Dorsey too? Why not? What the Hell? We're all gonna Die!!!

I would not have fired John Dorsey, who did a terrific job of enhancing the talent on this roster in just 2 offseasons.

While literally everybody on NFL Radio is bashing this move, and it's ticked me off too, I believe I understand some of the reasons for it:

1: Hiring Freddie Kitchens was Dorsey's call.  I now believe it's true that DePodesta wanted Stefanski or a third candidate.  Haslam let Dorsey have his guy, but noted and filed it.

2: Dorsey is a big "Type A" guy, but so are the strongest Head Coach candidates.
2a: Almost all strongest Head Coach candidates will want to hire their own GM.
2b: Preliminary interviews with candidates no doubt included the Dorsey question early, and Haslam probably already asked Andy Reid.

Dorsey's presence here was probably considered an obstacle to landing any of the big fish: His replacement for most of them would be a priority condition.

3: Get this straight: Paul DePodesta is NOT a strong "Type A" personality, and there was never a "power struggle" here.  If anybody would ever actually listen to the actual words which come out of DePodesta's actual mouth, you would accept that DePodesta never considered himself a match for Dorsey (or others) as a talent evauator; hence never sought to displace him.

However, there were many possible conflicts which may have happened between DePodesta and Dorsey: 

The extention of Greg Robinson might have been one. The size and nature of Hubbard's contract was probably another.

And for all we know, DePodesta (like ME), was almost certainly not in favor of trading assets for OBJ.

(Olivier Vernon is a separate issue.  I didn't oppose it at the time, but didn't realize, as DePodesta surely did, that Vernon's ankle injuries were chronic).

Zeitler, Peppers, and a first round pick...

Then there was Corbett atop the second round.  And (trust me) Paul Dodesta did NOT want to trade Genard Avery for a bag of fkng Doritos wtf was that!?!

Then there are all those players Dorsey inherited from Berry and DePodesta who weren't "real football players":

Jabrill Peppers, Zeitler, Schobert, Tretter, Njoku, Ogunjobi, Garrett, and other lower profile guys who are ascending on other teams, or about to get released from this one.

John Dorsey did some great stuff here, but was far from perfect, and if we have an open mind, and try to figure out why a rational owner in this political environment would let Dorsey go (as well as Kitchens)...

Bill Polian hates analytics and the Browns, and can be relied on to paint the Browns' coaching gig black.

But Buzzkill Bill called the roster "extremely overrated", which is utter propaganda.

Bill thought Baker Mayfield was too short, and graded at least 3 Quarterbacks in his draft class ahead of him.  Based on 2019, he can temporarily declare Mayfield overrated, but what about Chubb, Hunt, Landry, OBJ, Garrett, Bitonio, Tretter, Ward, Williams, Ojunjobi, Schobert, Randall, the kicker and punter? Is Damian Ratley overrated by the way?  I guess you could call Njoku overrated, but...

No Polian did what he did and is a brain, but it's pure idiocy to call the Browns' Pro-Bowl-laden roster "extremely overrated", even if you think Mayfield 2.0 is the final version.

However, the Browns' gig is unattractive because all the coaches have been fired in 1-2 years.

This is fixable: Coach salaries are not subject to the salary cap, and Jimmy Haslam can guarantee massive compensation for several seasons.

Haslam could still fire him, but what a golden parachute!!!

...And all these are Type A guys.  They all expect to succeed, if allowed to find their own assistants, build their own program, control of their roster, and a strong voice in the draft and free agency *DING-DING-DING* can you say "no Dorsey"?

Is any of this sinking in yet?

I'm not just talking about McCarthy or McDaniels, but Daboll, Roman, etc.  These guys all have long histories, lots of contacts, and (excuse me) are not prepared to deal with a John Dorsey.

I'm not bashing Dorsey here: He's great at what he does.  But he has to be in charge, ok?  None of these guys wants to deal with Lord Dorsey.

As for the analytics-bashing going on by Polian,  Kirwan, etc., Dorsey himself cited analytical stats routinely in reference to his players, Lord Insidious was an analytical pioneer (although he professes otherwise), and every scout compiles or forwards detailed situational stats on each and every player.

I get that you guys are all flopping around having temper-tantrums now, but but we need to move on:

Now that John Dorsey is gone (ps he himself stipulated that he understood the Browns' need for a "strong leader" at Head Coach as part of his good-bye statement DO YOU U N D E R S T A N D ?) , 

Do you understand that all the top candidates for the Browns' Head Coaching position will get to choose much of their front office?

...Kirwan, Polian, NFL Radio notwithstanding, I GET Dorsey's termination, and so should you.

...and if Paul DePodesta has a stronger voice, it is because he has EARNED it: 

Jimmy Haslam isn't an idiot.  

I disagree with nearly everything he has done recently, but know I don't have all the info he does...

You people need to quit your kniption-fits and listen to me!  

The Browns are in the running for EVERY top Head Coach candidate now (if they don't screw around interviewing13 or so guys again dammit)...

This matters a lot.

Every HC candidate is acutely aware of his previous interviews with the Browns, as well as his own resume.

If Jimmy Halslam screws around, he will lose his top candidates.  You can't put a McDaniels or McCarthy "on hold" like that while you interview other guys you hope are better than them.

It's insulting and offensive.

...but I think Haslam has learned this now.  I hate to cite it, but he jumped all over the great Hue Jackson in his last search early.

That was a "miss", but at that time Hue Jackson was THE hottest Head Coach prospect in the NFL.

I'm just saying, while you're piling on Jimmy Haslam, expecting him to be indecisive now and let his "guy" get away is idiotic.

...and by the way, Paul DePodesta is now clearly the loudest voice in Haslam's ear (ooo Kirwan and Polian HATE that, for irrational reasons) haha!

DePodesta will probably name the new Head Coach.

Works for me.

LET'S FIRE EVERYBODY AGAIN!!! Or at Least Freddie!!! ALL HIS FAULT right?

Ok quit spazzing out here!  Obviously losing to the Bengals after a massively disappointing season sucked, but wtf the Browns need linebackers, tight ends, and safeties now?

No doubt defensive linemen, kickers, punters, long-snappers and wide receivers are one click away!

Crap even before this game rumors were floating around about firing John Dorsey!

Fire the custodian and landscapers and limo guys too why the fk not GET A GRIP!!!

Freddie Kitchens didn't order Baker Mayfield to throw interceptions, or Greg Robinson to get caught holding/let people by him, or defenders to miss tackles, and there was nothing wrong with his playcalling either.

Oh, you can pick-pick-pick at playcalling: You can't run on every single 1st down.  You HAVE TO pass sometimes, as any NFL defense will stuff you if you're that PREDICTABLE.

And 2nd and 10 or 12 is what it is, Virginia!  You kinda HAVE TO PASS DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?!

Pick-pick-pick 20/20 hind-sight armchair bullshit...

Kitchens had nothing to do with Garrett's suspension, Vernon's chronic injuries, Zeitler/the weak offensive line, OBJ's injury, the decimation of the secondary, or...

It looks like he'll get fired now to appease YOU people with your pitchforks and torches, but I just want to point out that you are all a bunch of sheep.

You don't understand football, and don't comprehend the words you are mindlessly regurgitating.  No offense.

Ahead of this game, Nick Dudukovich wondered if Paul DePodesta might be making a "power play" within the organization.

Nick is really smart, but is overreaching here, as all my readers get:

1: DePodesta is rich, and is doing what he does here as a hobby. He doesn't care about power, or drama.

2: DePodesta might indeed want to be listened to more, but as-is he is not under Dorsey, and has Jimmy Halsam's ear.

3: Paul DePodesta is the Chief STRATEGY Officer, not a talent scout.

While his analytics help Dorsey narrow down players and decide what to pay them, John Dorsey is the personnel boss, period.

DePodesta is a "geek":  He will seek to maximize the salary cap, draft picks, and payroll for long-term, sustained, success.

Nick Dudukovich is probably a big "Game of Thrones" fan.  

Paul DePodesta doesn't care about power (or fame, or money, or even credit).

Nick went further in another article, asserting that Dorsey can't trade OBJ now because his bro Jarvis Landry would go nuts.

Nah, Nick: Professional athletes are spoiled brats more than we are, but they're not tantrum-prone kindergarteners either.

Jarvis Landry is (trust me) insulted by your article, if he's read it.

If John Dorsey can get a good deal for OBJ, he will make that trade, and Jarvis Landry will accept it, because he is an ADULT.

Moreover, Paul DePodesta is pushing for this trade, as it would free up cap money and add more draft picks for sustained, long-term success.

Nick Dudukovich: You have great potential, but have a lot to learn.

It might be generational.  I didn't grow up watching unreality shows.  The drama was all in the Soap Operas, and we knew it was bullshit.

In the real world, people tend to cooperate and get along a lot more than they try to screw eachother and stab eachother in the back...

And YES, Nick: Loyalty, Honor, Freindship, and stuff like that are REAL, and common.

John Dorsey and Paul DePodesta get along fine, and have very different roles in the organization.  Nick...you're off the rails here.  You're not ME yet.

Get away from DRAMA until you have a better bead on politics and interpersonal stuff.

Nick, I know all about real politics and power-struggles, and have the scars to prove it.  Don't take the shows you watch so seriously--in the real world, DePodesta and Dorsey get along fine, and OBJ and Landry are adults.

What Dorsey (and DePodesta) Should Do in the Off-season and stuff

I just want to continue suggesting what DePodesta and Dorsey should (and should not) do this offseason (aside from NOT firing Freddie Kitchens):

I started with re-signing Kareem Hunt long-term (*except you might not if you fire Freddie, because his replacement probably isn't as adaptable as Freddie and would keep Hunt on the bench half the time).

Then I suggested trading OBJ (not because I dislike him or he sucks, but because forcing balls to him is partly why Mayfield has regressed, and because he has great value and represents a heavy cap hit--just business).

Ok now Josh Edwards?  You want Dorsey to trade for an overpriced malcontent 34 year-old injured left tackle who will demand a huge salary?

That would obviously be idiotic, but then Josh's top suggestion was to fire Freddie, so...

The Browns do need to address their offensive line, mainly through the draft.

Dorsey overpaid Hubbard, but in fairness has done okay with lower-tier free agents.  Austin Corbett was a huge swing-and-miss, but reclaiming Robinson off the scrap-heap was pretty good...

Yeah Zeitler...

Campen is on-board now, and any sentient GM listens to his O-line coach's input (*did Freddie-basher Bob Wiley like Corbett?*).

I assume that the Browns will beat the Bengals and draft 14th or so.  They have the Texans' third round pick too, and I do hope they get another first rounder (and more) for OBJ.

Combined with other extra chump-change picks that DePodesta Dorsey has stockpiled, he (assuming an OBJ trade) should have ammo to move around in the draft.

Really good Offensive Tackles (and exceptional guards can be found in the middle of the first round (and for that matter in the second and third rounds as well).

You never get a Joe Thomas below the top 10; that's not happening, Virginia.  But you can find instastarters at Right Tackle or guard, including future starting Left Tackles in what looks to be the 2020 Browns' draft wheelhouse.

A top 10 pass-blocking Left Tackle in 2020 won't happen, but that's not nearly as critical in the modern NFL as it used to be--especially with Coaches like Kitchens who run, get the ball out of the QBs hands, chip with extra backs and tight ends, roll right, and RPO...(sigh...pearls before swine)

Anyway Dorsey can hopefully "hit" on 2 or 3 "ready for primetime" offensive linemen in the top 4 rounds for a net upgrade.

Josh Edwards tossed in the Defensive line as another big need in 2020, but that's wrong too.  While some of us are wondering if Olivier Vernon will ever be healthy again, Chad Thomas is looking good, Myles Garrett will be back, and DT is covered; at least at the starting level.

Josh also thinks the Browns need tight ends.

I'm not sure why Njoku is in Freddie's doghouse (especially since Freddie doesn't hold anybody accountable and stuff), but...what!?!

True, the Njoku thing is an issue, but he's an elite talent (who is a decent blocker now) under contract for 2 more years Josh I want some of whatever you're taking good grief!

Damarius Randall was awesome in 2018 and so-so (and hurt a lot) in 2019.

Not knowing what went on behind the scenes (there were disciplinary issues), Randall's "stock" is depressed, and Dorsey might be able to nail him down cheap long-term (if that's wise).

I've already said that Joe Schobert (kinda like Kareem Hunt) should be affordable and more than earn his money--

A note on this: Some idiot bashed Schobert for missing a tackle on Kyler Murray in space.

'nuff said?

Another guy called him a "great backup" because he's so slow.

Linebackers and safeties are different.  Kuechley is the exception, not the rule, ok?

Most of what I think Dorsey should do is contingent on Freddie's retention (and Wilks sticking around too).

I do have to allow for the Haslams caving in to the ropes and torches and identify Ron Rivera as my personal favorite to be the new Head Coach.

Rivera would retain his protege Steve Wilks (check one box) but would bring in a new OC (Kitchens is unlikely to accept a demotion), but the OC could be Zampeze for all we know!

Anyway my updated w/l prediction is 7-9 (update sunday night).

Okbye.

It's NOT FREDDIE's FAULT! T H I N K. PLEASE!!! RETAIN KITCHENS YOU IDIOTS

Obviously John Dorsey and the Haslams should not fire Freddie Kitchens.  I'm trying not to repeat myself yet again, but can't help pointing out a few things in response to recent broad-brush pile-ons:

Incredibly, Kitchens is now being bashed for "not knowing how to use Chubb and Hunt".

This is bizzarre!  What are you idiots looking at!?!

You want Hunt lead-blocking more--or Chubb lead-blocking for him more?  Exactly how many more passes should Mayfield throw to Hunt instead of anybody else?

And which Offensive Coordinator in the NFL would have made more of Kareem Hunt than Freddie has?

Freddie-bashers are bashing him for not being able to do exactly what he has been doing STOPITSTOPITSTOPIT...

Anyway, Kareem Hunt wants to stick around as a Cleveland Brown, where he grew up.  While we're all greedy, and NFL agents and NFLPA reps manipulate their clients to gouge for the last penny, Hunt sounds both sincere and intelligent to me.

To be sure, he owns a Brinks truck, and will cost somebody a small fortune this offseason.  But Hunt isn't Ebineezer Bell, his off-the-field stuff has tarnished him, and my interpretation of his spontaneous statements make me think that

1: Hunt is genuinely willing to share the spotlight with his bff Nick Chubb.

I said "share" for a reason:  Until/unless Nick Chubb gets hurt, he is the bellcow here.  But (at least under Freddie Kitchens), Kareem Hunt is the starting swiss army knife.

Rodney Kitchensfield has actually expanded the role Andy Reed gave Hunt (*no knock on Reed; Andy had no Chubb, and Hunt was a Dorsey-pick out of Toledo, and Andy was loaded with skill-players, but was awesome in how rapidly he mutated Hunt from a stud workhorse who could catch into an actual wide receiver and stuff*)

Rodney Kitchensfield had Nick Chubb as his "hammer", and the LSU twins at WR etc., so he ran a "pony" (2-back) offense the instant Hunt came off his suspension.

We all think that every running back wants to be the bellcow, but that's just the Highschool players clawing for scholarships, and (for some of us) "old school".

Today, these guys aim higher, and want to last longer:

Sadly, Ebineezer Bell is THE case in point:  He wanted to get paid like an elite WR because he was a terrific receiver.

Happily, he lost his fight with the Steelers (who offered him top RB money) and found out that your Offensive Line, Quarterback, and other skill guys matter) but I digress:

Anyway, Hunt is like Bell (except bigger, stonger, and faster).

Hunt likes running routes (vs safeties and linebackers) and catching passes.  He likes being a "weapon".  

Kareem Hunt knows that if Freddie Kitchens is retained, he can have a longer, healthier, and more prolific career in Cleveland than he could anywhere else.

...is any of this sinking in yet?

(Sigh) anyway Depodesta Dorsey couldn't avoid paying Hunt top 5 RUNNING BACK money, but trading OBJ would help that out a lot.

Too bad the Browns can't get draft picks for Monken, but letting somebody else hire him away might help almost as much as turning OBJ into Offensive Tackles and/or draft picks.

John Dorsey:

1: Don't fire Kitchens.

2: Let Monken go, and let Freddie choose his replacement as Offensive Coordinator.

3: Trade OBJ (assuming you get an offer you can't refuse which you will).

4: Prioritize Offensive Tackle in free agency and the draft.

5: Retain Hunt...

You get this, right, John?  Because he's a "running back", he's a CHEAP lethal weapon well...if you have a Coach who will exploit him HINT HINT.

6: Retain Schobert.  He's "hot", but he's still "just" an inside linebacker and an extra 700k or so won't matter.

7: Get your head out of your ass: Did Genard Avery just personally offend you or something?  I can't believe that Steve Wilks would have asked you to dump this guy...

8: Consider trade offers for EVERYBODY under contract (no offense I know you do that anyway).

9: Do NOT squander cap space and draft picks like you did in 2019 to make a big move.

Back off a little.

The Ravens aren't going away any time soon.

The Steelers and Bengals aren't the same, but:

John, you need to listen to Paul DePodesta here:

1: The Ravens are likey to reach the Superbowl, and have a great chance to win it.

2: Assuming this, the Ravens will lose the majority of their players with expiring contracts.

3: Paul Depodesta Dorsey has a window here, if he can keep it in his pants.  Maybe in 2020, but more likely in 2021...

If the Browns DON'T do what everybody else except ME think they should.

Save this post:  DON'T FIRE FREDDIE.  I HAVE SPOKEN.

Firing Freddie would be Foolish, Why this is a Republic and not a Democracy

The knives are all out for Freddie Kitchens, as I predicted.  As we have seen with the impeachment, any bullcrap you repeat 400 or so times gets repeated 4,000 or so times and percieved as proven fact by everybody who doesn't pay attention.

So here we go with the 138 penalties again!  18 (or around 14% of these) were called vs the Browns in game 1, and about 33% of those were bullcrap.

Since the bye, and including the Ravens game, the Browns weren't penalized much.

OBJ's sideline rant about the referees is STILL being cited as an example of how the players don't respect Kitchens despite their own words (and Mayfield's recent head-extraction).

Freddie's playcalling is being bashed based on less than 6-8 unsuccessful plays this whole SEASON ("No more shovel passes", really!?!)

Good grief when your running back gets stuffed and you have 2nd and 9 deep in your own territory -snap-snap- a play-fake is unlikely to work and a pass is a legit option.

What is this "Duh why diddend they stigg with the runn?" crap regardless of situation or context (ie no matter what)?

Look up SECOND AND NINE (or 14) and tell me Freddie needs to hand off again every time again dammit!?!

It's just hysterical, and I see my own peeps starting to repeat this "ah say wee haing 'im" mantras (well you know most of them don't read this Blog so...)

That's right Freddie has told the Offensive Line not to pass-protect, Mayfield to rifle every pass, the defense not to tackle anybody,  Landry/OBJ to be emotional, and Kim Jung Un to do another missile test just...shut up.  Curb your irrational, sadistic, mob-driven lynching instinct.

Seriously, am I the only person on Earth who dislikes injustice and isn't eager to get some kicks and punches in on any random beat-down victim here?  Who doesn't just go with the flock?

You people should be ashamed of yourselves.  T H I N K.

The Browns are in need of refinement this offseason.  I'll get deeper into that later, but I can start with converting OBJ into a first and third-round draft-pick (or so) via trade.

Nah, shaddap!  OBJ actually wants to stick around, and after he returns from his operations should be a lethal weapon again.

I only suggest this trade because the real Baker Mayfield doesn't need an undersized "go-to" deep threat as much as he needs better offensive tackles and stuff.

DePodesta Dorsey also needs to get some of his cap-space back, and exploit that rookie salary cap for more cheap young talent on 4 or 5-year contracts.

Oops too complicated huh?  There's some mathematics in there and stuff...sorry I can't spell it all out here guys, but you are welcome to fill in the blanks (come on, you can do it!)

T H I N---ah crap nevermind

THIS JUST IN from Jeff Schudel in re the elephant in the room (Mayfield).  Freddie has that accent and is fat and easy to pick on, so he's THE target for dumbasses, but Jeff has my back here, and invites you to T H ah screw it

Spastic Solutions to Complex Problems: Spazzes are Bad Analysts. No Offense.

I saw “Club 46” with Jim Donovan and Brian Sipe, and was kinda shocked by some of what Sipe said.

Jim asked him what was the secret to those big comebacks, and Sipe said:

This was about the first year that defenses were starting to substitute nickel and dime defenses, and Sipe said that the personnel would tell him what coverages were coming.  He was allowed to call his own plays, so he just exploited predictable mismatches.

In Sipe’s favorite comeback (vs Don Shula’s Miami Dolphins), the QB said he had figured out Shula’s hand-signals, and would wait to call a play until he saw what Shula was doing with his own subsitutions.  He said that once, Shula glanced up and locked eyes with Sipe—-and immediately slammed his clipboard to the ground.  “We knew we had him”, he laughed.

So really, Brian Sipe was like Bernie Kosar.  It was his BRAIN that set him apart.  Baker Mayfield should study these guys.

Baker needs to do more, as well:  He is throwing seemingly every ball on a rope with little or no touch.  None of his vertical guys can ever just run under the ball and let it come to them.  They have to turn and fight a defender for it.

In 2018, Baker Mayfield had superb touch, timing, and accuracy.  What happened?  Is he too angry?  Is he expecting no separation by his receivers?

Well, if you keep sending guys vertical all the time, then there WILL BE NO separation because the cornerbacks are as tall as the receivers and Beckham can’t pull away while playing hurt!

No bucket passes are safe here.  It has to be to one shoulder or the other and offset by 2 or 3 feet.

As I have told you, the vertical routes on 3rd and 5 are MONKEN, not Kitchens.  But if you say “yeah but Freddie is still calling those plays” I say “err...welluhh ...yabutt...well I bet he won’t next year!”

...Yeah ok Freddie hasn’t been great but he’s calling plays AND running the team.  He should probably let Monken run around doing Coachie stuff while he keeps his nose in the clipboard and does what got him here.

Pat Kirwan et al think that Kitchens may have lost his focus. (After all, he’s calling Monken plays on third and five in actual games, right?)

I’m not trying to bash Monken here, but he’s the “air raid” Coach here, ok?  I think Freddie wasn’t confident or secure enough to overrule his more experienced and respected subordinate.  YET.

At least one other writer agrees with me on the best ways to make the Browns’ offense better going forward:

1: KEEP HUNT.  Any OC who would pay more for a number two wide receiver than a Kareem Hunt should be fired.  Nothing new for my readers here: It’s not just an ancient 2-back, but a dynamic, unpredictable, physical, big-play offense.  No need to elaborate see previous posts.

2: Improve the pace AMEN!!!  Mayfield excels in no-huddle offenses.  It lets him lock a given defensive position group on the field and exploit their inability to call complex coverages or blitzes.  He gets to (basically) call his own plays like a back yard quarterback, hammer the mismatches repeatedly, and wear those 11 defenders out.

PS this is why I have hope that Mayfield might have a Kosar or Sipelike brain—because he does so well in no-huddle offenses; he’s obviously reading everything perfectly.

I hope Freddie Kitchens is retained, because I remember him—-as the unrestricted Offensive Coordinator in 2018–running a LOT more “per capita” no-huddle blitze-offenses than the Browns have in 2019.

Where have all the no-huddles/hurry-ups gone?

Reminder: I’m talking about hurry-ups not dictated by time or score.  In MY no-huddle, runs, inside passes, and (yes) trick-plays are all on the table.  Nobody has to get out of bounds or spike the ball to kill the clock.

I expect Freddie Kitchens to see all this stuff for himself, very early in his post-season self-scouting review:

He will see that he was better pre-Monken than post-Monken, Baker was better with Landry and guys named Joe than with OBJ, and in general see that he, Rodney Kitchenfield, indeed fucked up in 2019...by LETTING OTHER PEOPLE TELL HIM WHAT TO DO.

This is why it would be a shame if Freddie Kitchens doesn’t get a second year (and the hell with Mayfield’s backstabbing there is something WRONG with that guy ok?  I will listen to OBJ, Landry, and even Njoku in re Freddie before I listen to Mayfield.)

Someday I’ll get deeper into “instability” and “mood swings” and irrationality and stuff, but long story short: Baker’s refusal to defend Freddie means little to me or any real analyst at this point.

...to think we coulda had Mahomes or Jackson I DID NOT SAY THAT NEVERMIND ok but Mahomes and Jackson aren’t deliberately controversial, don’t say “I gotta be me” and  stuff...

I’ve heard other offseason suggestions not worth mentioning:

One guy thought that replacing all the Coaches, 3 new starting offensive linemen, 2 new starting defensive linemen, a starting linebacker (to replace that bumb Schobert of course) should do the trick.

This is where I butt heads with my own family on holidays:  Some of them kinda ignore the hard cieling of the salary cap, and business 101.

Don’t get me wrong: These are all very smart people, including 2 business owners and stuff, but they can’t toe the line with me on the Browns.

G expects Freddie to get fired and thinks he should be.  He is  citing the attempted Halfback option pass from Hunt (and stuff) like the rest of the world is as proof that Freddie is an idiot.

G has never accepted me as THE expert (I’m older so I guess it’s our shared resentment of authority or something which he doesn’t get yet or something...but G is waving his rope and pitchfork and It’s all on Freddie and no he won’t get better, because I said he would.)

Bub said Freddie needed to just merely beat the Ravens (again) to preserve his job.  The Ravens have stomped every  top contender in their path, and are better now than when Freddie Kitchens’ Browns dominated them in Baltimore.

No, Bub: Not with the Browns sans Garrett, 3 of the DBs they  had in the first game...starting 2 guys who weren’t on the roster in game 1...vs THE AFC Superbowl favorite...all Freddie Kitchens has to do is to beat that team not to get fired...

And good grief listen to the BASHING!  It’s all about how close the Browns were winning!!!

Freddie should not get a second year because he almost won several games?

Pick pick pick the games he DID win don't count?

You people need to go home and sober up.  Drink some coffee.  THINK: This wasn't Freddie's fault.  Lynch Baker Mayfield instead 🖕.  Or John Dorsey.

T H I N K nevermind I give up 🖕okbye.

Kitchens' Bar Keeps Getting Higher: He was Supposed to Beat the RAVENS to Keep his Job Now!?!

Freddie Kitchens makes perhaps his final appeal not to be fired after his rookie season as Head Coach.

He openly lists his screw-ups etc vs the Ravens, but stresses his own progress over the course of the season.

The Halfback Option on third and one was NOT a screwup.  It should have worked, and turned into a big play.

I remember arguing with my peeps: They were saying you should NEVER run a trick play on 3rd and 1 (or maybe ever).

Hunt was instantly swarmed under, but I don't analyze based on results:  The Ravens defense should have been keyed to stop the run (8-man box) and feared/defended Hunt as a runner period.

A lob to Landry or a Tight End or somebody could have made a big play, and Kareem Hunt can be trusted to get back to the line of scrimmage.

My peeps saw Hunt swarmed under instantly, and decided that this was Freddie's fault.

Every great Head Coach uses occasional trick plays, especially when overmatched.

The Ravens seemed to gamble that Hunt was the guy to stop, sell out to stop him, and get 3 hats on him before he could blink.

It was NOT a bad play call.

The consecutive passes on the last Browns' series was, as Freddie admits.  He's still trying harder to outsmart everybody than he is to kick their teeth in.

OBJ's "confrontration" with Kitchens on the sideline was OBJ bitching to Freddie that the zebras had threatened to kick him out of the game if he celebrated one more time.

Browns players can no longer express emptions at all without the lynch-mob turning it into Freddie "losing the team" or the team not respecting him.

Bullshit.

Njoku was a healthy scratch again.  That was discipline.  Two good players were summarily cut.  Discipline.

While Baker Mayfield's tepid "That's not my decision" response to a question about Kitchens' future with the Browns is alarming (he did not defend Freddie), I have lost some respect for Mayfield, and can no longer defer to him, even here.

Freddie Kitchens didn't trade his stud guard away and bring in OBJ.  Trust me: Freddie is not telling him to force deep balls to this inured WR who can no longer separate at the expense of every other receiver.

Does Baker Mayfield think that a new Head Coach and offensive system will do him any favors?

I think Baker Mayfield is immensely talented and smart in most ways, but not...well it's not fair to compare him to me (blush-blush).

So much for Baker's non-endorsement of his Head Coach.  I can't trust the kid--he's got some loose screws rattling around in his head.

Anyway, firing Freddie Kitchens after one season would be stupid.  It's not like he went 0-16, like some (more experienced) Head Coaches I could mention.

Pat Kirwan keeps telling everybody who will listen:

1: A first-time Head Coach needs 2 years just to learn how to BE a Head Coach.

2: The most successful Teams have continuity in common (ie long-term Head Coaches).  The LEAST successful teams are those who fire Head Coaches every year or 2.

Kitchens has earned a second season.  Let's leave the systems in place, and see what Dorsey can do about that offensive line.

The Ravens and Browns are NOT the Same, but Freddie and Greg Might Be Similar

I'm a little embarrassed for MKC, as she says that the Browns need to support Baker Mayfield as the Ravens have supported Lamar Jackson.

She was kinda all over the map, and the 2 offenses (and quarterbacks) are very different.  

Mary Kay cites how Todd Monken is a big "air raid" guy (Jackson/Mayfield were air raid quarterbacks), but sort of brushes aside what Mayfield did with extra running backs and tight ends under Freddie Kitchens in 2018.

The Ravens retained a top-flight Offensive Line and THREE dual-threat tight ends.  They let Jackson run, and Baker can't be that kind of weapon.

She says that the "mesh" between the brilliant Monken and the stumbling, bumbling Freddie Kitchens should work out better in 2020...

Look: The Browns didn't have the offensive line to support an air raid in 2019 any more than they did in 2018.

Mywayorthehighway Todd Haley stifled Mayfield with his own version of a vertical air-raid offense in 2018.  When he was fired and Kitchens took over, well...there it is!!!

Kitchens made the most of what he had.  Mayfield had early targets, play-action, short drops, extra pass blockers sometimes, and a running game.

John Dorsey, as Mary Kay herself offers, brought in OBJ and Karrem Hunt as weapons for Baker.

1: Greg Roman built the Ravens' offense around Lamar Jackson's unique skill-set, 3 starting tight ends, Ingram and company, and an elite offensive line.

He (and Lamar) did an awesome job of turning the NFL upside down, but there is no comparison between the quarterbacks, offensive lines, or tight ends.

2: Baker Mayfield is a much more "conventional" quarterback than Lamar Jackson is.  He is a mere mortal, and can hang with Lamar if he has 2.7 seconds and a rough version of an actual pocket to throw from once in awhile.

Baker can't run those read-options, and will rarely be called on to deliberately run with the ball.

3: Freddie Kitchens (probably not Monken) has maxed out Kareem Hunt with his own unique NFL offense.  He is more like Greg Roman than the majority of you know.

The Browns need to upgrade their offensive tackles (and probably Right Guard).

Freddie has maxed out his offensive line as-is, with extra tight ends and then Hunt; screen-passes, etc LISTEN TO ME:

Freddie Kitchens (since week 8) has done a great job!  Baker Mayfield has not.  Njoku seems to have issues.  The defense has collapsed...

...Technically, you blame the Head Coach for that, but Steve Wilks is in charge there...and he lost Garrett and doesn't have Vernon, is starting 2 rookies---

Firing Freddie Kitchens, regardless of how these last 2 games go, would be idiotic.  He is a disciplinarian and a great offensive mind (you heard me right).

Yeah sorry I know this is redundant, but so is this impeachment idiocy, so...

STOP BLAMING FREDDIE KITCHENS for the 2019 Browns' Problems! THINK!!!

Elliott Kennel wrote another very good article, but wasn't perfect.

That's ok!  It would be terribly unfair to expect all these guys to be as brilliant as my humble self--let alone as whippersnappers!

As usual, Elliott is mostly right about what the Haslams need to do to make the Browns better, like get back to better cap discipline, as John Dorsey came in and spent a whole bunch of the money he inheritted from Paul DePodesta Sashi Brown on star veterans, and (ironicly partly because of his own success in the draft) is cruisin for a bruisin as he will be trying to hold onto a bevy of young talent.

Damarius Randall and Joe Schobert's Brinks trucks are backing up as I write this, and more are on the way.

Without prejudice, I would accept a first round pick (or good left tackle) and another draft pick or 2 for OBJ.  

That would eliminate significant salary and re-stock the draft assembly line.  That's one example.

Elliott kinda skips who will do this; who is already here, and in Haslam's ear, and not under John Dorsey:

Rodney DePodestafield, who delivered unto Saint Dorsey the massive war chest and draft picks he inherited in the first place.

Color this covered.

Scouting depth?  I must defer to Elliott here.  Elliott finds Dorsey's undrafteds and lower round picks less than optimal.

If you check out the Patriots and Seahawks, and even the Steelers...well whether it's scouting depth or something else, Elliott is right about those lower picks and signings.

But Elliott has joined the lynch-mob in re Freddie Kitchens (but had too much class to say "dysfunction"...thank you, man!)

Anyway, see my last post (seriously! I'm trying not to repeat myself so much).  But along with the lack of discipline and penalties crap I blew out of the water, Elliott cites player comments about Freddie.

I don't even know what Randall said, but most of the other players (including "malcontent" Jarvis Landry) defend Kitchens.

And the first Pittsburgh game, the Browns more determined to bully the Steelers than to beat them?

...well I hear Elliott here: I was irked by a Randall helmet-to-helmet hit (it was deliberate and he lied about it), and saw another one I questioned, but no, Elliott:

It was the STEELERS, and what are you saying?  Freddie encourages cheap shots? Intimidation isn't a big part of football?

Again, check my last post:  Freddie Kitchens is not the problem here, no matter which other teams hear "come get me!" from OBJ and Landry, or what Kareem Hunt says about team mates not going 110%.

I'm not predicting that Freddie won't get fired.

Just that he shouldn't get fired.

Kennel was excellent on "rethink the policy on troubled players" too, because he was really talking about Callaway and Gordon, and not Kareem Hunt.

Drugs are different.  Unapologetic racism or calling people "retards" etc are (yes) worse than Hunt losing his mind and...don't get me started he could have KILLED that woman ok?

But Kareem Hunt came straight out of "Animal Kingdom" ok?  Most of his family has police records as long as your arm!

...nevermind, but trust me he won't do anything like that again duh, and Dorsey got him dirt-cheap (definitly with DePodesta's blessing).

Elliott just says don't draft or sign repeat offenders anymore!  Addictive personalities or psychos.

Giving Gordon another chance was a free no-brainer, but drafting Callaway was a mistake...which I endorsed at the time because he was a first round talent...nevermind (Elliot 1 me 0).

Kennel also got deep into how to manage these players once you are stuck with them (ie don't count on or build around them, try to replace them, don't overpay them, etc).

Elliott and I can debate Freddie Kitchens, but Eli went off the rails as he asked "can the Haslams resist the temptation to pick a quarterback?"

He refers to this:

Jimmy Haslam was sitting there with GM Ray Farmer in the "war room" when Johnny Manziel texted Jimmy "let's wreck this league".

Jimmy (probably "in his cups" and grinning), says to Ray "let's go get this guy!"

GET THIS STRAIGHT YOU CRETINS PEOPLE:

This was NOT an ORDER!  Farmer could have told Haslam that was not a good idea, and explained why.  Farmer's job was on the line, but not how you fools think:

He wasn't afraid of getting fired because he disagreed with his boss.  He KNEW he would get fired if he drafted a bad quarterback DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?!

Farmer traded up to draft Johnny Manswell, most likely because he agreed with Haslam (he might have been partying himself btw), but he couldn't fire Haslam later so...

BAD Elliott!  In reality, Jimmy Haslam was never a "meddler".  He is allowed to participate in the draft, and to actually say things!

In that same draft, allegedly, Jerry Jones tried to draft Johnny Manswell, and his son headed him off at the pass.

Elliott Kennel is a brain, but not (yet) a great analyst.  He's exceptionally insightful, logical, rational, and (note to my parasites) original, but he's still influenced by the "herd".

Reality is reality.  The truth is the truth.  "Narratives", hyperbole, and politics are pollution, and it's very hard to get "clean" and transcend this bullshit but I digress:

Elliott: You are wrong to blame Freddie Kitchens and downright irrational to advise the Haslams not to meddle.

You cited season-long stats and ignored quarterly stats, trends, and other things, such as:

The ongoing absence of Olivier Vernon, the loss of Myles Garrett, OBJ's hernia, Njoku, the decimation of the secondary, new offensive and defensive systems, Kitchens learning on the job, and even Kitchens' harsh discipline (read Njoku, Callaway, Randall, Robinson etc) all MATTER here!

Most importantly, stop blaming Freddie for Baker Mayfield's crappy performance in 2019.  

You guys know I'm a huge Mayfield fan, but he has sucked in 2019, and (trust me) Freddie Kitchens didn't order him to be inaccurate---etc.

R E C E N T L Y, Freddie has maxed out Kareem Hunt as a recieving "weapon" for Baker...

Dammit I have to get redundant here: Freddie Kitchens obviously reads this Blog because he has done everything I said he should do (blush-blush):

Jarvis Landry's recent outburst on Freddie Kitchens (ie he was not targetted for most of the game vs the Cards) was partly because Kareem Hunt was in the slot a lot, and Mayfield under pressure looks for him.  (PS Mayfield WAS under pressure a lot, which he shouldn't have been but don't get me started on that);

(Sigh) redundancy alert:

The best Coaches adapt their offenses (find ways) to get the most talented players on the field AOAP.

Freddie Kitchens (the Offensive Coordinator) did exactly that in 2018, and has (since, in my opinion, he started overriding Todd Monken in 2019), automatically does this (which is the major reason why he should NOT be fired).

LISTEN TO ME:  

1: Find me another team in the NFL that starts 2 running backs.

2: List for me 5 better slot receivers than Kareem Hunt.  While we're at it, give me 5 better bellcow running backs.  

Kareem Hunt also runs WR and TE routes.

3: Have you seen his BLOCKING?  He excels in protection as well as a lead-blocker for Nick Chubb.

4: Hunt is a home run hitter, just like Nick Chubb.  He can take a "dink" screen pass (or a handoff) to the house, but also humiliate a SS or LB at 15-30 yards.

That's just how Rodney Kitchensfield has altered his whole offense to max out one player (is any of this sinking in yet?)

Freddie (Mister "no discipline") benched Njoku last week not because he David got screwed by a bad call (Njoku was obviously flat on his back in possession and did nothing wrong), but because Njoku barked back at him (even though Kitchens was fulla shit to pick on Njoku for...relaxing his arms after hitting the ground in control of the ball!?!)

I must say that if I was Njoku, I would have came right back at Kitchens too, and stipulate that Freddie was an asshole to jump on Njoku like that over a bullshit call.

Then Njoku (allegedly) is dropping passes in practice...

Now I am concerned about Freddie's judgement, but not his intellect, expertise,or potential:

YOU people are yammering about a "lack of discipline"!?!  

Please, you Kitchens impeachment people, decide on WHY;

No, you can't just say "I don't like him", ok?  

It hurts me to talk to you people.  I say 2+2=4, and you argue with me! 

2+2=4 has been "debunked", right?  You know, like the sky is blue sometimes and water is wet is propaganda?

.....anyhoo, firing Kitchens would be dumb.

...okbye.