Cleveland Browns: Three brutally honest insights

You play to win the game

Much has been stated about the head scratching play calling on the one yard line. The Browns had a first and goal on the one-yard line. They proceeded to throw four consecutive passes that resulted in Taylor injuring his wrist. Needless to say the Browns did not score. Had they scored, this would not be an issue.

There could have been a lot of things happening on that series. The Browns may have wanted to practice their red zone passes. The Browns may have wanted to see some passing plays near the goal line. But as Marshawn Lynch will tell you, when the running game is going well, just run the ball.

What were the Browns doing at that point? It seems like a simple and naïve question. But it is a serious one. Were they practicing plays or were they playing to win the game?

Much has been made on HBO’s Hard Knocks about winning football games. The coaches have amped up the players to win games, they have consistently stated it is about winning games and yet they go out and coach like it’s a practice!

Is it a practice or a game? If it is a practice, then why keep score? If it is a practice, then why chastise the players after the Week 2 loss?

Winning is an attitude that needs to be instilled and learned through winning. The Browns have not done much of that the past two years. So, any time the Browns can win a game, it further instills a winning culture.

The coaching staff needs to put their money where their mouth is and coach to win the game. It is unreasonable to expect the players to play to win then the coaches are coaching to practice plays.

You play to win the game!