Cleveland Browns: 5 players whose stocks are down after Week 14

2. Freddie Kitchens

Freddie Kitchens’ stock is toxic right now, as he’s on this list every week, so what’s causing the first-year head coach’s stock to plummet this week?

The fact that Nick Chubb ran the ball three times in the first half is egregious and should warrant a Monday morning meeting with the owner.

Kitchens realized he has the league’s leading rusher on his team and gave Chubb a little more in the second half as the second-year back was able to finish with 106 yards. Fifty seven of those yards came on a big chunk run in the second half.

Christian McCaffery had a rather pedestrian day, rushing for just over 50 yards, so despite Kitchens best efforts, Chubb actually increased his shot of winning the league rushing title.

You’ve just got to wonder what Freddie is thinking, and I ponder this often. The Bengals’ defense, when asked to stop the run, is deplorable. Yet Kitchens came out ready to roll with an aerial attack.

Baker Mayfield was intercepted twice, and he’s lucky it wasn’t three times. A replay review, drawing a pass interference on Cincy negated what would’ve been the Bengals third pick.

There was also the inevitable red flag challenge that Kitchens lost, so really, another banner day for Freddie.

The truth is, the Browns did enough to win, but a couple more breaks go the Bengals way, and we’re talking about a big upset.

Sadly, I think Kitchens will keep his job because John Dorsey would have to admit he erred in hiring the former running backs coach and his ego probably won’t allow for it.