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Browns Aren't Getting Any Better and Freddie Kitchens is Clearly Their No. 1 Problem

By Scott Rogust

Cleveland Browns v New England Patriots
Cleveland Browns v New England Patriots / Billie Weiss/Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns returned from the bye week as massive underdogs against the Patriots. Regardless, receiver Jarvis Landry guaranteed a victory over the undefeated Pats, something he's probably wishing he had't done.

While his confidence was admirable, the Browns predictably lost to the Patriots by the score of 27-13.

If Cleveland's latest loss proved anything, it's that the biggest problem on this team is head coach Freddie Kitchens.

Especially with an extra week to prepare, you'd think Kitchens would get his game plan against the greatest coach in NFL history in Bill Belichick. Yet, the Patriots could read the Browns like a book on defense.

On three consecutive plays, the Browns turned the ball over in the first half. The first two came off fumbles by second-year running back Nick Chubb. But Cleveland's third turnover came on a laughable shovel pass, that landed right in the hands of defensive tackle Lawrence Guy.

When not turning the ball over, the Kitchens-led Browns continue to play undisciplined football. Through the entire game in New England, the Browns committed 13 penalties.

Overall, Cleveland has been called for 70 penalties, accounting for 591 yards, both leading the entire NFL.

Then there's Kitchens' decision making. When down 27-10 in the fourth quarter, the Browns were lined up to punt on 4th-and-11, and intentionally got called for a false start. According to CBS sideline reporter Tracey Wolfson, Kitchens called for the intentional foul in order to preserve a timeout.

Instead of punting after the penalty, Kitchens called his offense back onto the field...deep into their own territory on 4th-and-16, which resulted in Baker Mayfield getting sacked.

And let's not forget about Kitchens' persistence on challenging plays that don't warrant it, and costing himself a timeout. If Kitchens used his challenges wisely, he wouldn't have to resort to intentional false starts.

Freddie Kitchens continues to prove that he's in over his head. The problems with the Cleveland Browns stem from the head coach, who's making it harder to justify bringing back him next season, especially if the same problems persist.