#HeyTony: Why do the Browns have the toughest 2024 schedule in the NFL?

Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.

Hey Tony: How did the Browns get the toughest schedule in the NFL?

-- AJ, Avon, OH

Hey AJ: I wouldn’t get too caught up in that. The schedule formula is set years in advance on a rotational basis. This year, AFC North teams play all teams in the AFC West and NFC East. Those games, plus division games, form the bulk of the schedule strength. Based on final records in 2023, the “toughest” schedules in 2024 belong to the Browns (.547.), Ravens (.536) and Steelers (.533). When the season starts in September, the 2023 records of their opponents don’t matter.

Hey Tony: Why has there no contract extension news on Stefanski and Berry?

-- Tim, Dublin, OH

Hey Tim: I don’t know why the Browns haven’t announced extensions yet. Jimmy Haslam said in March that they were going to happen.

Hey Tony: Why did the Browns sign Jameis Winston as QB2 instead of Joe Flacco?

-- Andy, New Albany, OH

Hey Andy: In my opinion, ostensibly because they didn’t want the popularity of Flacco to interfere with Deshaun Watson’s comeback. Also, the Ken Dorsey offense will feature shotgun spread principles, RPOs, QB runs, etc. Flacco’s better under center executing a play-action game – the Kevin Stefanski offense.

Hey Tony: Any chance the Browns move a home game to Canton or Columbus?

-- Dave, Bowling Green, OH

Hey Dave: Zero chance.

Hey Tony: I know it’s early, but can you give me one undrafted free agent who might make the final roster? 

-- Leonard, Troy, OH

Hey Leonard: Treyton Welch, tight end from Wyoming. Why him? There’s a roster spot available behind David Njoku and Jordan Akins.

Hey Tony: What position group are you most concerned about going into this season? I am concerned about the RB group.

-- Chris, Auburn, WA

Hey Chris: I’m always concerned about the linebacker group beyond Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.  

Hey Tony: If the Browns get off to a slow start should they bench Watson to secure higher draft picks? And or fire Stefanski?

-- Jim, Fremont, OH

Hey Jim: No, and no.

Hey Tony: Last year Jim Schwartz encouraged celebrating plays. Do you have a favorite celebration move that just wow’d you last year?

-- Josh, Galena, OH 

Hey Josh: I guess I’d vote for the group photo shot in the end zone after a Pick 6. I’m not a fan of over-celebrating basic plays, like simple pass break-ups and third-down stops. Sacks and turnovers, I can see being celebrated.

Hey Tony: Given the lack of draft picks the past 3 years in return for a QB that has barely played is it fair to say that Andrew Berry has done an amazing job? Why don’t we have extensions announced if that’s the case?

-- Ryan, Phoenix, AZ

Hey Ryan: Berry has done a good job considering the challenges imposed by the Watson trade and contract. It helps having an owner willing to write the checks and pay so much cash over cap for veteran pickups to make up for lack of draft picks.

Hey Tony: Do you see the same preseason where the starters play very little again? Would like to see a bit more cohesion, especially from the offense going into the opener.

-- Rich, Willoughby, OH  

Hey Rich: Unfortunately, yes, I see more of the same. Look for a lot of Jameis Winston and Tyler Huntley at quarterback, for instance. One good thing about this year’s preseason games is we’ll get a good look at the new hybrid kickoff rule. That’ll be fun to watch, I guess.

Hey Tony: With Dawand Jones and Jack Conklin both at RT, what are the Browns planning to do with the offensive line?

-- Greg, Parma Heights, OH 

Hey Greg: Entering the third year of a four-year contract extension, Conklin is scheduled to make $13.85 million in 2024. If healthy, Conklin will be the right tackle. Jones’ time will come.

Hey Tony: Any movement on who will be calling plays?

-- Mike, Naples, FL

Hey Mike: The rookie minicamp was the first time the media have seen Stefanski’s new coaches in action. It certainly looks like he is allowing Ken Dorsey to be in total charge of running the offense. If that proves true, I’d expect Dorsey to call the plays. But I’m waiting for Stefanski to let me know. He promised I’d be the first to know.