BEREA, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – When things aren’t going well it’s easy to point fingers.
The 1-4 Browns are trying to avoid doing it when it comes to their last-ranked offense.
“I think we need to do everything better,” receiver Amari Cooper said. “I think we need to run better. I think we need to run better routes. Think we need to [do] everything, block, whatever. Everybody can be a little bit better for this team.”
Here’s Thursday’s Brownie Bites.
Blame game – Through five games, the Browns offense is one of the worst the franchise has fielded since retuning in 1999, and that is saying something considering the talent and cost of said talent this season. “It comes down to execution,” left guard Joel Bitonio said. “You watch the film and you see too many Mas [Missed Assignments], and it's not just one position group. One time it's like the line blowing a block. The next time it's the receiver's run on the wrong route or dropped the pass, and then the next time it's the quarterback missed the one and it just all adds up and it's frustrating. So it comes down to executing and it comes down to just playing one play at a time. Truthfully, no one has to do too much. We have to do our job.” Despite the struggles, there will be no quarterback, coordinator or play-caller changes this week in Philadelphia. The adjustments are more subtle. “We are making changes,” Cooper said. “One of the things that Coach Kev is emphasizing is that we need a spark and it can come from anywhere and they're definitely doing some things to try to create that spark that again, I won't divulge, but that definitely is an emphasis for sure.” From Cooper’s perspective, play calling is not the problem. “It doesn't necessarily matter the play that's being called,” Cooper said. “It's the lack of execution. Never blame the play caller. It's always the players out there who are trying to execute the plays at the end of the day.”
Still time – Even at 1-4, the Browns are only two full games behind division leading Baltimore and Pittsburgh, but time is running out to get on track. “There's definitely urgency,” Bitonio said. “I'm not going to say panic, but we're urgent. We want to be urgent, we need to be as urgent as possible because it's a big game for us. But the guys, I think, understand what situation we're in, but I do think there is optimism that we can turn this thing around.”
Trade winds – If the Browns continue to lose, EVP/GM Andrew Berry could begin a fire sale. Cooper could be a prime target for a contender. “I'm not thinking about that,” Cooper said. “I'm not thinking about us not winning some games. I'm thinking about us winning some games, so that doesn't even cross my mind.”
Club 150 – Bitonio is set to start his 150th game with the Browns this weekend in Philadelphia, second-most since the franchise returned in 1999 behind Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, who started 167 games. “You look at the names that are around you or ahead of you on the list, and I mean, just the history of the Cleveland Browns and what they've done it's pretty special and there's a lot of luck that comes into staying healthy and being available,” Bitonio said. “But that's one thing. Anytime I have a chance, I want to be out there with my teammates and just give it a go. But it's a cool stat and hopefully we get a win in the 150th.” Cleveland selected Bitonio, a six-time Pro Bowler, in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Big legs – Years ago the 50-yard field goal was a rarity but this season it is becoming commonplace with kickers combining leaguewide to make 76% of tries from 50-plus. “I don’t know if the kickers are stronger, but I will say this, there are a good amount of talented kickers in the league,” special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone said. “If you just look around, I mean, we have a good one. Even the teams that we’ve played already to this point. I mean, you have [Brandon] Aubrey, [Daniel] Carlson, those guys are talented. Obviously, Ka’imi Fairbairn has had a really good year already. He’s hit like, I want to say, like almost double-digit 50-yard kicks to this point. I think he has maybe nine or 10. So, he’s been a weapon for Houston. And you know, that position is, it’s a critical position that you have a really good player there because it’s a points position. Sometimes it goes overlooked, but that’s one of the most, if not, the most important position besides the quarterback, I would say.”
Quote of the day – Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz offered this gem concerning the early season struggles. “You’re going to have tough times. it’s not all s***s and giggles. It’s not all unicorns and rainbows and everything else and those tough times and persevering through those tough times is where you get your medal and what defines you as a team. And when we get out of this, we will be battle tested and I think we’ll be stronger for it.”
Injury report – DNP: S Grant Delpit (concussion), S Ronnie Hickman (ankle), T James Hudson (shoulder), LS Charley Hughlett (ribs), C Ethan Pocic (knee), CB Denzel Ward (hamstring); LIMITED: TE David Njoku (knee, ankle), DE Myles Garrett (Achilles), RB Nick Chubb (knee), RB Nyheim Hines (knee), RB D’Onta Foreman (ankle), OT Jack Conklin (hamstring), Mohamoud Diabate (hip), LB Jordan Hicks (elbow, triceps), DT Maurice Hurst (ankle), RB Pierre Strong (hamstring), OT Jedrick Wills Jr. (knee), OG Zak Zinter (knee); FULL: DE Ogbo Okoronkwo (illness), WR Jerry Jeudy (knee), WR Amari Cooper (rest)