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Freddie Kitchens 'couldn't be happier' for Browns fans after team's 9-4 start
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Former Cleveland head coach Freddie Kitchens has no ill will after getting fired by the Browns. Kitchens told reporters Tuesday he “couldn’t be happier” the Browns (9-4) are playing well this season.
Kitchens, now the tight ends coach with the New York Giants, made those comments days before the Browns and Giants play on “Sunday Night Football.”
Freddie Kitchens asked what it's like seeing the Browns' success. "Couldn’t be happier for the fans in Cleveland." Adds that no two teams, season are alike.
Also was fairly complimentary of Odell Beckham. Say he catches a lot of flak for being himself.— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) December 15, 2020
Kitchens coached the Browns last season, leading the team to a 6-10 record. He was fired after one year and replaced with Kevin Stefanski. In that season, Kitchens butted heads with key players, including Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry. After a promising rookie season, Baker Mayfield regressed, throwing 22 touchdowns against 21 interceptions.
Browns are much improved in 2020
Despite losing Beckham in Week 7, the Browns have performed much better this season. Mayfield’s numbers have rebounded. In 13 games, he has thrown 23 touchdowns and has just eight interceptions. Landry is well on his way to another strong season, and Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt have combined to form the best running back duo in the NFL.
The Browns still haven’t clinched a spot in the playoffs. With the Steelers leading the AFC North, the Browns are hoping to sneak into the playoffs as a wild card. Cleveland currently sits in the No. 5 spot, but have the same record as the No. 6 seed Indianapolis Colts. The two teams below the Browns — the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens — sit only a game behind them.
If the Browns beat the Giants in Week 15, Cleveland would have a favorable matchup against the New York Jets in Week 16. A matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers looms in Week 17, but that game might not matter depending on what’s at stake for both teams.
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