The Browns have acquired a few of the biggest names in the NFL. As of now, they are 14-1 odds to win the Super Bowl.
With the signings of Odell Beckham Jr., Sheldon Richardson and Kareem Hunt, this is automatically making the Browns Super Bowl “favorites.”
Yes this team is loaded with talent. They’re also loaded with self-loving, conceited players who care more about the appearance than the game. Beckham has his temper tantrums, Hunt has his own problems with domestic violence, and Baker Mayfield is so self-absorbed, he cares more about his nice throws rather than winning a game, let alone a big game which none of these players have never been to.
Some may argue Jarvis Landry and Beckham being reunited serves for a “destined” sort of season. But in reality, it serves as friends reuniting from a college where they, as everyone, were more immature rather than anything. Antics Beckham has shown on the Giants prove that to be true.
Big name signings should not give the edge to a failing franchise. This team has been in the dumps for years. Now they signed better players, it should not resonate in a Super Bowl contender.
By the way, who is their head coach? Freddie Kitchens? A man who has been in the league for 13 years with nothing to show for it is now in charge of two hotheads on the offense in Beckham and Mayfield, an assaulter in Hunt and player personalities that Williams has to coordinate to not only play, but get along as a team as well. That is a lot of work to do for a one year timeframe.
Some also may argue that Mayfield is a team player. The way he portrays himself, though, makes it seem much different. In front of the media, all players have to show their “team spirit” side. They have to portray their appearance to the media in a specific way. Though Mayfield has had his troubles in the past with his antics off the field, this is now the face of the Cleveland franchise. Name one time a great quarterback leading his team was involved in such antics. This is a rhetorical question: you can’t. The greats: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre etc. never let the media know who they really are. If they do, they do a fantastic job covering it up. In turn, the media portrays them as the “face” of their franchise. They cannot do this for Mayfield, Beckham, or Hunt. Yes, the others are not quarterbacks. But, they are playing such a significant role on this team and they have notable problems. The cost outweighs the value.
Cleveland will be fun to watch. Absolutely no question. But with fun comes personalities. Everyone will be their own person and the selfishness will be sure to come out.
Everyone will also have to abide by the Cleveland Brown scheme that every player has to abide by. It will be more of a reality show than a good football team. With barely any playoff experience, it’s hard to imagine this team thriving in the league, let alone their division.
They went from 0-16 to 7-9 in a year. A very good turnaround for a year. But, the cocky personalities will set Cleveland to fail because, well, that’s who Cleveland is in the end: another 7-9 team once again.
