Here’s a hard truth: the Cleveland Browns’ special teams unit has been making some jaw-droppingly bad decisions lately, and it’s costing them big time. But here’s where it gets controversial—is it a coaching issue, a player execution problem, or a mix of both? Browns special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone isn’t mincing words: he’s fed up with what he calls ‘dumb football’ and ‘dumb mistakes,’ especially after back-to-back kick returns for touchdowns within 36 seconds during their 27-20 loss to the Jets. ‘We’ve had too many issues with just dumb, dumb, dumb football,’ Ventrone bluntly stated on Thursday. Yet, he’s not throwing in the towel. ‘We have a prideful group, and I expect these guys to respond,’ he added, emphasizing that corrections have been made and the team is ready to move forward, starting with their upcoming game against the Ravens.
This isn’t the first time Ventrone’s unit has struggled. Earlier in the season, they surrendered a punt return for a touchdown against the Lions and had a punt blocked in their Week 2 loss to the Ravens. And this is the part most people miss—despite these setbacks, Ventrone remains confident in his ability to turn things around. He broke down the specifics of the recent mishaps, explaining that on the 99-yard kickoff return, players failed to get off blocks effectively and fold when necessary—fundamentals they’d practiced repeatedly. Similarly, on the 74-yard punt return, players took the easiest release instead of getting outside the ball, a critical error compounded by a poorly hung punt. ‘We haven’t played near our capabilities,’ Ventrone admitted, highlighting the need for better execution of techniques and details.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski has publicly backed Ventrone, saying, ‘I have a ton of faith’ in him and the special teams. Ventrone, a seasoned NFL veteran both as a player and coach, knows that football often comes down to fundamentals. ‘If you’re not doing those things, you’re going to get beat,’ he said, acknowledging that the team is ‘learning the hard way.’ The unit, which includes many rookies and first-year players, showed a glimmer of hope by executing a perfect 45-yard field goal at the end of the first half to tie the game at 17. ‘They really bailed us out,’ Ventrone said, though the team ultimately fell short of a win.
Personnel changes on the coverage teams have helped, and Ventrone is focused on moving past the mistakes. ‘You’ve got to keep your cool, composure, and lock in,’ he said, emphasizing the importance of making corrections quickly. Safety Grant Delpit defended Ventrone, noting that special teams is about attitude and effort. ‘It’s not complicated,’ Delpit said. ‘It’s pretty simple, and the guys just have to buy into that.’
Here’s the real question: Is the issue with the Browns’ special teams a matter of coaching, player execution, or something else entirely? Ventrone seems unfazed by calls for his job, stating, ‘It really does not bother me at all.’ But as the team looks to rebound in the remaining games, the pressure is on to prove that these mistakes are just growing pains, not a deeper systemic issue. What do you think? Is Ventrone the right person to lead this unit, or is a bigger change needed? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
