Tag Archives: Cleveland Browns

Rex Ryan calls Baker Mayfield overrated

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Rex Ryan decided that Monday morning was the opportune time to take a shot at Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Here is the reality of the situation. Rex Ryan called Baker Mayfield overrated. 

Once more. Rex Ryan called Baker Mayfield overrated. Let that sink in. 

Just a week ago someone else attempted to compare Baker Mayfield to Mitchell Trubisky. This ridiculousness occurred Monday morning on ESPN’s “Get Up” and it caused quite a stir. The reaction from former Colts punter Pat McAfee is exactly how everyone should react. Pat McAfee has supported Baker Mayfield for quite some time. Even though McAfee is from Pittsburgh, he has not shied away from supporting the Dawg Pound turnaround. When it came to this take, McAfee was not having what Ryan was saying.

Hey Rex Ryan, probably not the best move to call someone overrated when your best accomplishment is getting into a brawl at a bar in Nashville with your twin brother Rob. Rob is someone who looks like he belongs as an extra in the movie “Hook” and not on an NFL sideline. 

That video, while entertaining, perfectly encapsulates the Rex Ryan experience. Well, there is another video but that’s NSFW. You can find that video on your own time.

Rex Ryan is a clown and there is a reason he is not coaching an NFL team anymore. Ryan has shown time and time again that he does not have what it takes to be in charge of an NFL team. Ryan flamed in both stops (Jets, Bills) as an NFL head coach. When it comes to talent evaluation and opinions of the skill level of NFL players, Ryan should not be taken seriously.

Browns offense has an identity problem

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The Cleveland Browns offense seems to be torn between wanting to methodically move the ball and taking endless deep shots.

Another game and another lackluster performance from the Cleveland Browns offense. The continuous effort to attempt plays that are clearly not working is puzzling. Regardless of what certain blocking metrics say, the Browns offensive line cannot sustain their blocks long enough to allow deep routes to develop. This again leads to a serious question. 

What the hell are the Browns doing offensively?

There is a clear and distinct difference in the effectiveness of what plays the Browns run. When Cleveland has Baker Mayfield execute an RPO the offense appears to be a well oiled machine able to march right down the field. Baker Mayfield looks like Baker Mayfield, the Browns score a touchdown and all is right with the world. The Rams defense looked like they were in hell as Baker executed RPO after RPO. 

Then there are the times when Cleveland deploys a different approach. An approach which is yet to be successful. Long developing pass plays which require the offensive line to block for more than the 2.5 seconds that an RPO requires. These concepts end up allowing the opposing pass rush to get in the vicinity of Baker Mayfield, disrupt his timing and potentially result in a sack. These plays get Baker and the offense out of rhythm and there is no excuse for them to continue to be called. 

Three games worth of film should indicate the effectiveness of certain concepts

At this point in time we have three weeks worth of tape that clearly shows what works and what doesn’t work. RPO’s are clearly working. Defenses have a hard time defending them. Until a defense can show they can defend them, the Browns should just RPO them to death. 

What isn’t working is the deep shots. They didn’t work in Week 1 or Week 2 and they clearly did not work in Week 3. These plays need to be eliminated from the game plan. They are only leading to ineffective offense and terrible play calls. Most notably this 3rd and 10 from deep in their own territory. 

Several deep routes on the right side of the field coupled with an underneath route well short of the marker. There is no reason to be running this. It has not worked up through the first three games and did not here. Opposing defenses want the Browns to run these plays because they know that they can defend them and pressure Mayfield at the same time. Until the Browns are able to protect Mayfield on these long passing plays defenses will continue to do this time and time again. 

One final thing 

It is perfectly fine to take some deep shots during a game (the key word here is some), but it cannot be so frequent that a defense expects them. A deep shot can keep a defense honest, but if there are too many of them it is only putting the offense in a bad situation. Especially when the tackles cannot block consistently. 

If the Browns are going to get their offense to where it needs to be they need to focus on what works and what doesn’t work. Through three weeks it’s pretty clear that the RPO’s work and the deep shots do not.

Baker Mayfield – Trubisky comparison is inaccurate

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We have reached peak hot take and attention seeking season because what we have here is an all-timer. Claiming that Baker Mayfield and Mitchell Trubisky are comparable quarterbacks.

Here is the deal, Baker Mayfield is not Mitchell Trubisky. This is nothing against Mitchell Trubisky, but Baker Mayfield is a far superior passer. Trubisky is a fine quarterback, but he is not anywhere near the caliber of passer that Mayfield is. What is considered good from Trubisky is not the same as what is considered good from Mayfield.

Trubisky is a quarterback who needs to use his legs to move the ball down the field. This is because he struggles to complete passes on a consistent basis. When the game speeds up it becomes too fast for Mitchell Trubisky. This does not apply to Baker Mayfield. As we saw several times last season, the game does not become too fast for Mayfield.

As a passer Baker Mayfield is more polished than Mitchell Trubisky and Mayfield can make throws that Trubisky can only dream about. Mayfield has a much stronger arm and can throw receivers open on a consistent basis. Two things that cannot be said about Trubisky.

Anything can look like an accurate comparison when you do not tell the whole story

An “analyst” decided to cherry pick some less than stellar moments from Mayfield’s first two games and decided to make a definitive statement about them. Two games in which Baker Mayfield has not looked like Baker Mayfield. Two games in a new offense just to prove a false narrative with flawed information. A narrative suggesting that Mayfield and Trubisky are comparable as quarterbacks. A narrative that claims that Mayfield’s performance is more indicative of his ability as a quarterback rather than adjusting to a new offense.

It is abundantly clear that through the first two games that Mayfield has looked a bit off. Nobody is arguing that fact. But trying to say that this is what he looked like last year is laughable. Mayfield simply does not look comfortable this season. Part of that is the new offense from Todd Monken. An offense that relies upon deep shots. These concepts can pose a problem for an offensive line that is questionable at best. Waiting for these routes to develop fully is difficult when the offensive line struggles to block on a consistent basis. 

If Baker Mayfield was struggling with what he succeeded with last season it is a completely different discussion. The offense is clearly different and predictably there is an adjustment period.

The difference between this season and last season is how quick the offense was last year. Freddie Kitchens ran an offense last year that was predicated on what the players felt comfortable with, which is a lot of quick passes. Almost the complete opposite of what we’ve seen so far this season. Cleveland has used some quick concepts, but mostly it is deep shots that have been called. 

The key to properly evaluating Baker Mayfield relies on two things. Whether the offense continues running plays that the team is struggling to run and if Baker Mayfield can adjust to what the defenses are throwing at him. Running a new offense while facing over half a century of defensive play calling experience in the NFL through three games will make most quarterbacks struggle (this includes the upcoming Sunday Night game against the Rams). It will be up to Freddie Kitchens, Todd Monken and Baker Mayfield to adjust accordingly. 

The Browns offense had a moment against the Jets where they looked like they did last year. It was Baker Mayfield’s pass to Odell Beckham Jr. which resulted in a career long touchdown pass and reception for both players. 

The ball is snapped, Mayfield executes the play fake quickly and the ball is out. Mayfield connects with Beckham before the defense can react and then it’s off to the races. This is the type of play the Browns need to run more of. This is what was successful last season. Quick passing concepts. Holding the ball for long passes clearly isn’t working. Snap the ball, execute a play fake (if necessary) and get it to the receiver as quick as possible, this is when Baker Mayfield is at his best. Hopefully seeing the success of this play will remind Kitchens of what worked last year and he will run more of it. 

There is not enough of a track record to accurately compare Baker Mayfield to Mitchell Trubisky

The reason the person compared Baker Mayfield to Mitchell Trubisky did this for one reason and one reason only. Attention. Trubisky is an easy target for people to point at since the Bears traded up to take him over several other quarterbacks. Trubisky has had issues in regards to his development since reaching the NFL. Most of his issues are accuracy related while the others are his ability to read a defense. There are two-plus seasons worth of Trubisky tape to watch. Trubisky is in his second season with his current coaching staff and concepts, verbiage etc. are not going to change all that much. Trubisky looks about the same this year as he did the year before.

Baker Mayfield will have plenty of time to adjust to the new offensive concepts that are being utilized by Freddie Kitchens and Todd Monken. Second year quarterbacks tend to have a bit of an adjustment period to begin with. When a new offense is introduced that just adds to the adjustment process. Having weapons like Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry will make any quarterback feel the need to force the ball their way. Baker just needs to get comfortable, settle in and do what he does best. Find the open receiver and get the ball to him quickly. A concept which he has shown previously that he can do with ease. A concept which Mitchell Trubisky does not exactly excel at.

If Baker Mayfield is unable to progress and is having the same issues next season, then, and only then is when a comparison to Mitchell Trubisky can become valid.

Browns will be without David Njoku

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David Njoku has a broken wrist and is going to miss some time. This is a blow to a promising tight end who could have taken that next step forward this season. While there will still be time for him to do so later in the season, the browns will be without him for the time being. 

This is not a death blow to the Browns offense. David Njoku could be a dynamic player but has not put it all together yet. Things would be drastically different if there were not the plethora of playmakers on offense. Baker Mayfield will still have the likes of Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Rashard Higgins to throw to. Antonio Callaway will return in a few games just giving the Browns yet another option on offense. 

The only problem with all those names listed above are that they are not tight ends, they are wide receivers. David Njoku will have to be replaced as someone who can line up next to a tackle and block when called upon. 

Come on down Demetrius Harris and Ricky Seals-Jones! You are the next men up on the depth chart! 

Both Demetrius Harris and Ricky Seals-Jones are both better blockers than pass catchers. Something that actually may come in handy right now. The Browns offense is yet to find their stride and the offensive line has struggled blocking. Njoku is not necessarily a good blocking tight end and his absence might help things out for the time being as crazy as that sounds. Baker needs time to throw with the new offensive concepts being introduced this season and has not had it. 

Perhaps keeping in Harris or Seals-Jones as a blocker will give Mayfield more time in the pocket over the next few games. This starts with Sunday Night’s contest at home against the Los Angeles Rams and their tough defensive front. Keeping an extra blocker in to try and slow down Aaron Donald is just one of the things they will need to in order to win Sunday. 

As much as it sucks to be without David Njoku, his absence could finally lead to the Browns offense finding the rhythm they have been desperately seeking through their first two games. 

Keys for the Browns in Week 3

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The Cleveland Browns have another high profile game in Week 3. This time against the Rams at home on Sunday Night Football. This is their toughest test so far this season and will require excelling in a few areas in order to win. 

Block Aaron Donald by any means necessary. 

This might be the most difficult task on Sunday so let’s get to it first. Aaron Donald is one of the NFL’s best defenders. His ability to disrupt plays instantly sets him apart from the rest of the league. Donald has the upper hand coming into this game. It will be up to the Browns to do everything they can to slow him down because stopping him entirely is impossible. Double team him on every play. Chip him with tight ends and running backs. Bring in extra blockers in order to provide another line of protection for Baker Mayfield. If they are unable to slow him down it will be a long day for the Browns. 

Quick passes instead of shot plays 

This is something that has been discussed ad nauseam. As part of their new offense Cleveland has utilized a lot shot plays in their first two games and it has led to mixed results. Their lackluster offensive line makes these types of plays more difficult. As mentioned above, Aaron Donald will pose many problems for the Browns. In order to help neutralize the Rams pass rush and maximize the strengths of the Browns pass offense they will need to use more quick passes instead of deep shots. The occasional deep shot is fine but as we have seen through the first two games they are not working all that well at the moment. 

Give Nick Chubb more carries

Freddie Kitchens stated he wants to get Nick Chubb more involved. Well, no time like the present. Chubb needs to be involved if the offense is going to ascend anywhere remotely near the level that many expected them to this season. Chubb has 35 carries through the first two games this season. The amount of carries Chubb should have after Week 3 should be closer to 60 than 50 if they want their offense to be more productive. A combination of more carries and some more creative run concepts should get the job done Sunday night. 

Myles Garrett needs to cut down the penalties 

Myles Garrett is an elite pass rusher. Garrett can get to any quarterback with ease. The problem that came to light last week was the two roughing the passer penalties. Granted, they were weak penalties but they were called. Garrett will need to adjust to how refs are making that judgment when he is hitting the opposing quarterback.  Unlike the Jets, the Rams can take advantage of extra chances. Cleveland cannot allow Los Angeles to have additional shots at putting points up on the board. This could result in a deflating loss if this does occur. 

Browns offense is still a work in progress

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The Cleveland Browns offense has not quite lived up to expecations thus far. There is still a lot of work to be done as the season progresses.

The offense of the Cleveland Browns is still a work in progress. There is obviously some different elements included this season when compared to last season. This has led to some struggles in regards to scoring and some overreactions. Patience is needed as the Browns work things out. 

The clear difference is the volume of shot plays. Deep pass patterns which sometimes include play action. One problem is that the offensive line has not been great so far this season. This includes Greg Robinson’s ejection in Week 1. Another issue is that the Titans and Jets are very aggressive defenses. This has led to less time for shot plays to develop and more pressure on Baker Mayfield. 

These new concepts come courtesy of new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. While in Tampa Bay these types of plays were prevalent in the Buccaneers offense. Combine this with the fact that there is still some of that desire to make big plays quickly with the new offensive weapons, this can cause some issues. 

The most explosive play was a short pass to Odell Beckham Jr. resulting in a career long touchdown for both Beckham and Mayfield.

This is a type of play that the Browns should look to run more often. Shot plays are great, but cannot be relied upon for consistent offensive production. In fact Baker Mayfield has been better throwing the ball quicker this season.

While chunk plays are great, the reality is defenses can send pressure and disrupt this type of offense quite easily. Especially considering the issues the offensive line has.  A mix of plays from last year and the shot plays from Monken would lead to a more consistent offensive attack. 

Quick plays will be crucial as the Browns face another aggressive defensive front in Week 3.

Week 2 predictions: Browns vs Jets

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The Cleveland Browns are looking to rebound in a big way against the New York Jets. Here are some predictions for their matchup on Monday night. 

No ejections 

Well, at least none that are not self-inflicted. Greg Robinson was ejected last week against the Titans after kicking Kenny Vaccaro in the head. Cleveland should be more disciplined this time around. Although things could change if Jets defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is up to his usual tactics under the mantra “Come get some bitch!”. 

Browns will win turnover battle 

Two of Baker Mayfield’s three interceptions came in garbage time. Mayfield was obviously pressing trying to make things happen in a last ditch effort before accepting defeat. Cleveland’s defense failed to get a takeaway against the Titans. This will change this week with the Jets being down to their backup quarterback Trevor Siemian. 

Nick Chubb cracks 20 carries 

Nick Chubb had 17 carries in Week 1. This was mostly due to the fact that things got out of hand later in the game and running was no longer viable. Cleveland will go to the Nick Chubb well early and often in order to put together a more balanced offensive attack. Now that both C.J. Mosley and Quinnen Williams will be out Monday it will only open more running lanes. 

Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham Jr. make first touchdown connection

Many expected Baker Mayfield to throw a touchdown Odell Beckham Jr. in the opening game. This did not happen. The dynamic duo will without a doubt look to change things in Week 2. Mayfield and Beckham certainly have chemistry. It will just be up to the offensive line to protect Mayfield so he can have time to find Beckham. 

Baker Mayfield throws more touchdowns than interceptions 

Building off the last prediction, Baker Mayfield will throw more touchdowns than interceptions Monday. Mayfield threw one touchdown compared to three interceptions last Sunday.  Things should be much different on Monday as quite a few disastrous things would have to happen for the Browns to be in a similar situation this week. 

Adam Gase would use Browns as threat

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Current New York Jets and former Miami Dolphins head coach Adam Gase would use a trade to the Cleveland Browns as a threat.

Adam Gase confirms what we all thought. He’s a jerk. Instead of trying to actually find a way to coach his team he would threaten to trade them if they did not “fall in line”. And of course the place he threatened them with was Cleveland. The thought process being to send them to the Browns to die. 

This isn’t a new thought process. Many teams and front offices have used this strategy. This doesn’t make it any less of a jerk move. Apparently the jerk store has not run out of people who are hell bent on ending the career of a player they do not get along with.

Adam Gase sent Jarvis Landry to Cleveland after it became apparent that they could not work together. It was clear that they didn’t get a long and the relationship between the two was beyond repair. Because of this Landry got what Gase probably assumed was the end of his career. 

However the joke is on him.  Landry is in a better position now than under Gase. Miami is now a complete dumpster fire who is just looking to trade anyone and everyone. Gase is in New York and his career did not get off on the right foot after he looked like a complete psychopath in his introductory press conference. 

Minkah Fitzpatrick should interest Browns

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The Miami Dolphins are in full firesale mode. Minkah Fitzpatrick is allowed to seek a trade and the Cleveland Browns should be interested.

A name that could interest the Cleveland Browns has hit the market. Minkah Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick wants out of Miami and that comes to the surprise of no one. The Dolphins are openly tanking to the displeasure of players. Fitzpatrick is better than what he has shown this season and could certainly help the Cleveland Browns this season and in the future.

Miami reportedly wants a first round pick for Minkah Fitzpatrick. That’s nonsense. Fitzpatrick was a first round pick, but that is not how returns typically work. The fact Miami is openly tanking hurts them leverage wise. Everyone knows they are trying to jettison players, putting them in a bad spot negotiation wise.

Part of the reason that Minkah Fitzpatrick wants out is due to the fact they are playing him in multiple positions. Fitzpatrick is a great slot corner, but he is not a safety. So those who are trying to make Fitzpatrick a replacement for Damarious Randall can stop now. Fitzpatrick is not big enough to play safety and certainly is not comfortable in that position.

A combination of Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams and Minkah Fitzpatrick as the top three corners would be something. This would give the Browns secondary a nice little bump depth wise.

With how pass happy the NFL is now it is crucial to have top tier defensive backs. It is also crucial to have a lot of depth at those positions. Having quality depth will allow the Browns pass rush to get home and sack the quarterback. A pass rush is only effective if the corners can cover. Acquiring more corners who can cover will only make the pass rush better.

Pressure is on the Browns to win in Week 2

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After Week 1’s disaster the Cleveland Browns are under a ton of pressure to defeat the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.

Yes, this sounds ridiculous especially considering the latest developments with Sam Darnold and various other Jets. That being said the pressure is on the Cleveland Browns to win in Week 2.

Sam Darnold is out for the Jets, Le’Veon Bell may not play, Quinnen Williams is dealing with an ankle injury and C.J. Mosley did not practice. New York looks like they will be down some important players on Monday. In theory this takes pressure off the Browns to win. The problem is, the exact opposite is true. Now there is more pressure to win than before.

The extra pressure is due to the fact that on paper the Browns should beat down the Jets. Cleveland was a better team before the injury updates and the talent gap is even larger now.

The fact of the matter is that the Browns cannot lose to an injury depleted Jets team. Considering the letdown that Week 1 was, they cannot drop to 0-2 against a team they have no business losing to. An argument can be made that they had no business losing to the Titans last week, but that no longer matters. The game is over and there is nothing that can be done about it.

A win on Monday does a few things.
  • First off it revitalizes the team and gets them back in a winning mindset.
  • Secondly it will take pressure off the team and the coaching staff.
  • Finally it will allow some of the stink of Week 1’s performance to dissipate just a bit.

It feels like the Browns overlooked their opponent in Week 1 and got punched right in the mouth. What the Browns cannot do is overlook an opponent for a second straight week just because they will be missing some key players. If they do that they could be staring 0-2 right in the face and the talk from irrelevant individuals will only get louder.