There are two ways to interpret the latest team ratings from ESPN projecting the future power rankings over the next three NFL seasons. The three-person panel clearly loves the talent and potential — rightfully so — but refuses to buy in fully because of the one thing they can’t accurately measure.
Sandwiched between the two Los Angeles teams, the Browns get to their No. 9 overall ranking with some interesting accounting. In four of the five attributes, Cleveland ranks no lower than No. 6.
It’s the coaching column where Cleveland takes a big hit, and it’s entirely speculative because Freddie Kitchens has never been a head coach before. Panelist (and former Browns player) Louis Riddick couldn’t help himself in explaining his trepidation about the greenhorn coach. He had to interject the organization’s sordid history into the equation.
Going forward, my biggest concern is whether Kitchens can keep all of these explosive players and the personalities that come with them moving in the same direction, particularly when adversity hits (which it always does). Things have changed in Cleveland from “hope” to “expectations.” That can be both good and bad.
In essence, he thinks Kitchens is good but because it’s Cleveland, he does not get the benefit of the doubt. It’s understandable but also completely disingenuous to write off the considerable talent on both sides of the ball and an aggressive front office with cap room simply because it hasn’t worked in the city before. Look at the team one above the Browns, the Rams, as an example of why that sort of forced negativity can be quickly proven to be hogwash.
Our take
If you’re a believer in Kitchens, and by extension GM John Dorsey, there is a whole lot to love about how the independent panel evaluates the Browns on-field talent and potential. If you’re a skeptic because of the team’s long-running lack of success, and I won’t blame anyone for rubbing those scars either, there’s something here for you too. It’s an interesting read through on all 32 teams if you’re an ESPN insider subscriber.
