Sometimes an injury is just an injury
The non-story of Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden deciding to sit on Sunday in the last-second loss to the San Diego Chargers is just that: a non-story.
The NFL deciding to review the self-benching is just what the NFL does, they pick over every move each team makes with a fine-tooth comb to make sure everything is on the up and up. Protecting the shield and all that.
“I think it’s crap that fans or anybody is saying anything about any of that because that’s a guy who goes through everything 100% and puts the team before anybody.” – Linebacker Craig Robertson on Joe Haden
That’s not to say that Haden deciding at the last minute to not play is nothing; it’s just a non-story in itself.
However, it is indicative of the overwhelming feeling the local media and fans have right now when it comes to the team itself. When things start going wrong, everything is wrong. When things are going well, no one can do any wrong.
Related: NFL to investigate Browns over Joe Haden not playing
The Browns are currently moving in a direction no one predicted before the season started. Not to say no one thought that the Browns would be 1-3 at this point in the season, there were many who (possibly rightfully so) had very little faith in the team this season. It is just that the way the team has gotten to this point that has flummoxed most fans.
The Browns defense, which was being built to be a top 10 defense, simply put, is awful. Quarterback Josh McCown, who everyone believed was going to be the team’s biggest weakness, is possibly the only real strong point of the team. Up is down and left is right, and nobody really likes it.
“I don’t think it’s an issue, not inside this locker room.” – Quarterback Josh McCown
Haden is hurt, and likely believed that his being on the field was doing more harm than him being off of it. If his production so far during an injury-plagued season is any indication, he’s right. He’s been awful. More than likely his play is because he’s been a little banged up for a good part of the season, thus far.
There is a lot wrong right now in Cleveland and a lot of people have a lot of theories as the cause. In all reality they are all probably right – in their own way.
One thing I can tell you is that Haden sitting out is likely not indicative of some great clubhouse dysfunction.
Sometimes players just get hurt.