The Cleveland Browns had plenty to answer for when the season started. A new coach, a new offense and another quarterback decision left little room for mistakes after last year’s 5-12 finish.
Then Jacksonville turned the opener into a 34-10 loss. Since then, Cleveland has beaten Tampa Bay, Carolina and Pittsburgh to reach 3-1 and take the early AFC North lead.
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That start has led Earl D. Mauldin to question the people running the team. Speaking with Spencer German, Mauldin asked whether Todd Monken, Andrew Berry and the Haslam family have earned more trust after what Cleveland has shown through four games.
“I’m wondering now…have at least Todd Monken, maybe Andrew Berry and the Haslam family…have they earned a little bit more trust from this fan base when you see how the first four games of this season have played out,” Mauldin said.
The question has a clear reason behind it. Cleveland did not panic after the Jacksonville loss, and Monken’s team has won three straight close games. Deshaun Watson has also led a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter in each of those three victories.
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The biggest change has come on defense. Cleveland recorded five sacks and forced two turnovers against Pittsburgh, including Grant Delpit’s interception on the Steelers’ final possession.
The offense has done enough to win, but problems remain. Cleveland has scored 81 points through four games, an average of 20.3 per game that ranks 21st in the NFL. Discipline is another concern after the Browns committed 12 penalties for 88 yards against Pittsburgh.
Berry’s work is also beginning to show through the young players he added. Rookie receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston have taken on larger roles, and Cleveland’s official site said both are developing into key parts of the passing game after Thursday’s win.
Still, those promising signs do not settle the larger questions surrounding the front office. A 3-1 record can quickly change the mood, but Cleveland must prove these early wins are the foundation for lasting success rather than just one strong month.
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For now, Mauldin’s question has a reasonable starting point. The Browns have given fans three straight wins to consider, but the rest of the season will determine how much trust that record deserves.
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