2019 Browns Offensive Identity, the Mayfield-Kitchens Dynamic, and even Scarier Stuff

The Browns offensive players feel as if they've found their identity, per Nick Snook.

(Note to Nick:  The players do not speak like this.  They use contractions.  It is ok to include contractions in quotes, rather than separate them and make the players sound like robots).

But I digress: The players kept it fairly simple for the fans, and in a nutshell it was:

1: Be physical, run early and often, stick with it, and wear the other defense down.

2: Run different plays out of the same sets (I will translate):

The Browns ran 12 sets (2 tight ends) a LOT.  Defenses have to view this as a "run"- set, especially since Njoku is out of commission, and Dorsey/Wilks have stressed in-line blocking for Tight Ends rather than receiving.

The Ravens rotated their FS to OBJ and "capped" him off, but couldn't do that to any of the other receivers, including TE Ricky Seals-Jones.

They went "big" in response to the 12-set, focusing on Nick Chubb (indeed their best option).  But Ricky (and Pharoah Brown) vs linebackers and SS's was a bad mismatch, and Landry underneath one-on-one vs anybody is bad too (Landry can get open in a phone booth).

Jarvis Landry is no speed merchant, but when he catches a pass in the open field and the Free Safety is chasing OBJ and there are only 3 other DBs to track him down, he can do a variety of damage.

This is how Landry and OBJ worked together at LSU.  People expecting OBJ to start throwing tantrums over not being the center of attention haven't done their homework.

In general, the 2-TE set exploits how modern defenses stack their rosters by forcing their antiquated "base" defenses onto the field.

A tight end can seal off or chip an edge-rusher.  Some can motion into the backfield or a lead-block or kick-out block...

See around 13-15 of my earlier posts starting with Freddie's first game in 2018 as the Browns OC.  He was brilliant.  He still is.

3: The players didn't hit on this much, but I will:  A generally fast-paced offense and Mayfield unloading quickly (when they pass).

I think Todd Monken is fixated on sending 4 guys vertical every time to make 5 defenders hang back and turn their backs to the backfield.

It's a valid strategy, which worked out great for him in Tampa Bay.

But obviously, Freddie's Offense works better in Cleveland, in 2019 as well as 2018.

In my opinion, Todd Monken didn't see the difference between Winston, Fitzpatrick, and Mayfield.  Todd might be like another Todd (Mywayorthehighway) Haley.

Humble ex-QB Freddie Kitchens probably never had a can't miss, one size fits all genius "system" that would make any given Quarterback great.

I know it seems like I'm repeating myself a lot here, but I'm actually trying to make you understand something that defies language, and I know that most of you still don't get it.

How bout this:

The instant Freddie Kitchens took over the 2018 offense, Baker Mayfield became one of the best Quarterbacks in the NFL.

Despite only playing 13.5 games, he set a bunch of NFL rookie records.  Using Mywayorthehighway's playbook, Freddie's offense was nonetheless radically different than Haley's.

Suddenly, Baker Mayfield was completing 70% of his passes to multiple receivers for one of the highest yards per-attempt rankings in the NFL and piling up passing TDs hand over fist!

FREDDIE KITCHENS DID THAT.

2 (or 3) Tight Ends (or Running Backs). Under center.  Play-action.  Slants, crosses, pitch-outs etc.  That was all Freddie Kitchens, you people, and it was brilliant.

Baker Mayfield underestimates our intelligence, as he tells us that it was all about "execution" and had nothing to do with sets or schemes, but it's cool that the kid has Freddie's back.

Behind closed doors, you people, Baker Mayfield almost certainly got in Freddie Kitchens' face:

"Where did the play action go?  Why am I always in shotgun?  Where did my check-downs go?  Why are you doing this to me, Coach!?!"

I'm an intelligent analyst.  Do not try this at home.  But I'm pretty sure I nailed it.

Baker Mayfield and Freddie Kitchens are a match made in heaven.  Baker Mayfield loves Freddie Kitchens, and won't let him be like me not be all he can be.

Freddie isn't ambitious or egotistical (or insecure) or powermad like most of the rest of us, but he is a genius.

Baker Mayfield won't let Freddie Kitchens self-destruct via lack of confidence or assertiveness or ambition or lust for power.

This is just my "read", of course.  I could be almost as wrong as everybody else.

But I'm not.  Okbye.