1 minute ago, surfohio said:

 

I can definitely see that. So in that case OBJ had better have a Patrick Mahomes or Russel Wilson at QB. Like, guys who are ridiculous at avoiding the pass rush and extending plays. 

Last that I checked, Mahomes isn't having the same success this year as in previous ones and Wilson is out hurt.  Even those players can do only so much if they don't have the line support to protect them.  

8 minutes ago, LifeLongClevelander said:

Last that I checked, Mahomes isn't having the same success this year as in previous ones and Wilson is out hurt.  Even those players can do only so much if they don't have the line support to protect them.  

 

Yep. And it wouldn't surprise me a bit if Mahomes was playing hurt. That type of play is just not sustainable imho. 

30 minutes ago, LifeLongClevelander said:

Last year, it was stated that the "disconnect" between Baker and Odell was due to the lack of a real training camp.  When things came together for Baker and the Browns had to do with having the bye week to work on schemes.  The timing of Odell getting hurt and being out of the lineup just happened to be at the same time.  Now, it will be interesting to see with Odell's departure if the offense is better.  Based upon some "off the record" statements, Odell being open had much more to do with him running whatever he pleased regarding pass routes (as he also did with the Giants).  When the quarterback has only so much time to attempt to make a pass (especially having to face an increased rush due to offensive linemen injuries), he doesn't have the time to try to figure out where his receivers might be instead of where they should be.  It also helps if the receiver actually catches the ball.

Ya. I love how that video of Baker missing Odell or not throwing to him when wide open just glosses over multiple HUGE DROPS, including two on fourth down situations. And all the freaking penalties he's incurred that screwed us over the last two years. Dude has been a net negative since he's been here. 

^ Agreed.  Good riddance.  Browns, please don't obtain any more divas.

Addition by subtraction 

I just hope he doesn't end up with Baltimore or Cinci.  

46 minutes ago, LibertyBlvd said:

^ Agreed.  Good riddance.  Browns, please don't obtain any more divas.

 

So you don't want anymore wide receivers? 😜

1 hour ago, surfohio said:

 

I can definitely see that. So in that case OBJ had better have a Patrick Mahomes or Russel Wilson at QB. Like, guys who are ridiculous at avoiding the pass rush and extending plays. 

 

He's probably going to KC, which will be an odd sort of trade for Kareem Hunt.

31 minutes ago, KJP said:

 

So you don't want anymore wide receivers? 😜

 

LOL I don't think people who haven't played organized sports at a high level quite get that ego often goes with ability.  It's probably human nature.

I really hate this, he's likely to come back to haunt us like Joe Haden.

12 minutes ago, E Rocc said:

 

LOL I don't think people who haven't played organized sports at a high level quite get that ego often goes with ability.  It's probably human nature.I

Yeah, I guess I need to stop dwelling on those players or yesteryear who kept their egos in check.  Players like Paul Warfield, Gary Collins, Reggie Rucker, Dave Logan  etc. It's a different world now.

 

Edited November 5, 20213 yr by LibertyBlvd

12 minutes ago, LibertyBlvd said:

Yeah, I guess I need to stop dwelling on those players or yesteryear who kept their egos in check.  Players like Paul Warfield, Gary Collins, Reggie Rucker, Dave Logan  etc. It's a different world now.

 

Give a team of 5-6 receivers like Jarvis Landry and they won't fare badly.  Evidently in the case of Odell, continuing to be on an NFL team with his best friend wasn't enough for him.  He got his wish and got out of Cleveland and probably won't ever be on the same NFL team with Landry ever again.

 

David Njoku found a way to get his ego in check after kicking up a fuss last year.

 

With regards to Reggie Rucker, his ego did get him in trouble, but that happened long after he retired.

Browns put a whooping on the Bengals today. I didn’t see much of the game but it looked as if the Browns kept pressure on Burrow the entire game, leading to two interceptions thrown. I root for my hometown teams but good job today to the Browns. 

I am just so glad the OBJ drama is once and for all gone and we can now focus on going forward as a team.  We are objectively a better team without him.  

just before the game peoples-jones and ward were listed as questionable to play with groin and hammy troubles. if that's how injuries go for the browns from here out i'll take'm.

18 hours ago, richNcincy said:

Browns put a whooping on the Bengals today. I didn’t see much of the game but it looked as if the Browns kept pressure on Burrow the entire game, leading to two interceptions thrown. I root for my hometown teams but good job today to the Browns. 

 

If Miser Mike Brown doesn't draft and/or invest in an offensive like, Burrow's not going to last.   Especially in this division.

Baker is 6-1 against the Bengals.   I would imagine that Buckeyes/Bengals fans really hate him by now.   Especially with DPJ's performances.

Edited November 8, 20213 yr by E Rocc

Great news! I thought for sure we'd lose this guy. AB is awesome. 

 

 

Well, this isn't good.

 

https://fox8.com/sports/cleveland-browns-nick-chubb-demetric-felton-test-positive-for-covid-19-reports/

 

But this is...

 

 

Yep, I know it's not even halftime yet but I've seen enough. 

 

Belichek is just so much better than Stefanski/Woods it's not even fair.  

I had a feeling this was going to be ugly.

38 minutes ago, LibertyBlvd said:

I had a feeling this was going to be ugly.

 

You didn't think Brian Hoyer would end up with better numbers than Baker?   🤦‍♂️

1 hour ago, LibertyBlvd said:

I had a feeling this was going to be ugly.

Same. I tried to warn a good friend of mine who is a browns fan not to read too much into them crushing the bengals last week and that the bengals have not arrived yet so the win didn’t say much, he and the media will never learn lol.

Edited November 14, 20213 yr by 646empire

1 hour ago, Cleburger said:

 

You didn't think Brian Hoyer would end up with better numbers than Baker?   🤦‍♂️

Better numbers on 3 passes. 

3 hours ago, 646empire said:

Same. I tried to warn a good friend of mine who is a browns fan not to read too much into them crushing the bengals last week and that the bengals have not arrived yet so the win didn’t say much, he and the media will never learn lol.

 

Funny on the ESPN score ticker before the game it said "Browns upset the Bengals last week...." which made me wonder, are the Browns viewed as the worst team in AFC North? 

sez it all:

 

 

Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald

 

“Excluding a game-ending kneeldown, the Patriots scored on 7 of their 8 possessions and allowed scores on 1 of the Browns’ 8. That’ll do.”

MODS PLEASE LOCK THIS THREAD

41 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

MODS PLEASE LOCK THIS THREAD

Trying to get out of your Yabo game day analysis duties?  

the sports headlines should be:

 

witless browns hold off winless lions.

 

thank goodness chubb was back.

Footage of Kevin Stefanski calling plays today:

 

No way we win against the Ravens if the Browns play like they did today. 

11 minutes ago, Oldmanladyluck said:

No way we win against the Ravens if the Browns play like they did today. 

 

Yeah, our offense from the Chiefs game seems all but a distant memory. 

 

Prime time game...hoping we can come out firing on all cylinders but who the heck knows with this team. 

Baker should’ve not played today. Very bad call by the organization.  They could’ve won today without him and he could’ve had a week off before Baltimore.  I’m starting to second guess Stefanski a good bit, after I didn’t at all last year.  I feel like Beckham would still be here if his dad didn’t spout out because Stefanski couldn’t recognize something was not workable.  Now he’s running mayfield out there for no reason, which makes me wonder if he can override his players and make a hard decision.  They seem to be being made for him

Stefanski is coaching with his head up you know where. Its like he is making decisions just to crap on conventional wisdom. Maybe the coach of the year award went to his head?

 

34 minutes ago, Ineffable_Matt said:

Stefanski is coaching with his head up you know where. Its like he is making decisions just to crap on conventional wisdom. Maybe the coach of the year award went to his head?

 

 

So I can't stand these takes - I'm sorry @Ineffable_Matt, nothing against you at all - I'm just speaking in general. 

 

I've been largely avoiding my post-game commentary because I've went into a shell around Browns fans to avoid blowing a gasket. I mean I legitimately saw some fans compare Stefanski to Hue - being completely serious.

 

Here's some facts though: The Ravens beat the Lions with a healthy team on a 66 yard miracle field goal. The Steelers tied the Lions. Browns fans LOVE to complain about wins because we've been conditioned to be miserable. 

 

Here's why I get so upset with the anti-Stefanski takes - and I'll start with a disclaimer: the penalties are absolutely, 100% on him. Lack of Team discipline is inexcusable. But if you have a problem with how he calls plays overall, I'm sorry but it shows a lack of understanding about the game... 

 

Here's the thing - Baker gets two plays called to the huddle, beyond that, he has an option to change the side of the field to which the play is going (Peyton famously using his "Omaha" calls). Pre-snap analysis isn't really one of Baker's strengths yet, though. And teams have started to put 7-8 in the box against us with Baker's injury to make him throw the ball deep. In those situations, you either: 1) Cannot run the ball, or 2) need to make sure the defense allocates less players to the side of the field where you can get "hat on hat" blockers. Stefanski is a genius in this regard, and yesterday, we were able to run successfully with the Lions stacking the box because Stefanski utilized the HELL out of pre-snap shifts, and "zip" "zap" and "yo-yo" motions. This gives Baker a cheat sheet to see who will be aligned where at the snap (i.e. if Njoku shifts from left to right, and he's followed by his LB or Safety, Baker knows there's man under and can divide the field and get his headcount accordingly). Stefanski's scheme SPOON FEEDS assignments to Tretter and Baker - and he's better at it than any other coach in the league other than maybe Sean McVay, Kingsbury, or Shanahan. 

 

Here's the other thing, we can take 9 guys out of the box (even when our QB is struggling) by utilizing screens and play action - and Stefanski is, bar none, better at that than any other coach in the NFL. I was sitting at the game watching yesterday on Baker's pick and my dad and I were talking about how the Lions had 8 in the box in response to our 12 personnel package - that very play, Stefanski dials up a play action pass to a WIDE OPEN Jarvis Landry behind the boundary safety on a 12 yard dig, and Baker just sailed it (and this isn't a blame Baker fest, I still like the guy - but what happened happened). 

 

Is Stefanski a perfect play caller? No, absolutely not. Does he miss on third downs sometimes? Absolutely. Is he "in over his head" or "coaching out of his butt"? HELLLLLL NO. 

 

Just think about this for a second. We had our best receiver walking on one leg. Our best QB with multiple injuries and having some obvious trouble throwing the ball. Our number 2 receiver out with an injury. The Lions were able to put 7-9 in the box in a LOT of situations, and we still were able to run the ball for a win. In the National Football League. 

 

The Stefanski hate is unwarranted and, in most situations, comes from an overall lack of understanding of the game, imo. 

 

Again, PLENTY of room to improve on his end, though, especially with penalties and fourth down calls. 

Edited November 22, 20213 yr by YABO713

You've made me feel a little better about our win, Yabo!

 

I FEEL A LITTLE BIT BETTER!!!

Okay @YABO713, if you feel I do not understand the game, fine. But Stefanski is the guy who loves tight ends and had at least some say in what receivers we kept on the roster (none of which were or are capable of beating press man). And he has the authority to not play an obviously crippled Baker Mayfield against the worst team in football. A team starting arguably the worst QB in the last 15 years in the NFL. A team with one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. Do you really think having one-armed, one-kneed, one-footed Baker throw to our... challenged receivers 30+ times in adverse weather is a better plan than giving Chubb and Johnson 40 carries? Even if you do think throwing that much is a better option, not having Keenum in there is lunacy.

8 minutes ago, Ineffable_Matt said:

Okay @YABO713, if you feel I do not understand the game, fine. But Stefanski is the guy who loves tight ends and had at least some say in what receivers we kept on the roster (none of which were or are capable of beating press man). And he has the authority to not play an obviously crippled Baker Mayfield against the worst team in football. A team starting arguably the worst QB in the last 15 years in the NFL. A team with one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. Do you really think having one-armed, one-kneed, one-footed Baker throw to our... challenged receivers 30+ times in adverse weather is a better plan than giving Chubb and Johnson 40 carries? Even if you do think throwing that much is a better option, not having Keenum in there is lunacy.

 

I actually agree with you. I think Keenum gives us a better chance to win than an injured Baker. 

7 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

 

I actually agree with you. I think Keenum gives us a better chance to win than an injured Baker. 

Okay, good lol. The Baker/Keenun thing blows my mind, and is the crux of my stubbornness/ open defiance of conventional wisdom argument. And we still need to run the ball 40+ times per game. 

12 minutes ago, Ineffable_Matt said:

Okay, good lol. The Baker/Keenun thing blows my mind, and is the crux of my stubbornness/ open defiance of conventional wisdom argument. And we still need to run the ball 40+ times per game. 

 

I'd just offer this. The +/- for Baker and Keenum isn't the only consideration for an HC. In college, we had a QB (coincidentally) with a torn labrum that wanted to play, and our HC deferred to the trainer. We started our backup (granted Keenum is infinitely more adept at QB than this kid lol). But our backup played fine, but we lost the game, and everyone of us in the locker room (right or wrong) second guessed the coach's decision afterwards - and it came at a time where we desperately needed a win against a team we could beat. 

 

On the whole though, I agree with you

i dont think the run game is so effective until hunt is back -- and being its a calf injury, back at full speed.

 

it would probably be good to sit mayfield next week, but i know that wont happen for too many reasons unfortunately.

 

owusu-koromoah is re-hurt again too.

I’m not hating on Stefanski for his X’s and O’s.  I’m wondering if he has the spine to look baker in the eye and tell him he can’t play.  Or tell Andrew Berry, I can’t make this work with OBJ, get me a draft pick.  Those hard conversations are needed from him

5 minutes ago, BelievelandD1 said:

I’m not hating on Stefanski for his X’s and O’s.  I’m wondering if he has the spine to look baker in the eye and tell him he can’t play.  Or tell Andrew Berry, I can’t make this work with OBJ, get me a draft pick.  Those hard conversations are needed from him

 

 

or the even harder one? i can't make this work with baker, get me a fresh qb.

Browns need to decide if they will unload the Brink's truck for Baker's new contract.  Hard to make that decision if he is sitting on the bench.

move up the april draft for corral, willis, picket, or ...?

 

i know, i know.

 

just sayin.

 

maybe pull the band-aid sooner than later?

 

28 minutes ago, LibertyBlvd said:

Browns need to decide if they will unload the Brink's truck for Baker's new contract.  Hard to make that decision if he is sitting on the bench.

 

With this roster, you don't unload Baker without someone you KNOW is better already in hand

1 hour ago, YABO713 said:

 

With this roster, you don't unload Baker without someone you KNOW is better already in hand

I'm not saying they should unload him, but rather they need to determine if he is an elite QB and is worthy of elite QB dollars.

 

Edited November 22, 20213 yr by LibertyBlvd

i think they picked up his 5th yr team option for next year? so trade or lotto moves. hypothetically of course.  is that right?

 

 

Contract Notes

 

Baker Mayfield, the 1st overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft, signed a four year contract with the Browns on July 24, 2018.  The deal is worth $32,682,980 and includes a $21,849,440 signing bonus. The entire contract is guaranteed at signing. Mayfield will earn guaranteed roster bonuses at the start of training camp from 2019 through 2021.

 

Per Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland picked up Baker Mayfield's 5th year option on April 23, 2021.

 

 

This is the play I was referencing. 9 in the box. Stefanski dialed up a BEAUT… and then…

 

 

dont touch that stove!

 

or you’ll get 3rd degree baker burnz:

 

https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/32712834

Browns need to find a kicker.