Good morning, Cleveland Browns fans!
I was so tired of writing about the Browns post-apocalyptic landscape the other day that I gave up on writing about the Browns entirely and just posted Lift stories. So, it would make sense that I would focus on a bit of heart-warming news – Nick Chubb’s wonderful message to Cleveland and Browns fans – rather than dwell on the negative for once.
But another writer has asked to tackle this subject, and I don’t want to steal his spotlight, so I’ll simply point you to Chubb’s moving letter and suggest you check your immediate environment for dust that might get in your eyes.
Cleveland, you’ve had my back and now I’m ready to pay it forward. This one is for you. @PlayersTribune https://t.co/FcSDrg07BY
— Nick Chubb (@NickChubb) October 16, 2024
Ever since I had that cataract surgery a few years ago, my eyes get so watery all the time. Dammit.
Anyhow, Nick vowing to pay it back to the City of Cleveland isn’t only news of the day; it’s just the only bright star in the sky hanging above the post-apocalyptic Mad Max landscape that is Cleveland Browns fandom right now.
Other, more sinister burbling coming from those who claim to hear things from the cloistered Berea complex gets the attention of fans. Some say that criticism of Deshaun Watson inside Berea is discouraged. There are those who say that the Browns are “resigned to their fate” with their quarterback for now. Those who say that Amari Cooper’s apparent happiness at being traded also indicate that others are anxious to leave.
I’ve been saying for a few weeks that this present run represents two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski’s greatest challenge yet – greater than the Covid year, greater than managing five different quarterbacks into the playoffs. He’s trying to keep this team on track while rolling out a quarterback and offensive line dead set on setting negative NFL records for sacks, sack yardage allowed, and various other disastrous marks.
We frequently get questions in Ask the Insiders about when Stefanski will “lose the locker room” by pushing Watson out there. I disagree with the underlying premise of the question – that there’s some sort of binary switch that indicates the locker room is with the coach or against him.
I would have to assume that an NFL locker room is like any other assembly of people – there are varying opinions, levels of understanding, and so forth. Some of it will depend on who is most vocal and influential among the group and the rest of the group dynamics. Attitudes will change and shift. Some players will be frustrated, some will tune things out, and some will back the head coach no matter what. All of which makes it a tricky question to answer beyond acknowledging when we hear that some team members are less than ecstatic with things.
Right now, one has to assume that, beyond the team’s fortunes shifting, things will get progressively harder and more challenging for Stefanski as he remains the face to players and the media for the team’s consensus-driven approach. This approach appears to be to desperately attempt to salvage what they can from the Watson gamble for as long as they can until the owner/players/fans threaten to light the braintrust’s offices on fire.
Brace yourself. It gets more interesting from here. Twists and turns will follow.
Just like the story of Nick Chubb: Just when you think it’s all over, it won’t be over.
Have a good one! GO BROWNS!
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