Cleveland Browns positional coaches speak on latest struggles
Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine talks with an official during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns positional coaches spoke to the media Wednesday about the play of the team so far this season and what to expect here on out heading into the bye week.
There was a wide range of focus from the media, however many of the questions were directed towards the play of the younger players on this team including Johnny Manziel, the running backs and K’Waun Williams.
Running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery was on the spot as Cleveland’s run attack has been incredibly poor thus far, ranking a second last in the NFL.
One quote that stood out from Montgomery was when reporters asked about the lack of production and involvement from Duke Johnson in the second half of games. Montgomery avoided the question and didn’t claim responsibility for it.
“That’s a question you have to ask Flip because I don’t call the plays,” Montgomery said.
This seemed as if the former Baltimore Ravens RB coach is not satisfied with the play-calling from the offensive coordinator and he deflected the question.
Another question asked was in reference to how the Browns seemed to be a run-focused offense heading into the start of the season. Although, as fans have seen, the use of the run-plays has dwindled game after game.
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“The game dictates how it’s going to be. One thing about the running game, it takes 11 guys to make it work and it’s not on the runner.”
Of course, the Browns have been allowing opposing offenses to run away early in games, forcing them to play catch up and pass the ball much more often than they’d typically like to.
A question was raised about Isaiah Crowell and what the biggest difference was from last season that prompted Montgomery to give another answer that seemed like a shot to the offensive coordinator.
“You have to give him [Crowell] the ball to be able to be Crowell. Same with Duke, you need to give him the ball to be Duke.”
A series of quotes from the nine-minute press conference sounds like there is clearly a disconnect within the coaches and coordinators which is unacceptable this late into a season.
The Browns can’t run the ball when giving up significant leads so early, but with the passing game and Duke Johnson being so effective in it during the first half of games, it sounds as if Montgomery isn’t pleased with how his backs are being utilized.
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Another area where the Browns have seemingly gotten progressively worse at each game is the play of the defensive backs, once the strongest part of the team.
Despite having three pro-bowlers last season, the team has struggled defending the pass and has given up big plays consistently all season.
In all fairness, this position has faced injuries throughout the duration of the season and has forced the Browns to play younger defensive backs. This has allowed opposing teams to take advantage of the inexperienced players and convert big plays on a regular basis.
One player in particular, K’Waun Williams, has taken the opportunity to display his wide range of talent.
Defensive backs coach Jeff Hafley spoke to the media Wednesday and had nothing but great things to say about the former University of Pittsburgh standout.
“K’Waun Williams may be our best cover guy right now. We spend a lot of time watching our cut ups and there are not a lot of balls being caught his direction. Awareness, communication, confidence. He can blitz, shown up in the run game, he’s physical. It’s attributed to him, he worked a lot this offseason and he has worked really hard all year this year and has stayed healthy a little more. Definitely a positive and i hope he continues to get better because I believe he can be one of the best at his position.”
As far as the poor play of fan favorite, Joe Haden, when healthy Hafley stated that he believed part of the problem was the fact Haden didn’t see any preseason action. Especially after coming off of an injury, he believes that it didn’t allow the former first-round pick to get back into the proper speed of the game.
As the Browns enter the bye week, these are two crucial areas on the team in which they drastically need to improve on. Hafley is confident that both Donte Whitner and Haden will be back after the bye week which should bolster our passing defensive effort, giving the offense more opportunities and keeping the score lower. This should also allow the Browns to run the ball more, as Montgomery clearly said he’d like to do much more.
“You have to give him [Crowell] the ball to be able to be Crowell. Same with Duke, you need to give him the ball to be Duke.” -Wilbert Montgomery
If Cleveland can find success in the run game going forth, unlike thus far into the season, the Browns have a much greater shot at keeping the games competitive and potentially winning these games. Mike Pettine must make sure the coaches are on the same page as the coordinators and this bye week presents the perfect opportunity to do that.
Johnny Manziel and the Browns play the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football in week 11 and will look to bounce back and give their fans hope for the last six weeks of the season.