Cleveland Browns Team Awards: MVP, Rookie of the Year, more handed out
By Randy Gurzi
Coach of the Year: Freddie Kitchens, Offensive Coordinator
Gregg Williams was the interim head coach and gets the 5-3 record. However, he wasn’t the only guy who turned the team around after Jackson was canned. In fact, more credit should be given to Freddie Kitchens, who transformed a stagnant offense into a unit that no one wanted to face.
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He tailored his playcalling to what Baker Mayfield did best and the results spoke for themselves. Because of this, Kitchens went from a relative unknown to a legitimate head coaching candidate in the NFL.
Most Improved: Rashard Higgins, Wide Receiver
Easily the biggest surprise on the roster this season was Rashard Higgins. He went from a guy who was on the bubble to a valued possession receiver. Higgins finished 2018 with career highs in receptions (39), yards (572) and touchdowns (4). He did this despite missing three games this season. Higgins quickly became a favorite target for Mayfield and is well-deserving of this award.
Best Celebration: Rashard Higgins ‘Catwalk’
Higgins wins back-to-back awards as he was the player to put up the best celebration on the season. The best part about 2018 was the fact this team had some great things to celebrate. But Higgins had arguably the best touchdown celebration as he made like a model on the runway and strutted his stuff following a touchdown reception against Cincinnati in Week 16.
The celebration wouldn’t have been complete if not for his teammates rolling around on the ground snapping photos as he made his ‘catwalk.’