 2025 5th round pick and a 2026 6th round pick.
They also terminated the contract of DT Quinton Jefferson, who appeared in five games this season.
"As a general manager, that you're constantly balancing the short term and the long term, the present and the future," Berry said. "And in terms of the Za'Darius trade – I guess it's maybe a little bit like what we talked about with Amari – it's not always about moving on from a vet, and some of those decisions are made with the idea that there are other players on the roster that you do want to see in a more expanded role. Z played a lot of good football for us, and we were pleased with him. But every decision that we make we think is in the best interest of the team. Whether that's short term and long term."
While trading Smith was the only deal the Browns made at the Nov. 5 deadline, they also made a deal on Oct. 15 to trade WR Amari Cooper and a 2025 6th round pick to the Bills in exchange for a 2025 3rd round pick and a 2026 6th round pick.
Berry said as an organization, they are also always active in the trade market. They continued to look at acquiring players or other opportunities that made sense for the franchise. Berry said their record at the deadline didn't affect his overall approach to the deadline.
Check out behind the scenes photos of the 2024 Browns Team Photo
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Behind the scenes of the 2024 Team Photo at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 5, 2024.
Outlook on second half of the season
While the Browns sit at 2-7 entering the bye week, they have turned their focus to the second half of the season and how to improve as a football team. Berry said their goal is to finish out the 2024 season on a high note and have the team play at a higher level.
"We're capable of playing better," Berry said. "We should play better, and we're going to make the adjustments necessary to and improve our performance throughout the next eight games. And then, obviously, making the adjustments so we're not feeling this way the first nine games of the year moving forward."
These eight games coming out of the bye provide an opportunity for the Browns to display those adjustments that they have made on all three sides of the ball.
Berry said they will continue to hold the mindset of winning each week, regardless of who is on the field. As the season progresses, Berry said there could be opportunities for younger players or role players to earn a more expanded role – a natural transition that happens over the course of the season for teams.
He noted WR Cedric Tillman as an example of a player who has taken on an expanded role following a trade. Berry said they believed Tillman was ready for more opportunities, and over the last two games, has played a critical role in the success of the passing game. In the last three games, Tillman has recorded 255 receiving yards on 21 receptions and scored three touchdowns.
As players take on expanded roles, whether a young player or a mid-year veteran, Berry said their intention behind that shift in role is to help the Browns win games. Even with their 2-7 record, Berry said they are striving as an organization to drive winning results.
"I think every organization wants to finish strong, and that's no different for us," Berry said. "We are blessed with the opportunity to have eight more games, eight more scheduled games in the regular season, and our goal is to maximize that. We can't change the past. We can't change the first nine games, but we do have control over the next eight, and that's going to be our focus moving forward."
DE Myles Garrett recorded three sacks in Week 9, bringing his total to a team-leading seven sacks on the season. He is the Browns career sack leader with 95.5.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75), Cornerback Denzel Ward (21), Defensive end Myles Garrett (95), Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) and Running back Nick Chubb (24) before a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
The Week 9 Captains Photo before a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
The Flyover before a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Cleveland Browns on November 3, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 10-27.
Fixing the offensive inconsistencies
Through the first nine games of the season, the Browns have struggled to build consistency on the offensive side of the ball.
The Browns have a total of 1,882 passing yards, ranked 21st in the league, and 10 passing touchdowns this season. They average 209.1 passing yards per game, which is 23rd in the NFL. They also have a total of 819 rushing yards and average four yards per carry – ranked 27th in the league. The Browns average 91 rushing yards per game, ranked 29th in the NFL.
Penalties have also played a factor in the first half of the season, as the Browns are the third-most penalized team in the NFL with 71 total penalties. On the offensive side of the ball, Cleveland has 16 false starts, 12 offensive holding calls and seven offsides penalties.
The Browns have worked through a number of injuries to their offensive line, causing them to use eight different combinations of players on the offensive line. At times, the Browns struggled with protection as players shifted around to different positions on the offensive line. In recent weeks, their offensive line became healthier as RT Jack Conklin, LT Jedrick Wills Jr. and RG Wyatt Teller returned. Dawand Jones earned the start at left tackle for two consecutive weeks and will step into a starting role moving forward.
"It's nice to have all three available probably for the first time this season in the past couple weeks," Berry said. "I think that we've seen an improvement just in general in that regard, which is having those guys healthy and available and it's something that we will expect to see continued progression as we go into the second half of the season."
Now, as they move into the second half of the season, Berry said they are focused on creating offensive consistency.
"I think there are a variety of factors, there's probably always a little bit of transition cost when you do make changes, we have had guys in and out of the lineup," Berry said. "And then quite honestly, at times we haven't played disciplined football. We've shot ourselves in the foot. But again, that's not new to the NFL. That's not new to our organization. No excuses in that regard. We just have to play better."
