Browns: Seeing who’s the better squad, 2007 or 2020

Quarterbacks

Derek Anderson (2007) vs. Baker Mayfield (2020)

Derek Anderson was a 2007 Pro Bowler and the last quarterback to go to the Pro Bowl representing the Browns in decades. He threw 29 touchdowns, 19 interceptions for 3,878 yards but on some pretty rough efficiency, completing just 56.5% of his passes. Baker Mayfield on the other hand threw 3,367 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions while completing 62.7% of his passes. Even if they finish with the same record for the year, 10-6, Mayfield has already shown more consistency and accuracy than Anderson ever did.

Winner: Baker Mayfield (2020)

Runningbacks

Jamal Lewis & Jason Wright (2007) vs. Nick Chubb & Kareem Hunt

Jamal Lewis was a big-time back for that Browns’ team in 2007 and rushed for 1,581 yards between the team. Wright had 510 total yards on the year and one touchdown. Lewis had 1,552 total yards on the year. Big numbers, but are they big enough? Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have rushed for 1,763 yards, with Hunt having 1,104 total yards and Chubb having 1,109 total yards. The 2007 rushing game was good, but the 2020 one was legendary.

Winners: Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt (2020)

Wide Receivers

Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius, Tim Carter (2007) vs. Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr., Rashard Higgins

Now to be fair, this is less about stats. At his peak, Braylon Edwards was every bit the playmaker he needed to be. Joe Jurevicius was a reliable option who didn’t cause drama. Edwards had 80 receptions, for 1,289 yards and 16 touchdowns. Landry has never had stats like that. Jurevicius and Odell Beckham were both acquired after spending time (at some point) with the New York Giants. The difference is that Jurevicius was bigger, and a better blocker. He also wasn’t a primadonna nor did his talents decline as he aged. The point goes to both of them as being better fits, not being “better talents”. The lone holdout is that Rashard Higgins is better than Tim Carter but that makes the score two to one.

Winners: Braylon Edwards, Joe Jurevicius, Tim Carter (2007).

Tight Ends

Kellen Winslow & Steve Heiden vs. Austin Hooper, Harrison Bryant, David Njoku

We all know David Njoku is a headache, however, Kellen Winslow Jr. is a headcase. That headcase though went 82 receptions for 1106 yards for six touchdowns. Steve Heiden wasn’t a good pass-catcher, but he was a hell of a blocker and would’ve been a dream come true for Kevin Stefanski. While Austin Hooper, Harrison Bryant, and Njoku may all be better than the 2007 team in talent, they haven’t been near as consistent enough with being productive or healthy enough to be on the field to block.

Winners: Kellen Winslow & Steve Heiden (2007)

Offensive line

Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Hank Fraley, Seth McKinney, Kevin Shaffer vs. Jedrick Wills, Joe Bitonio, J.C. Tretter, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin

Let’s hit this position vs. position. Joe Thoms is over on Jedrick Wills, Eric Steinbach is just slightly a better guard than Joel Bitonio but just barely; remember, Steinbach was the best guard in football during his prime. J.C. Tretter tops Hank Fraley, Wyatt Teller is more talented than Seth McKinney but more injury plagued too. Lastly, I’d argue that Jack Conklin has the edge over Kevin Shaffer.

That means the 2020 Browns offensive line win three-to-two.

Winners: 2020 offensive line