Good read! I would say one thing we noticed was talented depth on either side. On offense, we lost a star in Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashard Higgins picked up the slack and was a great replacement player. Pick just about any guy along the offensive line and you'll see the same thing: our swing tackles and guards played very well in relief of injured starters (although Teller's absence was noticeable… guy is a monster). Even at running back, we lost Nick Chubb for four games and had Kareem Hunt to fill in. On defense, it's the opposite story. We were there counting on a rookie (Delpit) and a second-year player who also battled injuries and played up-and-down football (Williams) to join an oft-injured starter (Ward) in holding down the secondary. We'll be counting on at least one rookie from the 2021 draft in the defensive backfield unless we sign a capable starter in free agency. The depth behind those players showed. We trotted out our sixth- and seventh-string defensive backs and it did not go well. Beyond adding some impact starters on defense via free agency and the draft, I think we also have to continue to focus on improving the depth on that side.
^^^^^ Delpit, Williams, Ward, and Ronnie Harrison (who looked to be a very good pickup) played a combined 23 out of 64 (35.9%). That's our best starting secondary lineup right there. None of the four have played a full 16 games in their careers yet. Harrison (14) has the most-played in a single season (and for whatever the reason, that was enough for Jacksonville to decide he was worth moving on from).
Browns' Kevin Stefanski wins AP Coach of the Year After leading Cleveland to its first playoff win in 25 years, Kevin Stefanski's first season as Browns head coach has culminated with him winning the 2020 AP NFL Coach of the Year award, as announced during NFL Honors on Saturday night. With 25 votes, Stefanski took half of the ballots. Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott garnered seven tallies and Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores had six. In a year in which all NFL teams dealt with adversity due to COVID-19 -- which brought with it a hamstrung offseason and zero preseason games -- Stefanski overcame a dire situation for any rookie coach and managed to influence a much-needed sense of continuity for a Browns team that would be well-prepared for the adverse path ahead. Stefanski's Browns earned their first 11-win season since 1994, which marked the last time the Browns won a playoff game. As the leading mind of Cleveland's offense, Stefanski brought forth a system that played to its strengths and created an ideal situation for Baker Mayfield, who showed unmistakable growth in what was a crucial season for the third-year quarterback. By virtue of running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt and a first-class collection of offensive linemen, the Browns found their identity as a physical, ground-and-pound football team that could not only control a game on its own merit, but sought big play opportunities and could put up points when needed. The 2020 Browns ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards (148.4 yards per game), scored the second-most points in franchise history (408), and had the league's third-best red zone offense with touchdowns on 73.6% of their trips. The Browns did all this while weathering a storm of several key injuries, including star wideout Odell Beckham's season-ending ACL tear, Chubb's four-game absence and a multitude of hits to the offensive line and secondary which constantly forced the team to recalibrate and adjust. The Browns never wavered under Stefanski, producing two four-game win streaks and winning every game that came after each of their five defeats, including a must-win game in Week 17 to clinch a playoff berth. Earning a No. 6 seed into the playoffs, the Browns went on the road to face their AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and dealt with perhaps the most adverse situation for a team -- the absence of Stefanski. The Browns coach was forced to stay at home for the Browns' first playoff game in 18 years after testing positive for COVID-19, but a groomed Cleveland team went on to shock the No. 3-seeded Steelers with a 48-37 win on Super Wild Card Weekend. Stefanski returned to the sidelines in the Divisional Round, where the Browns fell short against the soon-to-be AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. The Browns didn't go out without a fight, however, and left the city of Cleveland with a positive outlook on its future, which may prompt the extinguishing of its tormented past. Stefanski's quick turnaround in Cleveland came after a tumultuous year where the Browns experienced their second coaching change in as many seasons. Stefanski, 38, is just the second Browns coach to ever win the Coach of the Year award since it was introduced in 1957, joining Forrest Gregg, who earned the title after the 1976 season. NFL.com
I came of age (football-wise) when he was a Chief and a Charger, but always liked him and thought he was served a serious injustice being fired from San Diego.
I think that could be said each time he was fired. I'm certain there wasn't enough reason to force him to leave in Cleveland either, didn't then and looking back I'm certain of it now. He couldn't win the Super Bowl, but each year, there are 31 coaches that fail to do that. He couldn't make it to the Super Bowl, but again, 30 coaches fail at that as well...All he did in 4 years is take the Browns to their first playoff win in 17 years, win 3 division titles and two appearances in the AFC Championship game.... Which we have never returned to by the way.. so great move for Modell and future owners there...
Sad news indeed. That is really the only knock I had against the guy as a coach, is that he seemed to be more conservative with play calling rather than aggressive as his teams went into the post season. I can still remember yelling at the TV when he went to the prevent-you-from winning D against Elway as the "Drive" unfolded. He did give us some great years and memories though.
Side note... How great has it been that talk about who the Browns are going to take in the 2021 Draft, really hasn't taken off yet... Usually by now we have been debating which players would be the best fit for at least 3-months...
^^^^^ That, and watching the Rams, Eagles, and Jets all walk away from guys they invested heavily in at the position that the talking heads said would be "perfect" for Cleveland.
I heard the killing of the gator was a freak accident. He had gone behind a bush to relieve himself during his hunting trip and gator was killed when it was crushed by Teller's massive testicles.
W. Teller was drafted by the Bills. That makes the big balls story plausible. The draft pick Buffalo got from Cleveland was used for Stefan Diggs (there were other assets that went to MIN, but why muddy the waters with superfluous details). There are a lot of reasons to like Bigbalz Wyatt.
