In our Browns Bloggers and Friends discussion group on Facebook, I asked whether Hue Jackson should be retained, especially in light of recent comments that he felt out of the loop with the Browns front office. That is even more of an issue now that General Manager John Dorsey has replaced Sashi Brown. This thoughtful response comes from Mr. Jeff Mitzel....
Jeff Mitzel I'll raise my hand to your question, Elliott.
1. Hue's statements are a sea change. Hue previously stated that he participated in discussions and when asked about moves he toted the company line--- that it's all about winning.
2. Except when it isn't. And when owners bereft of what to do next begin crowdsourcing and interviewing players. Hue would naturally be nervous at this point. And is making it clear--- it's not his plan.
3. Pointedly, personnel moves haven't made for winning. Gone are Gary Barnidge and Terrelle Pryor replaced by Kenny Britt who has been a no show. Sashi has continued to voice support that Britt will turn it around. No, he won't is the correct answer, but we've seen this before--- folks get stubborn about the moves they make.
4. The Browns had no business starting Kizer. Except, a solid plan B was lacking in all directions. And Kizer kept making plays in training camp. Season play is not training camp but, seriously, this may be the most difficult roster decision to make and to project play at QB when facing a defense that can game plan. Eric Mangini ran his QB competition throughout camp trying to figure things out. Kelly Holcomb was a brilliant backup. But an inconsistent starter.
5. The Browns paid $16 million for a second round pick this year, and Osweiler began to figure into things. Until he didn't. Kessler looked good until he didn't--- and appeared to lose confidence as the organization pivoted away from him. Kizer is simply a year away--- from us figuring out if he can process fast enough to avoid interceptions. It's not looking good, but I think Hue is squeezing the most there is out of this kid. Kizer is on pace to set a record for interceptions--- and also makes some brilliant down field throws in tight windows and throws we haven't seen in recent years. How exactly do you sort that out--- unless 'the plan' is to Kizer time?!
6. Toss Hue down the trash chute, and we'll never know on Kizer because the next guy will want his guy. Remember Colt McCoy getting repeatedly berated?!
7. New coach means new QB, and with the top pick we'll be starting a rookie, again. Except this doesn't seem to work out too well, AND the scouts that favored Wentz were let go immediately before the 2016 draft which is a rare thing. So, who will be engineering the QB selection?!
Change does not necessarily lead to forward progress. Though, there are plenty of folks who are so frustrated they can't proceed past 'fire Hue' and carry on an adult conversation on the topic?!
My personal opinion is a head coach needs to have two years with the current QB darling, and selecting Kizer is a wasted pick unless the Browns organization gives Kizer continuity in coaching.
I'll also take Osweiler at his word--- that Hue is the best coach he had been around.
And then there's this. Garrapolo wouldn't come to Cleveland because there is no organizational stability.
And, yes, I agree. Lose Hue and we lose Gregg, and that side of the ball is improved. Do we go back to a 3-4 and play Ogbah out of position as you pointed out?! Is Myles Garrett a 3-4 defensive end?!
Will any QB be successful without a good receiving corps?!
Tough questions look ahead for folks unwilling to hold the adult conversation that lays behind the otherwise sad winning record--- but want Hue gone.
No comments:
Post a Comment