Defensive end Za'Darius Smith #99 of the Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns’ 2023 season has been a challenging one, and with a much-needed bye week now upon them, the focus is squarely on finding answers to their troubling offensive struggles. Sitting at a disappointing 2-7, the Browns are reeling after a 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers that saw their offense fail to reach the end zone until the final minutes of the game. As the team prepares to regroup and refocus during the break, the front office has made a move that signals a shift toward long-term planning, trading veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith to the Detroit Lions ahead of the trade deadline.
Za’Darius Smith Trade: A Step Toward the Future
The Browns traded Smith, one of their top defensive players, to the Lions in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick and a 2026 sixth-round pick. In addition, Cleveland sent a 2026 seventh-round pick to Detroit, a move that underscores the team’s commitment to looking toward the future. While Smith was a solid contributor, the decision to part ways with the veteran pass rusher highlights Cleveland’s focus on rebuilding and retooling the roster for the coming seasons.
This trade comes at a time when the Browns are desperately searching for ways to revitalize their offense. With an offense that has struggled to get off the ground for much of the year, the Browns are hoping that stockpiling draft capital for future years will help provide the resources needed to address their biggest concerns: scoring consistency and quarterback stability.
The Offensive Woes: A Struggling Unit
Through nine games, the Browns’ offense has been one of the league’s least productive units. To put it into perspective: Cleveland’s punter, Corey Bojorquez, has accumulated 2,600 yards on 50 punts, which has actually outpaced the offense’s total of 2,470 yards on the season. This disparity is a clear indication of how poorly the offense has performed. For context, Jameis Winston, who has taken over as the starting quarterback, has yet to settle into a rhythm, and the Browns’ offensive line and skill positions have struggled to provide the necessary support to get the unit moving.
With Cleveland lacking a consistent running game and the passing attack being sporadic at best, the Browns have found themselves unable to sustain drives, let alone score touchdowns. The lack of offensive production is clearly the team’s biggest issue, and it is one that will need to be addressed in the second half of the season if they hope to have any shot at turning things around.
Looking Ahead: A Potential Opportunity vs. the Saints
The Browns’ upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 11 could present an unexpected opportunity for Cleveland’s defense to take center stage. The Saints, who have been one of the more solid teams in the NFC South, are facing their own injury woes heading into this game. Star receiver Chris Olave, who has been a focal point of the Saints’ offense this season, has already been ruled out for New Orleans’ Week 10 game against the Atlanta Falcons due to a concussion. There is growing concern that Olave could be placed on Injured Reserve, with some reports suggesting that his season may be in jeopardy.
If Olave’s injury proves to be as serious as feared, the Saints’ offense could be without their top target for the rest of the season, which would dramatically impact their ability to stretch the field and move the ball down the field. This could give the Browns’ defense an edge, especially with Cleveland’s defensive front, led by Myles Garrett, looking to capitalize on the Saints’ potential lack of explosive plays.
The Browns’ defense has been one of the few bright spots in a frustrating season, ranking among the league’s top units in various categories. While Cleveland’s offense has faltered, the defense has consistently kept them in games, and with the Saints potentially down their top playmaker, the Browns’ defensive line could wreak havoc and force New Orleans into mistakes.
The Need for Offensive Improvement
While the trade of Smith signals a focus on the future, the Browns can’t ignore the glaring issue on the offensive side of the ball. As the team looks ahead to the second half of the season, there is no shortage of questions about the quarterback position. Jameis Winston’s performance will remain under the microscope, with Cleveland needing him to show more consistency and leadership if they have any hope of salvaging the season. At the same time, the Browns’ offensive line will need to step up to provide protection and create running lanes for the backs, something that has been inconsistent all season long.
Cleveland’s offensive struggles, paired with the injury concerns facing the Saints, create a window for the Browns to potentially make a run at improving their record. However, much of that will depend on whether their defense can continue to carry the team and if their offense can find any semblance of consistency.
Final Thoughts
As the Cleveland Browns enter their bye week at 2-7, the path forward remains unclear. The trade of Za’Darius Smith to the Lions signifies that the team is looking toward the future, with an eye on rebuilding through the draft. However, with a Week 11 matchup against the New Orleans Saints that could feature a severely limited offense, Cleveland may have a chance to right the ship on defense while continuing to search for answers on offense.
The rest of the season will be critical for the Browns. With a well-timed break to regroup, the team has the opportunity to address their many issues and figure out how to get their offense back on track. Cleveland fans are hoping that the Week 11 matchup against a Saints team potentially without Olave could be just the opportunity the Browns need to start a much-needed turnaround. The clock is ticking, and it’s clear that the second half of the season will make or break the future of the 2023 Cleveland Browns.
