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Cleveland Browns instant reactions: Team doesn’t show up for Freddie Kitchens

By Dan Justik

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 29: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 29: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns runs with the ball during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 29: Freddie Kitchens the head coach of the Cleveland Browns watches the action during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 29: Freddie Kitchens the head coach of the Cleveland Browns watches the action during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Players did not show up for Freddie Kitchens

When players find out their head coach is on the verge of being fired, they usually leave it all out on the field because they respect their coach and try to give him a win before he is let go. But with Freddie Kitchens’ job status completely in the air, the Browns did not show up against the Bengals.

There was clearly a lack of effort on both sides of the ball from the Browns. The Browns receivers were going through the motions running their routes. The Browns defense was being mauled at the point of attack and they were lackadaisical making tackles.

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The Bengals looking like the more dominant team and being able to do what they want was the result. They may have been tanking this season, but they at least showed up on Sunday and made it look like they wanted to be on the field.

Sunday’s showing is an indictment on the players and the coaching staff. Even though there is nothing to play for, the players need to show up and try to win games. They may not love the coaching staff, but they need to do so for their teammates.

The one player who certainly showed up and was not quitting was Baker Mayfield. He was under duress all game long, but was willing to put his body on the line for his teammates.

With all of the questions surrounding the job status of the coaching staff, the coaches should have done whatever they can to get the players up for this game. Them not being able to do so shows their lack of leadership with this team.

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