Month: October 2024

This is the most frustrating Browns team I’ve watched. The only consistent thing about this team is you know they’re going to shoot themselves in the foot at any moment. Last year, you had the feeling they would somehow win, but this year is the opposite. Before you point the finger at a certain player or coach, this a team effort to be this bad, with the exception of Myles Garrett. This guy gives his all, every game.

There’s no easy solution. Sure, the head coach could bench Deshaun Watson, but that’s not on the table right now, but could be in the future. I saw the offense improve in the second half, but stupid penalties, questionable play calling and lack of effort stopped any hope for a comeback. False starts, holding, offensive facemask, yada, yada, yada. A jet sweep on a third and one, kicking a field goal instead of going for the go-ahead touchdown late in the game on what would be your last offensive possession. On defense, Greg Newsome gives up a big play touchdown late in the game it seems like every game. Finally, again there was lack of tackling in key moments in the game. After the superhuman play by Myles Garrett the Browns had a tie at halftime. The Philly fans were booing their team off the field. You had this team right where you wanted them. The team comes out with the ball first and drives the field. The perfect double dip situation. Then comes a third and one and Jameis Winston comes in and they try a jet sweep with Cedric Tillman. Really? How about a simple quarterback sneak. You should know how it works, the Eagles did it to you all game long.

So now what? They’ll keep starting Deshaun Watson. I’ve heard there are some veterans in the locker room who want a change to one of the backups. Stefanski will do everything in his power to force this to work and he has to because of Watson’s contract. Cut him this year and his cap hit would be $119.9 million. Cut him at the beginning of the league year in 2025 and his cap hit would be $92 million. 2026 is the only year the team can cut him and still have money to be competitive. The only relief is if he’s suspended by the league. The NFL is not going to do the Browns any favors.

As for trading players before the deadline, Myles Garrett is not going to be traded. Why would this front office do something stupid like that. The only way he’s gone is if he wants to be gone and he doesn’t want to be gone. WR Amari Cooper would be a candidate for a trade deadline deal as would Greg Newsome. After those two, there really is much value in anyone else.

Now for the good news. Nick Chubb, baring a practice setback, will be activated and play the next game against the Bengals. Will he be the same Chubb? No one knows, but this team needs some kind of boost on offense. The second good news is the Browns are currently slated to pick second in the 2025 NFL draft. Hey, I have to grasp onto something, right? Stay safe and Go Browns.

Yeah, pretty much. Could the Browns go on a long winning streak and turn it around? Nope, not really. When you can’t even put the right number of players in a huddle more than once, it’s over. I’ve seen some bad Browns football teams in my lifetime, that had to be the worst loss. When your alma mater has more effort, drive and physicality on Saturday against the number one team in the country, it’s over. So what’s next?

First of all, this isn’t all quarterback Deshaun Watson’s fault. When your offensive line can’t block, your defense can’t tackle, and your receivers can’t catch the ball, you lose. The entire coaching staff needs to take a long hard in the mirror, because some of these simple things can be fixed in practice. Yes, Watson made mistakes, but I put this complete mess on the coaches. You can’t get the right players on the field? Your offensive line can’t block simple stunts? You can’t tackle an opposing player? I knew this game was over when a punt team player hit the Commanders player receiving the punt after he signaled for a fair catch. Stupid penalty number one of many stupid penalties.

Should coaches be fired? Unless they allow Ken Dorsey to take a shot at calling plays, then he’s probably gone at the bye. I’ll hold judgment on Kevin Stefanski until he has healthy players. Will he be fired? No, and neither will Andrew Berry. This team doesn’t need to go back to fire the coach one year, then fire the GM the next. Will they eventually bench Watson for Winston? Possibly, but expect Winston to be sacked seven times a game and throw interceptions. Changing the QB doesn’t make all the players healthy. And it will be Kevin Stefanski’s call and only Kevin Stefanski’s call.

So now the team heads to Philly as a nine-point underdog. Glad to see the bookmakers finally realizing this team is a hot mess. On the positive side, the Browns are currently picking fourth in the 2025 draft. Stay safe and Go Browns.