2025 Cleveland Browns - Sanders Slingin' It (15 Viewers)

[beer 30]

...and why was Shedeur in the situation he was in as opposed to Purdy?

Ok, you and the vox populi gets their collective wish and Kevin isn't just fired, he's fired retroactively and Mike Vrabel is the coach from the beginning of the year.
Mike has the same:

• Great defense
• QB room
• Offensive line complete with injuries and ineffectiveness
• Lack of talent and injuries at WR
• Woeful Special Teams

The talent doesn't change, it can't change, the talent or lack thereof remains the same no matter who the coach is so what the hell does Mike Vrabel do without a
QB because he's got one in New England.
No offensive line because he's got one in New England.
No WRs because our top WR who 'has talent' but got into a sideline tiff with Shedeur and he went off last week AFTER the QB change had been made public.
I mean what do peeps expect even with a HC who got hired and has had instant success with the caveat of the TALENT equalizer.

I think the one thing a different coach would have done is not gone through the ridiculous 4 QB training camp only to cut the two best options you had on the roster and for that matter if you're hopping in the wayback machine, I'm guessing he wouldn't have wasted a third round pick on a QB that can't play in the NFL and a fifth rounder on a hype machine that has top end potential of career backup (my opinion). Just spitballing...

 

[MAC_32]

Ok, you and the vox populi gets their collective wish and Kevin isn't just fired, he's fired retroactively and Mike Vrabel is the coach from the beginning of the year.

I stopped reading here because I've dismissed this scenario since it first entered the fanbase's orbit about this time last year.

Be better.

 

[MAC_32]

Serious question...WHO IS the Browns top WR? I don't get to see any of their games. Seems like the only people I hear catching passes are Fannin and Njoku. Is it Jeudy? When was the last time Jeudy did anything this year?!?! Seems like Tillman had a couple of solid games before he got hurt.

You can quote me on this, but Stefanski's offense prefers multiple tight ends - that part's intentional. Don't quote me on this, but I recall when Stefanski was first hired that his offense doesn't make a #1 WR a priority. I think what we've generally seen from management (2024 withstanding) is fulfilling those wishes. Jeudy is supposed to have a role. As does Tillman. And now Bond.

Tillman's had problems staying on the field. Bond's being thrust into action (he's getting better) because the dart thrown at Thrash missed. Neck-up Jeudy is your typical diva WR, but that mentality doesn't translate to the field. He's wildly inconsistent and unreliable - the fumble against LV is just the most recent example of many. He had a good run for a moment last year cause Jameis chucks the ball all over the yard, but that approach comes with its obvious cons. I think it's this bad because of the situation, but he's gotta own this, and probably won't. He could be a viable #2 if he were to accept it, but at this point that may need to happen somewhere else.

Tl;Dr - the makeup of this weaponry is somewhat driven by the lack of draft capital due to the Watson trade, but I think it's also intentionally not been prioritized.

 

[MAC_32]

I think the one thing a different coach would have done is not gone through the ridiculous 4 QB training camp only to cut the two best options you had on the roster and for that matter if you're hopping in the wayback machine, I'm guessing he wouldn't have wasted a third round pick on a QB that can't play in the NFL and a fifth rounder on a hype machine that has top end potential of career backup (my opinion). Just spitballing...

I can't be convinced that Gabriel was not a Stefanski pick. How he thought that guy could play is indefensible, no hind sight needed.

 

[beer 30]

I think the one thing a different coach would have done is not gone through the ridiculous 4 QB training camp only to cut the two best options you had on the roster and for that matter if you're hopping in the wayback machine, I'm guessing he wouldn't have wasted a third round pick on a QB that can't play in the NFL and a fifth rounder on a hype machine that has top end potential of career backup (my opinion). Just spitballing...

I can't be convinced that Gabriel was not a Stefanski pick. How he thought that guy could play is indefensible, no hind sight needed.

Yea agree. My consternation with it is the kid may be a savant in the classroom but the game is played on the field and everything about him screams failure in the NFL. Not one thing but a multitude so how does everyone sit in a room for months talking about draft picks and someone, anyone not speak up and mention this? He's a lefty, he's short, he's not particularly fast. On and on and nobody in that room thinks to push back? **** right off, that's a massive miss on a team that can't afford to miss because all they've done for 5 years is miss. Missing has a compounding effect so we're at the point where we can't miss anymore but here we are.

 

[amnesiac]

the funny thing is, the moment we realized the Watson trade was a bust, this team was screwed.

they would've had to hit on every single draft pick and free agent, which is impossible.

yet, the Browns, and we fans, kept hoping against hope that they could cobble together a competitive team.

and here we are, at the inevitable result of that horrific trade.

honestly, every time i hear a rumor that Stefanski is getting fired my response is "Good for him! He seems like a nice guy!" because getting fired at this point would be a kindness.

 

[beer 30]

honestly, every time i hear a rumor that Stefanski is getting fired my response is "Good for him! He seems like a nice guy!" because getting fired at this point would be a kindness.

fair

 

[beer 30]

LETS ****ING GO!!!!!!!

 

[amnesiac]

LETS ****ING GO!!!!!!!

can he return punts?

 

[warpig33]

LETS ****ING GO!!!!!!!

can he return punts block and/or catch passes?

Fixed it for you.

 

[FarFromHome]

LETS ****ING GO!!!!!!!

can he return punts block and/or catch passes?

Fixed it for you.

I think it's just a legal notice formality to let all physical therapy staff know he is in the building. Ha ha

 

[beer 30]

LETS ****ING GO!!!!!!!

can he return punts?

For $230m guaranteed he better be driving the bus.

Baker lined up as scout team DE, I'm fine putting Watson in any position on the field.

 

[travdogg]

I guess the question becomes, do they start Watson at some point? They technically can still win the division, and Watson's contract is guaranteed, so it doesn't really matter if he gets injured. Personally, I'd prefer to evaluate Sanders, but I'd probably rather plug Watson in than go back to Gabriel.

Its kinda wild to think that Watson is only 30. In theory, he could still be a good backup, I think. He's got a big arm, is accurate, and doesn't make bad decisions (on the field), I do wonder if his mobility is gone after the injuries, and he's never been the best at reading defenses other than that magical 2020.

 

[top dog]

I guess the question becomes, do they start Watson at some point? They technically can still win the division, and Watson's contract is guaranteed, so it doesn't really matter if he gets injured. Personally, I'd prefer to evaluate Sanders, but I'd probably rather plug Watson in than go back to Gabriel.

Its kinda wild to think that Watson is only 30. In theory, he could still be a good backup, I think. He's got a big arm, is accurate, and doesn't make bad decisions (on the field), I do wonder if his mobility is gone after the injuries, and he's never been the best at reading defenses other than that magical 2020.

They have 44 million reasons to not start him this season. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profo...ance-policy-provides-silver-lining-for-browns

 

[amnesiac]

I think the one thing a different coach would have done is not gone through the ridiculous 4 QB training camp only to cut the two best options you had on the roster and for that matter if you're hopping in the wayback machine, I'm guessing he wouldn't have wasted a third round pick on a QB that can't play in the NFL and a fifth rounder on a hype machine that has top end potential of career backup (my opinion). Just spitballing...

I can't be convinced that Gabriel was not a Stefanski pick. How he thought that guy could play is indefensible, no hind sight needed.

Yea agree. My consternation with it is the kid may be a savant in the classroom but the game is played on the field and everything about him screams failure in the NFL. Not one thing but a multitude so how does everyone sit in a room for months talking about draft picks and someone, anyone not speak up and mention this? He's a lefty, he's short, he's not particularly fast. On and on and nobody in that room thinks to push back? **** right off, that's a massive miss on a team that can't afford to miss because all they've done for 5 years is miss. Missing has a compounding effect so we're at the point where we can't miss anymore but here we are.

think of it this way, once they are free from the Watson contract, Gabriel will be a much cheaper QB Coach than Deshaun.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I stopped reading here because I've dismissed this scenario since it first entered the fanbase's orbit about this time last year.

Be better.

You stop reading a lot because and no surprise, missed the point.
Vrabel has won NFL Coach of the Year once, he's got the best record in the league, he's the betting favorite to win his second NFL Coach of the Year.
No question that ANYONE with half a brain would love him to replace Stefanski including me.
The point is Vrabe's said TALENT is what wins games and the Browns lack talent.
If he were the HC, what difference would it make on this team that lacks talent.
Be much better.

 

[MAC_32]

I stopped reading here because I've dismissed this scenario since it first entered the fanbase's orbit about this time last year.

Be better.

You stop reading a lot because and no surprise, missed the point.
Vrabel has won NFL Coach of the Year once, he's got the best record in the league, he's the betting favorite to win his second NFL Coach of the Year.
No question that ANYONE with half a brain would love him to replace Stefanski including me.
The point is Vrabe's said TALENT is what wins games and the Browns lack talent.
If he were the HC, what difference would it make on this team that lacks talent.
Be much better.

You're doing as good of a job making your point as Stefanski is coaching this team

 

[MAC_32]

the funny thing is, the moment we realized the Watson trade was a bust, this team was screwed.

they would've had to hit on every single draft pick and free agent, which is impossible.

yet, the Browns, and we fans, kept hoping against hope that they could cobble together a competitive team.

and here we are, at the inevitable result of that horrific trade.

honestly, every time i hear a rumor that Stefanski is getting fired my response is "Good for him! He seems like a nice guy!" because getting fired at this point would be a kindness.

This is not true. While they didn't fork over $230m guaranteed, the 49ers did give up three 1st round picks for Trey Lance...who was panic picked because Kyle got cold feet about Mac Jones. The difference is Lance started what...3 games? And they've had one season with less than 10 wins since that disaster move.

The reporting on the Browns couldn't be any clearer. The 2024 season was sunk at the Greenbrier and has never gotten back on the right track. This is the outcome of dysfunctional leadership. With sufficient self scouting we never get to that point in July 2024, let alone what's transpired since. The reporting then was little different than this summer about Dillon Gabriel, who was going to get the rest of the season to start had he not gotten injured despite it being overwhelmingly clear to any rational mind the dude can't play. This is how bad teams operate. And we're a bad team.

The one thing I'll give this leadership team credit for - leaks are hard to come by. Who is most to blame? Couldn't tell you, but I can tell you if they run this back as is then it doesn't matter who the QB is next year. The season would be over in January.

 

[amnesiac]

MAC, while I agree the leadership also apparently sucks, you can’t just gloss over ****ing your cap up for 5 years.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

The difference is

• They didn't have $240 million locked in
• They had Brock Purdy
• They had an offensive line
• They had WRs

Other than that, Mrs. Lincon how was the play?

 

[Bracie Smathers]

We saw and heard plenty of from the trade Myles quick-fix crowd before the season began but funny we haven't heard a peep since... Hmnnn
The radio chatter quick-fix talk subsided.
Now quick-fix crowd is chattering to fire Stefanski because HE is thee problem.
He's calling terrible plays, yeah except he gave up play calling duties so, he's not calling the plays.
We get rid of him and walla, easy-peasy we're a conteda, except we lack talent and that is the real issue.
Well, doesn't matter get rid of Stefanski because talent is only part of the problem and Stef is a bum.
Ok, just replace him and we're better.
Another smart take from the quick-fix crowd.
NFL Week 14 latest buzz
Fowler's notes:
• Kevin Stefanski's future comes up often in my conversations with people in the league due to the Browns' 6-23 record the past two seasons. Another reason his name comes up: Several executives and coaches I've spoken to believe he'd be a prime candidate for a head coaching job elsewhere should Cleveland move on after the season. "He's a good coach, experienced, two-time Coach of the Year -- Cleveland is a hard place to win," an AFC executive said. "He might need a fresh start elsewhere."
This year's candidate pool is considered weaker than in previous years, which benefits a coach with Stefanski's credentials. If let go, Stefanski would have the option to pursue a head-coaching job right away or take a year off, which worked brilliantly for Mike Vrabel after his Tennessee departure. That typically depends on what might be open a year from now, the viability of the candidate and whether that coach is simply burned out and needs a year. But the two jobs currently open (Giants and Titans) could use a mix of offensive acumen and experience, a mold that Stefanski fits.

 

[MAC_32]

MAC, while I agree the leadership also apparently sucks, you can’t just gloss over ****ing your cap up for 5 years.

I think both dynamics are at play. The trade created a bad situation for ourselves, one in which we weren't going to legitimately contend until on the other side of the contract. It did not create a situation in which 6-23 across the last 2 seasons should be expected.

There's more to it than just this, but the zenith are the ways we lost to the Jets and the 9ers - it is indefensible. That's how poorly led teams lose games. I think I extended grace towards this group up until this season. As I wrote 20some months ago, the Browns made moves to make Watson comfortable...or the scapegoat. We saw how that played out and it's time to turn the page. And they got worse. We've seen a lot of bad football over the last 25 years, and there could be some prisoner of the moment to this, but this is a new low. We've had some talent deprived offenses in the past, but they've been able to cobble something together despite the land mines throughout the depth chart. This group is feckless. And they're not even the worst group on the field. This special teams unit is historically bad. And that's coaching. So many more micro examples to cite, but that macro one stands out above the rest.

I'm not seeing how this leadership group can recover from this and I think they know it too. That's why Stefanski's agent is leaking what he is through Fowler.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

My take is the same.
AB had a deal in place for Watson, 2 first-round picks and only $185 million which was rejected by Houston and Watson who leaked that info to Miami and I forget the other team that was still standing and THEN...
Baker demands a trade.
Haslam goes into panic mode, leans into AB to up the ante to 3 first-rounders PLUS +++ AND a fully guaranteed $240.
Too much by anyone's standards other than an egotistical moron billionaire who hamstrung Stef with a stiff at QB along with AB who had nothing in FA dollars to round out the vets and lost three straight years of top picks to add quality rookies.
Now we're just about out of the panic tunnel.
Why replace an offense, possibly/probably lose the DC, install NEW concepts and language setting everyone back at least a full year AND more than likely push in all chips on an unproven rookie QB.
Disaster panic-ville.
Just stop, take the lumps, ride it out for another year because it's not Stef or AB it's Haslam and he knows it so don't let him off the hook by scapegoating anyone other than the man in his mirror.

 

[amnesiac]

yeah losing to the Jets and 9ers sucks, but we’ve seen how tanking goes before.

i’m not sure if Stefanski/Berry can walk this back one more time next year.

at a certain point, the players just stop believing in you.

if it hasn’t happened yet, we can’t be far from it.

 

[beer 30]

at a certain point, the players just stop believing in you

You all are making good points for & against but the above statement is what I think is going on. It's reflected in the in the play on the field, WR quit running routes or don't block downfield, OL ole' blocks, DB's start pointing fingers, etc. Lord knows we've all seen the signs over the last 25 years. Doesn't matter what or who you run out there next year, if the team isn't believing what's being put out, they are just going to show up for a check.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Shedeur has loads to work on, but I see something.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

a fifth rounder on a hype machine that has top end potential of career backup (my opinion).

Third NFL start.

• 364 passing yards
• 3 TDs
• 1 INT

The hype machine looked very good.
I definitely 'see something'.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I was pumping my fist when we took him, and I totally believe in my gut feelings.
The idiots who say he fell due to football reasons are FOS.

I have had low-key HIGH HOPES that our QB situation will be settled by the end of this year.
If we don't win games, struggle, look bad or just meh but EVENTUALLY figure out the QB by the end of this year?
Successful season and we'll have an extra 1st next year.

Just think if we DON'T have to use one of our two first-round draft picks on a QB?

 

[beer 30]

a fifth rounder on a hype machine that has top end potential of career backup (my opinion).

Third NFL start.

• 364 passing yards
• 3 TDs
• 1 INT

The hype machine looked very good.
I definitely 'see something'.

Kid looked good yesterday, no question. Keep it up and you'll sway my opinion.

Just think if we DON'T have to use one of our two first-round draft picks on a QB?

I said to a group of friends over the weekend we won't be taking a QB in the draft unless it's a late rounder. Our QB room is set, Watson/Sanders competition for the starter, Gabriel to the practice squad.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

OK, let's recap.
November 3rd the Cleveland Browns announced on Cleveland Browns.com that Kevin Stefanski would NOT be calling plays for the rest of the season and that OC Tommy Rees would be calling plays.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to call plays for the Browns | Team Coverage
Who installed the Wildcat AFTER Stefanski gave up play calling?
Tom.
Who called the plays yesterday?
Tom.
Who took blame?
Kev.
Who gets credit for the stellar defense and how the defense has played this year?
Schwartz.
Who gets blame for yesterday when the defense gave up 31 points to the team with the worst record in the league?
Kev.
OK, let's fire that guy and hire who exactly?
Kevin hired Schwartz and Jim would 'likely' stay with the same HC.
Kevin hired the best O-Line coach in NFL history and let him go work with his son in Tennessee but the Titans fired his son so Bill Callahan is available so... Um do ya think he'd like to rejoin Kevin, the guy who let him out of his contract and who is beloved by everyone here in Cleveland?
Oh, it doesn't matter fire Kevin and let an incredible DC walk and hire a brand-new HC who will bring in his O-Line coach, and we will install new concepts and language, that never hurts a young QB like Shedeur.

 

[beer 30]

OK, let's recap.
November 3rd the Cleveland Browns announced on Cleveland Browns.com that Kevin Stefanski would NOT be calling plays for the rest of the season and that OC Tommy Rees would be calling plays.
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to call plays for the Browns | Team Coverage
Who installed the Wildcat AFTER Stefanski gave up play calling?
Tom.
Who called the plays yesterday?
Tom.
Who took blame?
Kev.
Who gets credit for the stellar defense and how the defense has played this year?
Schwartz.
Who gets blame for yesterday when the defense gave up 31 points to the team with the worst record in the league?
Kev.
OK, let's fire that guy and hire who exactly?
Kevin hired Schwartz and Jim would 'likely' stay with the same HC.
Kevin hired the best O-Line coach in NFL history and let him go work with his son in Tennessee but the Titans fired his son so Bill Callahan is available so... Um do ya think he'd like to rejoin Kevin, the guy who let him out of his contract and who is beloved by everyone here in Cleveland?
Oh, it doesn't matter fire Kevin and let an incredible DC walk and hire a brand-new HC who will bring in his O-Line coach, and we will install new concepts and language, that never hurts a young QB like Shedeur.

We get it, you don't want to fire Kevin and run it back

 

[Bracie Smathers]

I said to a group of friends over the weekend we won't be taking a QB in the draft unless it's a late rounder. Our QB room is set, Watson/Sanders competition for the starter, Gabriel to the practice squad.

It is Shedeur. @NFLPlus
Shedeur Sanders joined Aaron Rodgers as the only QBs since 2000 with 4 completions of 50+ yards in their first 3 career starts
@Browns | #DawgPound
NFL on CBS
Rookie QBs with 350 Pass Yards, 3 Pass TD and a Rush TD in a game in the Super Bowl era
Joe Burrow
Shedeur Sanders
@NFLPlus
Shedeur Sanders is the first @Browns QB with 300+ pass yards, 3+ pass TDs, and a rush TD in the same game since 1950
#DawgPound
Amnesiac nailed it by saying Watson is a post June 1st cut, he'll never see the field with the Browns. I don't care about Gabriel, he's chum AFIC.
We have to build around Shedeur, O-Line and big strong WRs who can read the QB and naturally comeback to make contested catches. Think Harold Fannon but more speed/bend/athleticism and this draft class is loaded with em.
Four games left. We're currently picking 4th.
At CHI
BUF
PIT
AT NATI
I'll happily take the W against Pittsburgh if I can choose.
Top pick looks like 5th or 6th which equates to top OLT if I'm making the pick.
Jags pick is falling, currently 27th. Loads of big WRs in that range and the top interior O-Lineman would be there if Bitonio retires. Expect it.

 

[beer 30]

I said to a group of friends over the weekend we won't be taking a QB in the draft unless it's a late rounder. Our QB room is set, Watson/Sanders competition for the starter, Gabriel to the practice squad.

It is Shedeur. @NFLPlus
Shedeur Sanders joined Aaron Rodgers as the only QBs since 2000 with 4 completions of 50+ yards in their first 3 career starts
@Browns | #DawgPound
NFL on CBS
Rookie QBs with 350 Pass Yards, 3 Pass TD and a Rush TD in a game in the Super Bowl era
Joe Burrow
Shedeur Sanders
@NFLPlus
Shedeur Sanders is the first @Browns QB with 300+ pass yards, 3+ pass TDs, and a rush TD in the same game since 1950
#DawgPound
Amnesiac nailed it by saying Watson is a post June 1st cut, he'll never see the field with the Browns. I don't care about Gabriel, he's chum AFIC.
We have to build around Shedeur, O-Line and big strong WRs who can read the QB and naturally comeback to make contested catches. Think Harold Fannon but more speed/bend/athleticism and this draft class is loaded with em.
Four games left. We're currently picking 4th.
At CHI
BUF
PIT
AT NATI
I'll happily take the W against Pittsburgh if I can choose.
Top pick looks like 5th or 6th which equates to top OLT if I'm making the pick.
Jags pick is falling, currently 27th. Loads of big WRs in that range and the top interior O-Lineman would be there if Bitonio retires. Expect it.

Might want to put the Kool Aid down for a minute, it was against the 1-11 Titans. Like I said, let's see him do it a few more times and I'll come around. Kid played well yesterday despite the coaching staff trying their best to lose the game. Pretty sure we're losing all 4 coming up and they will be solid test of his capabilities.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Might want to put the Kool Aid down for a minute

English Tutor Nick P Proverbs (78) Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth

 

[MAC_32]

We get it, you don't want to fire Kevin and run it back

Right, we know where Bracie stands on Kev and nothing is going to change that. It doesn't matter that we saw significant growth from Shedeur yesterday...and still lost to a 1 win team at home anyway. It's the talent! No, it's the leadership. Or it's at least this bad because of it. With competent leadership this team is 'in the hunt' (but not really) but since this is what we have we're 3-10.

It's important to remember that we're only seeing Shedeur now because Gabriel got concussed. The message the Browns have strategically leaked all year is that Shedeur is not ready, that Gabriel gives us the best chance to compete. He's now gotten 3 weeks of starter reps at practice. It was obvious after 1 that there was much more to work with than Dillon and overwhelmingly clear after 3 that he's already much better than Gabriel could've gotten by season's end. And it's not like hind sight be needed on Gabriel. He was a mystifying pick in April. The reports about him this summer were bad. And the play that followed aligned. Despite all that, he was who we were going to get til season end until health dictated otherwise. We wasted a 3rd round pick and a large chunk of 2025 on what was abundantly clear - a bum.

If the problem is bigger than Kev, then take them out too. The point is there is zero practical reason to believe this group is the right one to lead in the future. They suck. Objectively.

 

[amnesiac]

Daryl Ruiter is claiming Watson will be on the roster next year, restructure and come off the cap in 2027.

i thought with the insurance money they could afford to cut him this spring, but i’m bad at math.

 

[MAC_32]

Daryl Ruiter is claiming Watson will be on the roster next year, restructure and come off the cap in 2027.

i thought with the insurance money they could afford to cut him this spring, but i’m bad at math.

They can- cap charge is the same whether he's on the roster or not. If he stays on the roster then expect another restructure as that will create more future cap space. Cost is obvious though. He's still on the team for 2026.

 

[beer 30]

Stefanski pressers are a thing of beauty. I encourage you all to listen in sometime. We did actually learn something today, Sanders is the man going forward for the rest of the season.

 

[amnesiac]

Stefanski pressers are a thing of beauty. I encourage you all to listen in sometime. We did actually learn something today, Sanders is the man going forward for the rest of the season.

i think we learned that yesterday!

 

[MAC_32]

Stefanski pressers are a thing of beauty. I encourage you all to listen in sometime. We did actually learn something today, Sanders is the man going forward for the rest of the season.

Except on 2 pt tries

 

[beer 30]

Stefanski pressers are a thing of beauty. I encourage you all to listen in sometime. We did actually learn something today, Sanders is the man going forward for the rest of the season.

Except on 2 pt tries

"That's obviously not how we drew that up MAC. We have to do a better job as play callers, in execution and as coaches. We'll get it taken care of this week and be better."

 

[Insein]

So what's the sentiment around the team. It sure looked like the defense checked out yesterday. Garrett looks motivated to get sacks obviously but the rest looks like they didn't really try as hard.

Has the team quit or just a bad day?

 

[MAC_32]

So what's the sentiment around the team. It sure looked like the defense checked out yesterday. Garrett looks motivated to get sacks obviously but the rest looks like they didn't really try as hard.

Has the team quit or just a bad day?

Credit Tennessee for a better game plan, but once they were out of the script they didn't do much. Defense adjusted then the Titans had more punts (8) than first downs (5) and per usual the Browns spotted them short fields.

2 plays 38 yards after the Shedeur int (td)
3 plays 8 yards after the Sampson fumble (td)
4 plays 6 yards after the blocked punt (fg)

Finding ways to lose is what bad teams do.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

2 plays 38 yards after the Shedeur int (td)

I blame Stefanski for the INT.

3 plays 8 yards after the Sampson fumble (td)

I blame Stefanski for the fumble.

4 plays 6 yards after the blocked punt (fg)

I blame Stefanski for the blocked punt.
AND I blame Stefanski for the 31 points that the defense gave up.
Easy, blame the one guy who is responsible, easy works well enough, checks out.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

So what's the sentiment around the team. It sure looked like the defense checked out yesterday. Garrett looks motivated to get sacks obviously but the rest looks like they didn't really try as hard.

Has the team quit or just a bad day?

A big injury happened the week prior to DT Maliek Collins who was having one of the quietest Pro Bowl seasons in history, just amazing play. He was stepping up like crazy as a pass rusher and really helping Myles in that regard, but I completely underestimated his role in stopping the run.
Defensive Rookie of the Year LB Carson Schwesinger has been in a walking boot for the past three weeks but has been bringing it. I've met him and trust me, there's no quit in that kid. He's sensational.
During the game Pro Bowl CB Denzel Ward injured his calf, but the Titans saw 'something' on the right side and took advantage. They were able to read 'something' on the outside rush of Myles IMHO because they judiciously went back to that side and were effective.
I think it will get cleaned up, but those injuries caught up to the run-D.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Except on 2 pt tries

Browns OC Explains Using Wildcat Formation With Quinshon Judkins
... the Browns’ offense used Quinshon Judkins as the wildcat in the red zone. It was a new part of Cleveland’s offense, which Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees felt like was the right time to really start using it.

 

[amnesiac]

10 teams currently have 4 or less wins.

that's a third of the league.

Browns currently at #4 and have the Jags pick at #27.

according the the old pick calculator, it would take both first round picks and their second round pick to move up to #1, if they were so inclined.

 

[beer 30]

2 plays 38 yards after the Shedeur int (td)

I blame Stefanski for the INT.

3 plays 8 yards after the Sampson fumble (td)

I blame Stefanski for the fumble.

4 plays 6 yards after the blocked punt (fg)

I blame Stefanski for the blocked punt.
AND I blame Stefanski for the 31 points that the defense gave up.
Easy, blame the one guy who is responsible, easy works well enough, checks out.

Yep

 

[Bracie Smathers]

LOL, Kevin Stefanski's pick of this draft is the ONLY ONE who didn't pan out. What a joke.
The only QB that Kev wanted, got the GM to trade for, was the first in the QB room, and who FIT HIS OFFENSE was Pickett.
Pickett is big 'nuff', doesn't turn the ball over, AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL he can leg-it. RPO's are a CRUCIAL part of Kevin Stefanski's offense. The ONLY QB who fit his offense was the first guy we went after and TRADED a DRAFT PICK for was Kenny Pickett because he FIT Stefanski's offense.
We here, and ANYONE with half a brain understand that we had no plan for Shedeur to fall to the 5th round so we could take TWO QBs. That take is reserved for the village of morons who got kicked out of the village of idiots. Just unbelievably stupid.
The draft was AB's because Andrew Berry traded-down to gain an extra first-round pick next year and he didn't take an offensive player with his first two picks, he took 'safe' defenders who he knew who play well as rookies. QB fell off his list the minute Ward was taken with the first pick because Ward was the only QB projected as a starter who fit Kevin's offense.
Judkins FITS Kevin's offense and Kev desperately needed a RB so he could threaten on the ground in order to utilize a crucial part of his offense, play-action.
Never materialized because of injuries on the O-Line so we couldn't and still can't dictate the pace of the game with our run game.
Kevin Stefanski was a RUN GAME COORDINATOR with the Vikings and was damn good at RUNNING the football. His stock and barrel brand is built on the RUNNING GAME. It is a CRUCIAL PART of his offense. We know he uses two-TEs and 12 personnel is the base of his offense BECAUSE HE LIKES TO RUN THE FOOTBALL.
They take Gabriel and I HATED the pick on multiple levels, one was because he DIDN'T FIT Kevin's offense. He's too short and doesn't run, WTF? He wasn't Kevin's PICK in turns of FIT, he was A ROOKIE QB who was smart enough and had played tons of games and knew concepts, didn't turn the ball over and most import of all, he was the only rookie QB in this draft ready to play.
We were dead last in turning the ball over last year. We needed to stop turning the ball over. Hence Pickett and Gabriel. Safe QBs.
After we took SS, we had too many QBs in the room. AB loves draft picks, Pickett gets injured, we know what happened.
Flacco outplayed EVERYONE, won the job, started the season, and led the league in turnovers.
Draw a red arrow up to the part about how we needed to stop turning the ball over.
Gabe took over.
Now, this is the reason.
Put on your thinking caps.
You are the head coach, lost Pickett, Flacco didn't pan out.
In camp, one guy knew the checkdowns, knew the line calls, knew WHERE TO THROW THE BALL. The other guy had bigger upside but freelanced playing hero-ball.
Stef started the 'safe' rookie QB WHO played 'good nuff' to lose. AWFUL.
SS gets his shot, and quite franky his stats looked like Sh!t the first game but I SAW 'something' and got crucified by the idiots who actually think SS fell due to football reasons, what idiots. Honestly, F'ng morons. Kid can ball but he DOESN'T FIT Kevin's offense or ANY NFL offense. He is different.
Kevin has COACHED HIM UP from that awful first view. COACHED HIM UP, COACHED HIM UP.
Great coaching Kevin. Turns the knife in and laughs maniacally.

 

[MAC_32]

It's fun to be looking forward to watching a game again. Been a while. I have no delusions we'll win nor the special teams won't have another gaffe. We always find new ways to lose, but what will we see out of the 2 regular units?

The defense came out flat and appeared unprepared last week. After a week of growth demonstrated by the offense and going to a place they've struggled in recent years (not at home), what will we see out of them from the outset? and will it sustain? That pales in comparison to other side of the ball though. We have another weather game on tap and Shedeur's 2nd half performance in his first attempt in one of these left a lot to be desired. We'll also see who he has to work with this weekend as the injury list is quite long. Regardless, what adjustments does he make and can he build upon his level-up performance last week in his first road start? I'll call my optimism...guarded, just have to also be ready to see another new way to lose is all.