Cleveland Browns: 3 surprises from HBO premiere of ‘Hard Knocks’

Todd Haley takes Hue Jackson to task

It was running backs/associate head coach Freddie Kitchens who initially brought it up, but Todd Haley really questioned Hue Jackson’s decision to give players rest during throughout camp.

Haley’s point: How does this make the Browns tougher?

He’s got a point, as this 0-16 team should get any of the perks usually reserved for teams that just won the Super Bowl.

Jackson responded by saying he knows what it’s like to sit in the chair of the assistant coaches, but he also knows what it’s like to be a head coach and have players not be available.

It’s an argument you can see from both sides. Haley is coming from the Pittsburgh Steelers, having coached Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown–acomplished players who have reached the game’s highest peak.

In Cleveland, Duke Johnson, a third-down back who’s better at catching than rushing with the ball, is given the bubble treatment in fear that he may get hurt.

Jackson’s perspective is easy to understand, though. He’s coaching an 0-16 team and he needs his best veteran players available, even if they aren’t accomplished as Big Ben.