Cleveland Browns: Did Baker Mayfield call out Freddie Kitchens?

Baker Mayfield called the accountability and discipline of the Cleveland Browns into question. In doing so, did he call out head coach Freddie Kitchens?

It may have been completely unintentional, but the words used by Baker Mayfield following the Cleveland Browns loss to the New England Patriots could be seen as an indictment of Freddie Kitchens. The rookie head coach has had his share of problems, and their latest loss was just another example of the issues he’s seen.

Cleveland had two weeks to prepare for their Week 8 game and they came in looking as though they were rushed in on a short week. The game plan was confusing and they once again struggled with penalties and turnovers.

After the game, Mayfield took to the podium and said the team has been undisciplined and cited that as their biggest problem.

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"“The consistency, the lack of discipline and the accountability on Sundays right now seems to be a problem.” — Mayfield said via Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated"

To his credit, the quarterback said it starts with him and that he needs to be the one who sets the tone. This is true to a certain extent but the coaching staff is actually more responsible for discipline and accountability. Yes, it’s nice to have a quarterback set the tone and be the vocal leader but that doesn’t take any of the onus off the coach.

Mayfield also said that he and the coaches can’t have eyes on all the players at all times. But that’s exactly what the coaches are supposed to do. The good ones understand where they need to pay extra attention and demand their players execute.

They’re also supposed to hold players accountable when mistakes are made, something that the opposing coach clearly does. This was pointed out by broadcaster Tony Romo during the game. He mentioned the struggles Cleveland was having and compared that to New England.

In his illustration, he mentioned how players on the Pats who make mistakes and fumble simply don’t play. He credited that discipline to head coach Bill Belichick, as he understood that’s where the responsibility lies.

Surely Mayfield wasn’t meaning to call his coach out. The fact is, the two seem to like one another and Mayfield did blossom under Kitchens as a rookie.

However, by saying there is a problem with accountability and discipline, he may have inadvertently pointed some fingers at Freddie.

Which, in all honesty, is probably where they should be pointed when discussing such things.