Q&A Part II

Scattershot questions and answers not yet addressed regarding the 2022 season for the Browns. . . 

Q: Assuming Deshaun Watson draws a suspension of at least six games for being a bad boy off the field and Jacoby Brissett opens the season at quarterback, in what way will head coach Kevin Stefanski tailor the offense?

A: That would be Plan B, which means the offense will look very much like it has the first two seasons of Stefanski's tenure in Cleveland. Brissett is not nearly as talented or dangerous as Watson, so he will be limited to high-percentage, low-risk passes and numerous handoffs to his terrific running backs.

Plays that stretch a defense will not be on his wristband as Stefanski dumbs down his offense. Safe short- and medium range throws will dominate Brissett's stats sheet, especially with a receiving corps that will not frighten many teams. His strongest attribute: Taking care of the football.

He has thrown only 17 picks in more than 1,200 career passing attempts. And when he is flushed out of the pocket and uses his feet, ball security is yet another strength. He has lost only three fumbles in the last several seasons. 

Q: Assuming he is 100%, how much playing time will Kareem Hunt get? And how often will he share the backfield with Nick Chubb?

A: Hard to say because Stefanski the last two seasons has rarely paired the two. Still can't figure out why not. They have similar skills in the ground game, each extremely difficult to get on the ground. Hunt has more of an edge with his surer hands when he slots or flanks out.

When you have two of the best backs in the NFL, both in their prime by the way, it makes more sense to not just share the reps, but maximize the offensive potential by utilizing both frequently. And each is a willing and effective blocker.

It will be interesting to see how long Stefanski stubbornly keeps at least one on the sideline this season. Just guessing here: Maybe he'll change his mind when Watson returns and load up the backfield with all three. That begs the next question.

Q: When Watson returns, how quickly does Stefanski's  favored run-first offense disappear?

A: Does immediately pretty much cover it? Stefanski says he strives to play to a player's strength. He likes to put those players in "the best position to win." And Watson's biggest strength is chucking the rock. A lot. 

Q: Will the real David Njoku please stand up and reveal himself? 

A: After five seasons of mediocre football, the former first-round draft choice was rewarded with a $57 million contract, which easily qualifies as the biggest surprise of the year. He is now clearly the No. 1 tight end on the depth chart.

For the first time since being drafted, Njoku will see a majority of time on the field and be one of the prime targets for Brissett and Watson. You can bet he will be targeted more than the 82 times Stefanski called his number the last two seasons. He might reach that number by game 10.

His biggest challenge will be improving his concentration with regard to his iffy hands. How many times have we seen the last five seasons Njoku break wide open only to drop the ball, Once he holds on, though, he eats up chunks of yardage. So to answer the original question, the answer, based on his past, is no.

Q: How satisfied are you with the wide receivers room?

A: This will be brief. After Amari Cooper, not at all. You?

Q: How confident are you in Stefanski as the head coach?

A: He is somewhat of a puzzle. In his rookie year, everything seemed to fall into place offensively. Qualifying for the playoffs and then knocking off the Pittsburgh Steelers in the opening round elevated him to star status in Browns Nation.

Then came year two. Call it a sophomore jinx. Maybe the rest of the league caught up with him. He worked with a quarterback who had one arm tied to a badly injured shoulder. Call it whatever you want. Stefanski's star burned out.

So . . . one great season, one awfully disappointing season. The popularity scale is balanced. Does what eventuates this season determine Stefanski's fate in Clevelqand? Nah. The gravitas of that playoff season lingers and buys him at least two more seasons.

Q: So what about Kevin Stefanski the playcaller?

A: I've said this before. He is the head coach. As such, he is responsible for all aspects of the game. Offense, defense, special teams, strategy, tactical management, managing the clock. Everything. 
Concentrating on the offense robs him from the overall rhythm of the game and the ability to make critical decisions intelligently on the spot.

He needs to trust Alex Van Pelt, the offensive coordinator in name only, with the responsibility of running the offense with the help of the assistant coaches on that side of the ball. Until he can do that and become the head coach, he will have problems.

Q: Now that the defense seemingly has been fixed, can fans look forward to a more opportunistic group in the turnover department?

A: Definitely. It can't get much worse. The Cleveland defense created only 19 takeaways last season -- six fumble recoveries and 13 interceptions -- to rank near the bottom of the NFL.

It took almost half the season, but defensive coordinator Joe Woods figured out how to put his men in the best position to make plays last season. And the players now have a greater understanding of Woods' schemes. Combine those aspects and the turnover numbers will definitely rise this season.

Q: Can fans look forward to more blitzing from this unit?

A: Absolutely. Now that they are comfortable (and confident) with each other, it's time for Woods to turn his men loose against opposing quarterbacks. 

Q: One last question: How bad were the special teams last season? 

A: Really, really, really bad. Like 30th in the 32-team league. Placed tied for dead last in many categories and all by themselves in three, all dealing with field goals: Fewest field goals (16); worst field-goal percentage (72%); and worst opponent field-goal percentage (96.2%). But they were the best in opponents' starting point (23.2-yard line).

The coverage will be better this season -- it can't be any worse -- as will the return game. Jakeem Grant, with seven NFL seasons as a specialist, mostly with Miami, was signed as a free agent. The 5-7 speedster has booked two kickoff returns and four punt returns for touchdowns.

General Manager Andrew Berry made certain the kicking game would improve this season, taking Cade York out of Louisiana State, grabbing him in the fourth round, making him the highest drafted placekicker since 2016.  

Considering his sterling collegiate career, it's not too hyperbolic to suggest York has a great chance to be the best kicker the Browns have had since Phil Dawson was foolishly cut loose 10 years ago after 14 seasons.