CLEVELAND, Ohio – I’ve been praising the Browns’ technical team for most of the season.
A good reason for this, given his 10-4 record and problems with lack of discipline.
But they were never challenged that way. Never having to train a game without its four main recipients and two main linebackers – find out that they will be out only about 36 hours before the game starts.
But this is what Kevin Stefanski & Co. are up against when they play the Jets today, while the COVD-19 hits the Browns hard.
It has to be oppressive. It would be different if they had a week to prepare.
But basically one day? A day when you can’t even do field training because you were traveling?
That is the story.
Can it work?
Well … of course … maybe.
Let’s consider the offense.
Baker Mayfield is still there. Since the week of goodbye, Mayfield has played as one of the top five NB QBs in all rankings.
Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are still there.
Most fans are aware of Hunt’s superior passing skills. The Willoughby South product can be easily used as a slot receiver. A wide receiver.
As Joel Bitonio once said: “He is a football player. He can play almost anywhere. “
It is Hunt who leads the team with 5 TD catches.
Then there is Chubb. He’s still an elite running back. He can actually catch the ball, they just don’t throw it at him often.
This may be the day when we will see Chubb’s reception skills. He has 11 receptions for an average of 10.2 yards.
So there is Baker. The back is still there. Rookie Nick Harris is making his first start on guard, and Kendall Lamm will now start on the left tackle after Jedrick Wills Jr. was excluded due to illness this morning.
The Browns must be able to run the ball … I think.
And then … drum roll, please … there are the TERMINALS!
Stefanski’s attack is friendly in the extreme. One of the surprises this season is the tight ends not catching as many passes as expected.
That’s because Hunt is very talented as a receiver. And it’s because Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins and Donovan Peoples-Jones are all having good years.
But those three along with KhaDarel Hodge are out because of the COVID-19 contact tracking.
Austin Hooper …
David Njoku …
Harrison Bryant …
Even Stephen Carlson …
This could be your day! The rise of the narrow ends.
Stefanski reportedly has a stack of plays for tight ends. And the tight ends combined for 8 TD catches this season.
Is there reason to worry about losing the Browns game?
Sure.
The already weak defense will suffer even less linebackers BJ Goodson and Jacob Phillips.
But defensive coordinator Joe Woods has been covering leaks all year. Somehow, the Browns are 10-4 with this defense.
Coaches are at stake.
It is a chance for players to show that they are really “tough, smart, responsible”, as was their mission at the beginning of the year.
I work to be an optimistic person, so maybe I’m minimizing the obstacles that the Browns are facing.
But they are also playing with 1-13 Jets, not Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Every week, Stefanski said that his goal is to make “1-0”. The coaches’ mission is to find a way to win that game that week.
OK, guys, do it!