BEREA, Ohio — The Browns introduced Ken Dorsey today as their new offensive coordinator. It's a return to Cleveland for Dorsey who was here one time, a long time ago, as a Browns quarterback.
He arrives in Berea with an opportunity to resurrect his coaching career after a mid-season meltdown in Buffalo where the Bills lost four of six games and Dorsey became the "fall guy" for a season going down the drain and was sent packing.
Change is good. Change for Dorsey was essential, so here he is.
If you listened to his press conference today, Dorsey sounds just like Kevin Stefanski. Really, the way he took on all the questions coming at him sounded like the current head coach six days a week during the Browns season.
I'll take that as a plus right out of the gate.
Now let's get down to the major points:
Will he call plays?
I don't think he will. I think he'll have a voice in the construction of the game plan every week, but I think Stefanski is still the voice in the quarterback's helmet on game day. And I'm fine with that. I know many will disagree with me here, but I like the way Stefanski calls the game. Leave it alone. There are enough changes on that offensive staff already, so leave it alone and let's drop the topic.
So what will he do if he doesn't call plays?
Again, listening to him today tells me Dorsey is here to handle Deshaun Watson. Oh yeah, there are other quarterbacks, but he's in charge of Deshaun Watson. I get it. He coached Cam Newton and Josh Allen, both athletic quarterbacks and Watson is certainly that. If it's true the Browns hierarchy wants to see improvement in Watson's game, then that's why Dorsey's here. And apparently that's why Alex Van Pelt isn't anymore. Although, somebody would really have to sit and explain to me what Van Pelt did so poorly to be fired.
A final point to think about:
Since the Watson trade was made almost two years ago, all we talk about is Deshaun Watson. Even today, 80% of the questions to Dorsey were about Watson. When the Browns went on their run to the playoffs in December, it was without Deshaun Watson. The Browns came together as a team to beat the Steelers, Jags, Bears, Texans and Jets and make it to the postseason. I think basing another offseason and training camp all on Deshaun Watson is a mistake. Deshaun Watson has to stay healthy, play safe and he has to fit into the Browns team. I'm weary of the Browns trying to fit into what he does and I hope Watson feels the same. And you can keep hiring offensive coordinators every year, but it will only work when we realize Deshaun Watson is an important part of the offense...not the whole offense.
I'll see you on 3News tonight!
More Browns coverage:
- AP Source: Bill Callahan leaving Cleveland Browns to become Tennessee Titans offensive line coach under son Brian
- Cleveland Browns hire former quarterback Ken Dorsey as their offensive coordinator, AP source says
- Cleveland Browns hire Jacques Cesaire as defensive line coach, search for OC continues, AP source says