Cleveland Browns: Al Saunders Is The Team’s X-Factor
By Ryan Rosko
Cleveland Browns wide receivers coach Al Saunders is a big key to the team’s success.
The hype surrounding Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson has been on-going since he was hired. The background of Jackson’s success is also well chronicled. However, he has more responsibilities now and senior offensive assistant Al Saunders is in fact the team’s X-Factor.
With a complete overhaul of the wide receivers, there is plenty of excitement surrounding the players at the position. Yet, there are also many questions that still needs to be answered.
The wide receivers will only go as far as Jackson and especially Saunders will take them. Having already begun releasing wide receivers from last year’s team, the Cleveland Browns could be looking at as many four rookie wideouts having significant roles in 2016.
More from Cleveland Browns
- Are the Cleveland Browns a Top 10 roster heading into the 2023 season?
- There will be no more excuses for Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns in 2023
- There is hope that the Cleveland Browns land DeAndre Hopkins
- 4 reasons the Cleveland Browns may in fact land DeAndre Hopkins
- The Cleveland Browns need to rock some white helmets in 2023
Outside of Andrew Hawkins, who else can the rookie wide receivers watch as an example of what to do in the NFL? No one. The other veteran wide receivers have either had very little contribution in the NFL or has not taken the next steps in their career to be as productive as they could be.
Because of multiple changes along the offensive line and at quarterback, consistency and stability is needed for such a young team. Unfortunately, the Cleveland Browns wide receivers, especially their rookies, will have to achieve those goals over time.
More from Factory of Sadness
- Bet $1 on ANYTHING to Unlock $200 Guaranteed with Crazy Bet365 Ohio Promo!
- 3 reasons why the Cleveland Cavaliers have a good shot to win the East next year
- It might be too soon to say it but it looks like the Cleveland Guardians are back
- Are the Cleveland Browns a Top 10 roster heading into the 2023 season?
- Eastern Conference Solidarity: Back the Heat with $5 Bet, Win $200 Bonus INSTANTLY with DraftKings Promo
Quality play at quarterback and along the offensive line are prerequisites for any wide receiver success. Prior to joining Jackson’s staff with the Browns, Saunders has had success in his very impressive career, including stops with the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and Miami Dolphins.
If there is any position coach that can get the most out of a group of players (regardless of experience), Saunders is that coach. That said, expect plenty of growing pains with the multiple rookie and second year wide receivers.
Their play as a whole may not be precise or flawless early on, but progress throughout the season is expected. Plenty of expectations specifically surrounds rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman, formerly of Baylor University.
Coleman may have been drafted a bit too early for some teams, but for the Cleveland Browns, they see a play-making star. Coleman is not the favorite to be the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, given his role in the Browns offense, Coleman should be in the running.
On the other hand, if Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott struggles, Coleman has the talent to overcome him as the best rookie this upcoming season.
Next: Could Cody Kessler Become The Backup QB?
The Cleveland Browns preseason games will show the team and the fan base a lot. Although those games are very important, training camp will be just as critical for this team and Saunders will show why.