The Cleveland Browns actually had real expectations heading into 2019. We should have known the Browns were never going to win anything. Cleveland heads into today with a record of 6-7 and are on the outside of the playoff picture. Many had assumed the next step is to fire Freddie Kitchens. He has looked over his head all season. However, things are changing.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the current plan is the keep Freddie Kitchens. No, you are not reading that wrong:
“Sources say Browns management continues to stand with Kitchens and wants him to continue to have the success necessary to remain in that position for a long time. As the end of the regular season looms, the speculation about job security is at its peak.
But as of right now, barring a horrific collapse or circumstance to end the season, it appears the Browns will be moving forward with Kitchens.
The organization will evaluate everything, but that is the direction it’s heading.
Going 4-1 in their last five games has helped, as does the fact that Kitchens is a first-year coach who understands he’s not a finished product. They knew that when they hired him.
And their plan is to continue to see that through to 2020 and beyond.”
This team is too talented to be 6-7 in a weak AFC. Cleveland is undisciplined. That’s an understatement. Two things showed me Kitchens doesn’t know what he’s doing. One: 4th and 9 draw. What the hell was that? Two: “Pittsburgh started it t-shirt” and then watching his team go out there and have zero fight in the rematch. Kitchens has to go. Then again, it’s not like Baker Mayfield is who everyone thought he is. Some of that’s on him too.