NFL Exec Rips Browns for Having 'No Identity': 'I Don't Know What They Are Doing'

The Cleveland Browns are 1-4 on the season, taking big losses against the Dallas Cowboys (33-17) and the Washington Commanders (34-14) behind quarterback Deshaun Watson in his third season with the franchise.

Nick Chubb's absence has been noticeable, but the Browns' issues run much deeper than just missing their star running back.

Outside NFL executives have noticed a disconnect in the Browns' performance, a team that went 11-6 just one season ago. Under five-year head coach Kevin Stefanski, the team hasn't been playing its signature brand of football.

In fact, execs have likened the 2024 Browns team to a struggling imitation of the Kansas City Chiefs.

"I don't know what they are doing," one exec said according to The Athletic's Mike Sando. "No identity. Maybe it is Chubb not being there. They cannot help but have taken a step back without (Bill) Callahan. It doesn't seem like this is Stefanski's offense."

Behind-the-scenes struggles appear to be spilling onto the field, as Deshaun Watson ranks 31st in EPA per pass play, according to Sando, with five touchdowns and three interceptions on the season.

With Stefanski confirming that they are 'not changing quarterbacks,' and Watson locked into a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract, it seems the Browns are committed to staying the course.

"Problem is, what do they do to spark the team?" another exec said. "Their hands are tied… With this quarterback (Watson), you can do whatever you want, supposedly, so you try to, but it's not in your DNA. It's cool if it is working, but if it is not working, guys are standing around looking at each other saying, 'Wait a minute, why are we doing this?'"

So the question remains: What are the Browns doing wrong, and what is the blueprint for this team?