Deshone Kizer stepped back for just a game so that Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson could experiment. Apparently, that one involving Kevin Hogan failed and now the rookie out of Notre Dame got his old job back. He starts for the Browns this weekend against the Tennessee Titans.
With technically a new lease on life, Kizer wasted no time trying to do other things outside the football field. According to Cleveland.com, the rookie called a players-only meeting prior to their game against the Titans.
Leadership is something sorely lacking for the Browns and Kizer may have the potential to fill that void.
Being a freshman, the decision to call everyone in and open communication lines is commendable. However, all this would be futile if the Browns still fail to come out with an impressive win.
Kizer needs to lead by example on the field
Looking ahead, Kizer's game leaves a lot to be desired. He is still a work-in-progress and his performance in his first five games reveals glaring holes that need improvement.
As pointed out by Fan Rag Sports, Kizer has completed only 50.9 percent of his passes, throwing three touchdowns and leading the league in interceptions with nine. The good news is that he has shown some improvement.
At some point, the rookie may eventually justify the belief and confidence that Jackson sees in him.
The 51-year-old coach sees big potential for the 21-year-old though he may not have the luxury of time. The Browns are coming off a horrendous season where they finished the 2016-17 NFL season with a woeful 1-15 mark. So far, they have yet to register a win.
Teammates laud Kizer's initiative
Stepping up as the leader is something only a few are willing to embrace.
Being a rookie, the possibility of his Browns teammates mocking or ridiculing him was in the air.
Fortunately, that was not the case. In fact, his teammates lauded him for taking the lead. Fellow rookie David Njoku said they were happy that Kizer took the initiative and drew praise for his courage and maturity. But the real battle is on the football field, meaning whatever they talked about needs to be translated into the plays.
Cleveland faces a dangerous Tennessee squad which is coming off a big win over the Indianapolis Colts. Currently, at 3-3, the Titans are favorites to come out victorious although the Browns cannot be underestimated.
With Kizer seemingly back and reinvigorated, the Titans still need to be on their heels and make sure that they don’t become overconfident. The Browns are getting healthier on defense and are hungry for that first win. Will that happen this Sunday at the FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio?
