DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Hue Says We Are Focused on Winning NOW

Jackson insists Browns focused on winning, not developing

AP Published 4:36 p.m. ET Sept. 4, 2017 | Updated 6:59 p.m. ET Sept. 4, 2017


BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Browns coach Hue Jackson has four quarterbacks, including a rookie starter, and not one has an NFL win on his resume.

He's got only four cornerbacks, a new wide receiver with blazing speed but brittle hands, and a locker room still reeling after two popular players got cut last week.

On top of that, the rival Pittsburgh Steelers are coming to town for the opener.

Problems, for sure.

But after enduring a 1-15 first season in Cleveland, Jackson isn't flustered or fearful. Just focused.

"This is where we are," he said Monday, following another tumultuous week for the Browns. "This is the situation we are in, and I think we are moving forward. I think things have gotten better, I really do."

Jackson understands the outside perception of his team isn't positive. After all, last week alone the Browns jettisoned two first-round draft picks in cornerback Joe Haden and offensive lineman Cam Erving, released veteran guard John Greco, kicker Cody Parkey and acquired fleet-footed but fumble-fingers wide receiver Sammie Coates from the Steelers.

Also, the team threw away quarterback Brock Osweiler, who will still be paid the majority of his $16 million contract despite re-signing with Denver.

It was the latest tumult for a Browns organization going through the pains of a stripped-to-the-studs rebuilding project that has no completion date in sight.

Jackson knows there are those doubting the team's plan, wondering why the Browns would so easily part with Haden, a two-time Pro Bowler who was hurt most of last season. Or why the team would only carry four cornerbacks. Or why Cleveland would sign QB Josh Woodrum, who has already been with the Ravens, Bills, Giants, Colts and Bears after going undrafted in 2016.

The plethora of moves gives the appearance that Cleveland's front office is more focused on developing than winning.

Jackson disagrees.

"Honestly, this is always about winning," he said. "I don't know any other way to do it. I think our players see it that way, too. We come out here every day and go into these meetings with one thing in mind: let's win and let's find a way to win. That is not going to change. I understand where you are coming from and what it looks like, but I think every day everything we do is built toward winning. There is no other way you can do this."


And while Jackson may have healthy disagreements with vice president of football operations Sashi Brown on some things, he doesn't doubt the team's top decision maker and his staff isn't trying to win.


"I don't think that they have any other agenda," Jackson said. "I know sometimes when you look at transactions and all those things, but I think there is a plan and a purpose to what we are doing and I think we are getting there."

The Browns went 4-0 in the exhibition season, a perfect run that prompted a local clothing company to make "Undefeated Preseason Champs" T-shirts.

But following last week's win at Chicago, Jackson said he felt "something special" was building with his team. He got more specific about his feelings, saying the Browns have a better, stronger roster with "a defense that has a chance to be really good."

Also, Jackson singled out "promising" quarterback DeShone Kizer, who will make his first start Sunday against Cleveland's fiercest rival.

"If we can keep growing him and getting better and keep surrounding him with more tools and more guys that will give him opportunities, I think that is what it is all about," Jackson said.

"I think that is how you start to build a team. I have watched what we have done in free agency with the offensive line and defensive line. Those things are positives for our football team."

NOTES: OG Joel Bitonio (knee) said he will practice this week and expects to play in the opener. Bitonio was stung by Greco's release. "He was kind of a mentor to me and a good friend," Bitonio said. "Anytime you see a guy like that leave, it was tough for me. That was one of the tougher cuts, but you understand it is a business." ... Jackson said having four QBs could be "temporary." He hasn't decided yet if Cody Kessler or Kevin Hogan will back up Kizer. ... The Browns also placed rookie OL Rod Johnson (knee) on injured reserve. The fifth-round pick got hurt in Thursday's exhibition at Chicago. ... Cleveland claimed rookie OL Zach Banner off waivers from Indianapolis. The 6-8, 360-pound Banner was a fourth-round pick after starting 38 games at Southern Cal. ... LB B.J. Bello and OL Travis Averill were signed to the practice squad and DB Ed Reynolds II was released from injured reserve.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nf...ping/105273080/

Has Bittonio ever played a healthy game where he wasn't at least "questionable" for some reaon?

Hue is not going to survive this season. I'm not saying he's going to be fired. Just that if he really hates losing as much as he seems to, this season is going to devastate him.

I made this bold prediction in another thread but I'll add it here as well. I can see Hue voluntarily leaving after this season. Just because he can't take it anymore.

This is a 3 win team at best. It's going to be a long year. The absolute best thing that can come from this season is Kizer shows hes the real deal. If not, theres really no light at the end of the tunnel. If he does, that should prime the Browns to make a big jump in year 3.

I don't see him getting fired unless he does some really stupid things.

Like what?

Hue is not going to survive this season. I'm not saying he's going to be fired. Just that if he really hates losing as much as he seems to, this season is going to devastate him.

I made this bold prediction in another thread but I'll add it here as well. I can see Hue voluntarily leaving after this season. Just because he can't take it anymore.

This is a 3 win team at best. It's going to be a long year. The absolute best thing that can come from this season is Kizer shows hes the real deal. If not, theres really no light at the end of the tunnel. If he does, that should prime the Browns to make a big jump in year 3.

Oh...I don't know....maybe show up to coach a 4pm game, but we played at1PM. Send out the punt team on 3rd and 3.

I suppose to be more realistic, grossly botch the game management at the end of a game, like letting the clock run out while in scoring position and not calling a time out.

In other words, I don't think he is getting fired unless he does something really stupid.

I agree. He doesn't seem to be good at end game coaching.

But, it's a new season.

Hue get's to at least the bye of next season.

If we win 3-4 this year and he is sitting at 2-5 going in to the bye, he's gone, as he should.

Like I said awhile ago........I knew you and Diam would be leading this dumb-ass crusade.

It is amazing at how Hue went from a great OC to a horrible one after leaving the Bengals.

You guys make me laugh.

I read Ver's response this morning and almost posted the dolphin scenario ... witch is basically your scenario #3 ...... not running a play with a TO in your pocket was BEYOND MORONIC ... HORRIBLE is a kind description of that decision ...

I have no clue how he skated on that and still does ... its like it never happend ...

Hue may be the worst end of half and end of game time managers I've ever seen ... HE'S HORIBLE at that ...

Its mind boggling to me how Hue got very very little flak after the game and its like it never happend now ...

All coaches mess up at times. Even the great Belichick has made crazy moves.

Here is the bottom line. Hue is playing w/less talent and experience than other teams. To even think about firing him is moronic.

Of course, I'm sure there will be a movement to do just that. Just like there always is when people delude themselves w/how great the FO is doing.

Oh Hue, you poor sap. It will be you who is sacrificed if we continue to lose a ton of games

Like I said awhile ago........I knew you and Diam would be leading this dumb-ass crusade.

It is amazing at how Hue went from a great OC to a horrible one after leaving the Bengals.

You guys make me laugh.

Hopefully, he doesn't call a fake punt and not even bother to disguise it. Like at Philly.

Me as well. Hue is not going anywhere...

Someone liked that crap.

I said that all coaches make mistakes, including Belichick. I am not denying he makes mistakes.


However, you point it out to address what might cause him to be fired. What are we supposed to think you meant?

Then, peenie comes along and says something brilliant that he should be fired if we're 2 and 5 at the bye.


Y'all never learn.