Cleveland Browns go bold with rookies at kicker and punter, should be more aggressive to compensate

The Cleveland Browns went against the grain opting to go with rookies at both kicker and punter, especially when the veteran punting option was a very good Britton Colquitt. In response, the coaching staff should be more aggressive on fourth down.
Cleveland Browns go bold with rookies at kicker and punter, should be more aggressive to compensate
Cleveland Browns go bold with rookies at kicker and punter, should be more aggressive to compensate /

The Cleveland Browns made a bold move going with a pair of rookies at kicker and punter in a year when they have playoff aspirations. With a bigger emphasis on special teams this year, it's interesting they are willing to bet on their coaching to get them up to speed quickly while trying to compete.

The kicker part of the equation is not a surprise since Austin Seibert was a draft pick, selected in the fifth round. Greg Joseph was better in training camp but Seibert's late surge was certainly encouraging and if that carries over to the regular season, he could surpass where Joseph was pretty quickly.

The surprise was opting to go with Jamie Gillan at punter over a very good veteran in Britton Colquitt. Gillan's physical talent and his leg strength are remarkable, but he's still very raw. Normally, rookie punters are a far safer bet than kickers and the vast majority of the attention and pressure will be on Seibert, given his struggles throughout camp and fans general frustration with kickers not named Phil Dawson.

There's reason to be a little nervous with Gillan. He's got some room for error at least with the fan base because he has a great story, is a good talker, has homerun power and made some tackles, but it doesn't change the fact the Browns are going from am incredibly solid veteran in Colquitt to a rawer than average rookie.

If he can figure it out, he could be a great punter for a long time, but whether it's holding on a field goal or not being able to place a punt well, there's likely to be some bumps in the road this year with Gillan.

With all of that in mind, the question for Freddie Kitchens is whether or not this impacts how aggressive he is on fourth down. There are certain situations where a team has to be able to make kicks and punt the ball effectively and the rookies will have to deliver, but when it's fourth and manageable, the better play is probably just putting the ball in Baker Mayfield's hands. If that's the team's approach, betting on Mayfield and a talented defense over unreliable special teams options, then so be it.


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