Well Browns fans, the slow match to the end of the 2024 NFL season has begun. The Cleveland media is demanding their pound of flesh, and someone has to be fired. I would start with special teams coach Bubba Ventrone. I liked the hire when it happened, however the not so special teams have gotten worse every week. All of a sudden, the Browns Pro Bowl kicker can’t kick a field goal, and this situation will be interesting to watch. Not only did the not so special teams give up a long kickoff return, but they also gave up a long punt return. The only saving grace is punter Corey Bojorquez. Right know he’s the Browns most dangerous weapon.
Your quarterback throws for over 300 yards, and they only score fourteen points. Why? Because the stopped running the ball. I know the passing game was working, but you have to keep the Saints offense on the sideline, specifically Tysom Hill. As I wrote in my preview article, the Browns defense would have to account for Alvin Kamara AND Tysom Hill. They kept Karama in check, but Hill took over the game. He threw the ball; he ran the ball, and he even had a long kick return. I think he also sold beer in the stands. This was the perfect defense to run the ball. Nick Chubb started to look like his old self.
When the season started everyone wondered about the Brown’s wide receivers. Have someone play quarterback that can get the ball down the field, and they look pretty damn good. Jameis Winston reminded me of Joe Flacco last year without the game killing interceptions. On defense, this team needs to get better at safety. Rodney McLeod and Juan Thornhill won’t be back next year, so sign a good one in free agency and draft another. The Browns also needs to get younger on the defense line and younger on the offensive line. The Dawand Jones injury couldn’t have happened at the worst time. In his third start at left tackle, Jones was playing very well. Hopefully, he can be ready to go at the start of training camp, because he’s the best business decision to replace Wills.
Finally, I’m not ready to fire Kevin Stefanski or Andrew Berry. Like I said earlier, the Cleveland media is searching for their pound of flesh. It changes from week to week. One week it’s Stefanski, one week it’s Berry, one week it’s Paul DePodesta and one week everyone wants Jimmy to sell the team. Of course, some members of the media want Stefanski fired, and Mike Vrabel named as the interim coach. No thanks. As always, stay safe and Go Browns.