USA TODAY International Edition
NFL weekend wrap- up
32 things learned, plus 2 coaches on hot seat
The Jets and Browns each experienced another miserable Monday after continuing to trend in the wrong direction on Sunday.
The Browns’ losing streak is four games after a 24- 19 loss to the Broncos. Meanwhile, the Jets reached a new low as they fell to the previously winless Dolphins, who looked like a prime candidate for a 0- 16 season.
As the losses and embarrassments mount, the Jets’ Adam Gase and Browns’ Freddie Kitchens could be drifting dangerously close to one- and- done territory in their coaching jobs.
Let’s be clear about one thing: Winning in the NFL is hard. Very few coaches come in and direct dramatic turnarounds in one season. But it’s how Gase’s and Kitchens’ squads have lost that makes the coaches’ first seasons at their respective helms most troubling while casting doubts on their futures.
Gase was supposed to be the quarterback whisperer New York needed for Sam Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in 2018. The Jets spent big in free agency to fortify the roster around their young gunslinger. But Darnold has regressed for a 1- 7 team, prized running back Le’Veon Bell is a non- factor and Sunday’s 26- 18 defeat just might rank among the five worst moments in franchise history.
Meanwhile, Kitchens inherited a team brimming with potential after a firework- packed seven- game audition as interim offensive coordinator last year earned him the head coaching job. After making another series of aggressive offseason moves, Browns’ brass charged Kitchens with further developing second- year quarterback Baker Mayfield while directing Cleveland to its first playoff appearance in 17 years. But Kitchens’ squad also has underachieved, as Mayfield has failed to build on a promising rookie campaign and Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has just one touchdown catch.
Both coaches built their reputation on the offensive side of the ball, but Cleveland’s attack ranks 19th in the league in total yards ( 346 per game) and 25th in points scored ( 19 per game) while the Jets rank last in yards ( 223.5 per game) and 31st in points ( 12 per game).
With each calamity- filled loss, Kitchens and Gase look more befuddled and more ill- suited for their jobs.
Both hires represented big gambles for their respective franchise.
In Kitchens, the Browns tabbed a man who had half a season of experience as a play caller and zero head coaching experience at any level. But players liked Kitchens and found him relatable, a quality the team also appreciated. Browns’ officials also valued the creativity he displayed upon assuming the reins of the offense. The biggest question about Kitchens centered on his ability to juggle head coaching duties while also directing the offense. So far, he has yet to prove himself capable.
Given the struggles of the offensive line and the regression of Mayfield, it’s hard not to wonder if Kitchens erred in not retaining offensive line coach Bob Wylie and quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese, whose experience could have served him well.
While the Browns hired Kitchens based on potential, it’s hard to say what part of Gase’s resume made him attractive to the Jets.
During Gase’s stint as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator from 2013 to 2014, some within the league regarded him as a bright offensive mind. However, the praise he received never added up; quarterback Peyton Manning was the primary engine behind Denver’s prolific attack.
And as offensive coordinator in Chicago in 2015, Gase oversaw a unit that put up subpar numbers. His units with the Dolphins fared even worse, never ranking among the top half of the league in points or yards. Gase lasted only three years as head coach of the Dolphins after producing just one winning season.
Now, the same struggles have plagued him with the Jets. For his head coaching career, Gase hasn’t just lost – he has lost badly. His 33 losses ( including one in the playoffs) have come by an average of 16.3 points, with 25 of them being decided by double digits.
Gase told reporters Sunday that, “it’s the NFL. You can’t be embarrassed by ( expletive).”
The product he has put forth, however, has indeed reached shameful proportions.
Both Kitchens and Gase badly need a turnaround in the second half of the season, possibly to save their jobs. Given the precious cargo that is their young quarterbacks, neither the Browns nor the Jets have time to waste.
The Jets could have pause to fire Gase since they’re still paying Todd Bowles and would prefer not to pay three head coaches. General manager Joe Douglas is also a good friend of the coach. However, if losses like Sunday continue to mount, Jets’ brass might not be able to justify continued loyalty.
Meanwhile, Browns general manager John Dorsey also must decide whether patience is the best course of action or yet another mistake by the Lake.