Cleveland Browns mailbag: Is Joe Woods on his way out?
By Jacob Roach
The Cleveland Browns fell to 5-8 on the season after a loss to the Bengals which has left fans to wonder if Joe Woods is on the hot seat.
It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for the Cleveland Browns and head coach Kevin Stefanski who now sit at 5-8 following a loss to the rival Cincinnati Bengals.
There have been growing pains with the return of quarterback Deshaun Watson and the defense continues to struggle under Joe Woods. Let’s look at some reader questions in this week’s mailbag.
Email questions for future mailbags to brownsmailbag@gmail.com or on Twitter.
Do you truly see the Browns moving on from Joe Woods? Where do they find their new defensive coordinator if so (@AntMattix51)
Yes, Joe Woods has no valid excuses for why he should keep his job with this year’s struggles. In 2020 the defense lacked talent, in 2021 they took time but finished fifth in total yards allowed. IN 2022, they have the same players with familiarity. Yet week after week they find new ways to be bad. Comments Thursday about why Ja’Marr Chase wasn’t doubled is a prime example of why he shouldn’t return.
There will be some interesting candidates out there but it might be the Browns’ best idea to get a veteran coordinator with head coaching experience. Stefanski needs a strong voice that players respect and will buy into what they are teaching.
Do you believe they should shake up the front office? Whether that be firings, adding scouts, or executives. (@TheBrownieElf1)
With the suspension of Deshaun Watson, this front office’s overall vision hasn’t truly been showcased. It seems like Jimmy Haslam and the powers that be understood that 2023 was the real target for their plan to be realized. They should be given the chance to prove the plan was worth it or not, so it seems likely they will be given one more year.
What kind of receiver will Watson need to succeed? (@MattDmon1)
Watson is an incredibly accurate passer so someone like Amari Cooper is perfect for him once they are able to build familiarity. Cooper is one of the best route runners in the league and can create elite levels of separation, allowing Watson to hit him in stride once their timing is there. Cooper is also not fully healthy right now but this duo should be really productive in 2023.
Watson also likes to take the deep shot so the team will need a legitimate speed threat that can get vertical fast to add that to the current group and you may have something.
