Almost 11 months ago the Cleveland Browns clinched their second playoff berth in 4 seasons with a home Thursday night victory over the New York Jets. Despite having key players and 26% of their salary cap on the injured reserve list, the team won 11 games in 2023. It is only natural for Browns fans to be optimistic about the 2024 season. But this season has been a disappointment. Much blame and finger pointing are happening among fans circles and on social media. Local sports talk radio with speculation of firings has run rampant. Much of this is due to the lack of verbal communication from the head coach and general manager.

Whenever head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry speak to the local sports media, they have the ability to talk without saying much to reporters. Much of that is frustrating to the people working hard to cover the team. Sometimes it can be a good thing to not say much to the media, other times it can work to their detriment. When the team is not doing well and struggling is one of those times when it is not good to be coy with reporters. This is because speculation can become the story instead of the actual story being factual.

Recently on a local talk sports talk show a longtime Browns beat reporter theorized that the coach and GM were under pressure to win now and not play younger players for future development. That is not entirely true. OT Dewand Jones in his second year is now starting at left tackle, DE Isiah McGuire is now getting more playing time after the trade of Za’Darius Smith. Wide receiver Cedric Tillman has taken advantage of his opportunity after the Amari Cooper trade. Younger players are getting playing opportunities for the Browns. With 8 games left in the season, pay attention to what the head coach and general manager do and not what they say. As the old saying goes actions speak louder than words.