DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski sign contract extensions with the Browns

I do not believe the team is tanking in 2025. If they were tanking, they would have traded Myles Garrett, Denzil Ward. They would have encouraged Joel Bitonio to retire. They would not have signed Joe Flacco back. When the team tanked in 2016 and 2017 Deshone Kizer and similar were the QBs. If they wanted to tank, they would have just kept DTR and let him do his thing. They would have taken the offer from the Bears to trade down from 5 to 10, they would have taken the multiple offers to trade down from 33. I believe the Browns are going to attempt to win as many games as possible. Problem is they are in a division with Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and possibly Aaron Rogers so while it is not impossible to win those games there is a difference between trying to put the best possible team on the field vs tanking. This team could be a 5-win team. I think they were better last year than a 3-win team with just a competent QB. The team's ceiling is if the defense plays really well like 2023 which is possible and the run game improves dramatically with competent QB play a 10/11 win wild card team. More than likely somewhere between 5 and 10 wins.

https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-q...high-ankle-sprain-p-j-walker-in-line-to-
Baker Mayfield suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to San Francisco, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday, per sources informed of the situation. The nature of the injury means Mayfield is expected to miss some time, though the duration remains undetermined until results come back from more tests and additional opinions.

Mayfield didn't lose his starting job to anyone. Mayfield was out 2 weeks and didn't play the week he returned Week 8 (early), and they stayed with PJ Walker.

Mayfield played in week 9 against Cincinnati and lit it up in a losing effort:
14/20 for 150 yds and a 70% completion percentage. 2 TD's with 0 INTs for a QB Rating of 126,0
However, there were other things happening in Carolina that Mayfield had no control over and Wilks went back to PJ Walker:

https://www.si.com/nfl/2022/10/27/baker-mayfield-comments-on-being-qb2-for-first-time-since-injury
Now led by interim coach Steve Wilks, the Panthers (2–5) have been busy re-tinkering its personnel in the time since Mayfield’s hiatus. In addition to moving on to Walker, the club moved on from coach Matt Rhule, and traded Robbie Anderson (Cardinals) and Christian McCaffrey (49ers) ahead of the Nov. 1 deadline.

While Mayfield was out, the HC was fired, one of his top WR's traded, and the best RB in football was traded away.

As far as Darnold is concerned, Darnold was injured the majority of the season and didn't start a game until week 12 after the Panthers had already blew up the team and Mayfield had already asked for his release which then occurred on that Monday 12/5/2022.

Just a thought, how'd it work out for the Browns QB's when Chubb and Copper were both missing?

I get people don't like Mayfield for whatever reason but let's not fabricate stories about him without the facts.

I really like Baker but I don't try to fabricate stories that he didn't have to go through what we went to in order to mature and succeed in the NFL.

It’s my way to prepare myself for disappointments.

I’m a little bit like the elder version of you. Lots of passion, engagement and full of hopes.
That doesn’t work well when you’re 60+ years old. I need to take care of my blood pressure.

One of my biggest flaws is that I get sarcastic and extremely critical when I see too much incompetence. I’m not proud of myself being so negative.
Cleveland Browns. Manchester United. My local hockey team. My NT in soccer and ice hockey. They’re all worthless atm.
Their lack of competitiveness take away some of the joy of watching my favorite teams and I hate it.

Back to topic.
I simply can’t give our current leadership any credit. So many bad decisions. So many times they mishandle conflicts and create unnecessary dram.
I simply can’t be positive when I see so much incompetence..

Take Shedeur Sanders as an example.
The young man hasn’t even put the Browns helmet on his head before Andrew Berry just oozes indifferent energy on him.
That’s not how you make young players feel welcome and wanted. Of course the working environment inside the locker room suffers with such an attitude from the GM.

Listen to how the Jaguars introduced Travis Hunter. World class and that’s how to create trust and a good relationship between the players and the leadership.
Look how the Bucs welcomed an un drafted Shilo Sanders, just to name a few.

Let’s be real. The Brown lacks professionalism and competence in too many areas. That’s just how it looks Pit and I don’t like it.

I'm well past 60 years old. Try again. I actually explained my lack of passion since they signed watson on this very board just yesterday. None of that is a reason to look for to seeing a losing press conference.

Berry didn't "exude" negative energy on anyone. I will say for a man your age you do have a vivid imagination. So you got that going for you.

FFS Pit!

What world do you live in?
It reminds me when he introduced Deshaun Watson. Like a funeral. A lot of words but not much means something, no engagement, zero passion and zero endorsement about Shedeur Sanders personality and character

The third video is the Jaguars introducing Travis Hunter.
Compare and ask yourself who do you prefer.


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The Browns FO/coaching staff’s reaction was almost the same for every pick.

I have never said that Mayfield didn't have some issues to correct. However, the hate that gets spewed that is historically wrong and fabricated serves no purpose except self-gratification. Each person can have their own opinion of the guy but making up stuff to make yourself feel better about the hate is just plain childish. As each year passes, the decision of Berry, Stefanski, and Haslam to move on from Mayfield looks like a bigger and bigger mistake. 2025 will prove once again the gross error they made reaching for that shiny object and not working through the issues they had with Mayfield. I mean really, right now - the Browns 2025 season hinges on the performance of a 40-year-old backup QB on his 6th team since 2018 (8 yrs) who hasn't started more than 8 games in a season since 2018. Is this acceptable on any level from a GM and HC that are also sporting a 5-year losing record? Do you realize that 44% of Stefanski's wins came when Mayfield was the QB including 67% of the playoff games played? Just an FYI no one wants to acknowledge.

The BM thing was years ago. We’ve moved on, he’s in TB and doing well and I’m glad for him, you’ll never see me rip Baker. A lot of people are saying we had a good draft. What are your thoughts on our picks?
.

Believe it or not, you and I are much closer on the topic than it sounds. I just kinda grinds my gears when people ignore the 2 other teams that dumped him while trying to make it sound like the Browns knowingly dumped a HoF-bound QB because... reasons.

It's a black mark that Stefanski and co. couldn't coach and/or ride it out with Baker until he decided to mature a little. But at the end of the day, Baker isn't in Cleveland because Baker's attitude/performance.

Yes, it was... and if we are going to get into a debate on whether we are better off with Berry/Stefanski vs. Gladstone/Coen... I will take the experience and believe the Browns are moving in the right direction after the Watson fiasco, which is squarely on Haslem. One of the first moves from the new regime in Jacksonville is to trade (3) top draft picks for a two way WR/CB.

Does anyone think Hunter is AJ Green, Marvin Harrison or Calvin Johnson? These are the types of receivers drafted as high as he was.. As for DB, as far as I can tell, Eric Turner a safety was the highest drafted DB at #2 overall that I can find. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

So, unless you believe he is going to be a two way player, not just starter and contribute at a high level on at least one side of the ball and be an average contributor on the other side of the ball, not only is #2 overall too high for him to be picked, but giving up #5, #36 and a future first round draft pick is reckless.

It's a great gimmick and I wish him well. I just don't see what everyone else does. I think his success is going to be measured on a curve. If he is a 1,000 yard receiver and he gets an INT or two, then they will rave about the pick.

In the meantime, if Mason Graham helps Garrett get back to 16+ sacks and gets a couple of his own, he will be more impactful on the Browns defense. Also, if Judkins can beat Hunter's output on offense, then the first two picks will already beat the move up by the Jaguars. Adding in the 2026 first round pick is what makes this trade wreckless, imho.

Value is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, the experience of Berry fleeced the inexperience of Gladstone the first round of the draft.

I don't think Baker "decided to mature". I think the trials and tribulations he faced, being close to being out of the league, gave him his come to Jesus moment. Sometimes people have to reach what they see as their bottom before change can happen. I'm happy he did hit that bottom to become what he is now. I would much have preferred that happened here but I think until reality hit him in the face, that as a player he had to become more dedicated and a more mature person, until teams had shown him beyond a shadow of a doubt that to be a starter in the NFL he had to change, it never would have happened. Some people have to learn the hard way and I think he is one such person. He left an entire road map anyone can follow to show that.

But he did find the perfect situation. In Tampa Bay his only real competition as starter was Kyle Trask. Tampa bay signed Baker on a one year tryout deal. From there on out Baker deserves all of the credit for becoming the QB he is now.

As has been pointed out to you by others, this was Berry's reaction across the board on all the picks. And even at that you are trying to compare the reaction in drafting the #2 pick overll to a fifth round project. Not much substance there. And there was nothing "negative" said by Berry.

Great post, 'Rish.

Couldn't agree more on everything you said about Hunter. While I'll admit the prospects of seeing him in Brown and Orange was exciting, it took me 1.8 seconds to yell out loud "fleeeeced!".

So, his talent will have to translate to both sides of the ball to be worthy of that pick. Then, for all the naysayers, he will have to be better than Graham, Judkins and whomever we draft in the 1st round next year. Two of the three would have to bust to swing the pendulum the other way imo.

That’s a good observation. I hesitate to come out and say it, but ever since JAX’ HC did that whole “Duvalllllllllllllll” creepy chant, I figured their team was going in the trash can. However, I also thought Nick Sirianni was a goober, and I was way wrong.

Anyhow, I hope I’m right and JAX is the worst team in the league next year.

Moreover, if we were just one player away on either offense or defense then I'd have given it more pause. I bought into the hype with Hunter, so I'm always going to have a little heartburn passing on a player like that; but the real need is to get our offense working and a future first and building the team up prior to our QB pick does a LOT more for that.

Definitely rooting hard against Jax next year.

I didn’t compared Hunter to Graham and who’s the better prospect. Time will tell but I know who was my preferred pick.
My point was to highlight the difference in introducing newly drafted young talents and how to make them feel welcomed and valued.

Where’s the charm, the open arms, some love and the nice personal words many young men needs when they take their first step in their professional career?
I don’t see it. I don’t hear it. I don’t feel it.

Didn't you know that the only time they talk to or address these players are in public press conferences? What were you thinking?

Hmmmm…. thanks Pit for helping. Now I’m a little bit wiser


If everything is so rosy why so many conflicts and why so much drama inside Berea?
Did I mention our great results the last five seasons with a winning, oops… sorry guys, I mean of course Berry and Stefanski’s losing record.
So many unexpected and expected losses that it’s hard to remember all of them.

This is just some of the games I have followed this week. As a Browns fan I’m used to disappointments

I mean LeBron had his usual playoff flopp with the Lakers. (Luca looked like a pregnant elephant)
LA King crashed out against Edmonton. (despite the Oilers being without a functional defense)
Arsenal nose dived against PSG. (Neves was mint in that game and Odegaard was his usual himself, waving his arm and crap as always when it matter)
United had a walk in the park down in Bilbao. Finally if I say so….
Miami Heat had a nightmare against the Cavs. (I start to really like the Cavs)
Lulea cross checked Brynas back into the Stone Age. (the third generation of the Silverberg family in a final, all in the same team. the grandfather must be so proud)

You originally asked to compare and say who we prefer.

I prefer the GM that took the other to the cleaners in a trade... especially considering neither team is 1 player away from being a contender.

And what are those conflicts and drama that exist within Berea? I thought you said you were learning?

What does any of that have to due with the fact you are trying to portray a picture as if this FO didn't welcome these players with open arms which you base on nothing but a public press conference? I can tell you in advance. Nothing. Factually you have no idea how these players have been welcomed by this FO. Now you just try to switch the topic to something totally different that has nothing to do with it.

The bait and switch is a very old con game.

I think you mean well, but I also think some of this is misplaced. You are showing/talking two different things. In one instance, you are showing the actual press conference introducing the #2 overall draft pick to the local media. The other instance, the Browns had already made the pick, had already talked to the prospect and then were asked to show a fake reaction for the cameras on NFL Network/ESPN. That's the only reason they have the cheerleaders in all the war rooms, to make it look like they are cheering on the announcement.

In reality, the top ten picks have cameras waiting for reactions of all kinds in the team war rooms, draft parties, live draft and crowds in Green Bay and local draft parties in all the different cities.. By the time the 5h round rolls around, they are 4 picks deep before an actual announcement is made on the Networks. Take a look at some of the prospects arriving in Cleveland. They are made to feel welcome and gives them something to be excited about.

As for the last 5 seasons, I don't know how old you are, but I was around the last time the Browns were in the playoffs more than once in a 5 year span. Besides this last 5 year span, it hasn't happened since the 80's. '85-'89 marked a 5 year span where the Browns were in the playoffs every year. It also marked the last time they had two appearances in a 5 year span until this past 5 seasons. I know it is aiming REALLY low to be "OK" with making the playoffs twice in 5 years, but look at what we have endured the previous 2+ decades. We have walked, now hopefully we can start to run a little.

I agree they have a losing record over the past 5 seasons, it's indisputable, but before the debacle of last year they were sitting at 37-30, Which is the best 4 year stretch, also since the late 80's. The last good 4 year span was '86-'89 when they went 41-21-1. That's 35 years ago... I know we are only as good as out latest season, but damn man, best stretch in 35 years and you want to rain down the blues??

How about we focus on the here and now instead of trying to show how bad they've been as a regime? Because the truth is, it hasn't been bad at all.

My bad for switching a little back and forth. Sorry for that.

I don’t think the FO in general is doing a bad job, they’re probably doing the best they can with a bad hand.

Jimmy H. Andrew B and Kevin S in that order, is the ones IMO who’s behind the Browns bad results.
That includes what I wrote earlier about their lack of enthusiasm when they for example presenting Shedeur.

In a healthy working environment you often see high energy levels and lots of enthusiasm.
I don’t see those levels of positive emotion around Berry and Stefanski.
Win, loss, draft or whatever, mostly it look the same and I never get the feeling of something special.

I think that’s INMVHO an important component to be successful.

"Hey guys! Let's talk about how excited Berry looked when making a draft pick... for two pages!"

LOL!

Someone please pull out his microphone plug

What are you talking about??

Coach Brown, Belichick, Lombardi… hell more recently Reid… All championship coaches at the highest level.. above all others. Except for maybe some commercials, none of them acted like you are describing. What are the examples of guys being so giddy that they emote excellence for their organization?

I get it, the NFL asked teams to make for some good tv, almost all of them just made it look uncomfortable. The fake cheering in the background, etc.

That's the problem bro. There is less conflict inside Berea than there has been since 1999. The conflict comes when you and folks like you make up things inside your own heads and try to convince folks that it's true. If you have not noticed that's when I spout off. If you or anybody else is posting an opinion I usually keep my big mouth shut. But when people start spouting (crap) floating around in there own mind as fact I tend to respond.

I prefer level headed, calm and cerebral leaders. Not emotional, giddy ones. Examples of which are posted above.