Cleveland Browns and Freddie Kitchen Part Ways after One Season

Dec 30

Cleveland Browns and Freddie Kitchen Part Ways after One Season

As reported first by Ian Rappaport on Sunday night, the Cleveland Browns are parting ways with head coach Freddie Kitchens after one season in Cleveland. Freddie Kitchens in his first year as Head coach of the historically dismal Cleveland Browns, saw the Browns to a 6-10 record. In 2018 under Hugh Jackson, the Browns were 7-8. The 2019 season saw a decline for the already struggling franchise and it is to be determined if Kitchens was the complete blame for the Browns issues or is it more of an organizational issue?

7 of the 10 losses for the Browns were by a touchdown or more and at least 3 were by 2 possessions or more. The offensive production came in spurts as Quarterback Baker Mayfield posted his lowest career marks. With a 78.8 passer rating, 3,827 passing yards, and 22 touchdowns, Mayfield wasn’t terrible statistically, but he could not elevate his play in critical situational moments. Force-feeding Odell Beckham Jr and Jarvis Landry became customary and hindered a balanced offensive attack at times. This led to erratic turnovers by Baker Mayfield. This did not conclude the entire picture of the Browns issues.

The defense was primarily the issue for the Browns. While the defense passing attack was one of the best in the NFL. Ranked in top 5 in total passing yards per game and through the season. The run defense, however, was one of the worst in the league. Without the proper run defense, it made converting first downs easier for opposing offenses. This led to many extended drives which kept the already struggle Brown’s offense off of the field.

There were bright spots and big wins for the Browns, such as a win over the Ravens and Steelers, but with large divisional losses also, the Browns had little to no hope late in the season. As the Browns begin yet another search for a “coach”, they fail to understand their true issues. Year after year the Browns have had the #1 overall pick and have built up their roster to its current state. With a loaded roster through the draft and free-agent acquisitions, they have failed to capitalize on the talent’s true potential.

Veterans such as OBJ and Jarvis Landry are still very much capable. Younger players such as Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb are still obvious bright spots, but in order for the Browns to take a true step in the right direction, their organizational leadership must improve and show some type of consistency to their team. Without consistency, the Browns will continue to be bad, Baker Mayfield will likely struggle, the stars will be traded and the Cleveland Browns will always have the number one draft pick.

-By: LeMarkus Bailey