The Cleveland Browns were expected by many to be Super Bowl contenders going into 2019, but they ended up finishing with just six wins and missing the playoffs.

The Browns' ineptitude resulting in the firing of first-year head coach Freddie Kitchens immediately after the regular season concluded, as Kitchens clearly had trouble managing all of Cleveland's personalities.

After Kitchens' dismissal, wide receiver Jarvis Landry said a big reason for the Browns' struggles in 2019 was because the team lacked leadership.

“I just think that we lacked it at times,” Landry said, according to Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald in Ohio. “I knew there was no doubt that the people here were trying to win. Everybody in this organization was trying to win. I just didn’t think we knew how to do it. I just think that there are always times in seasons where things happen — guys get hurt, off-the-field issues, a bunch of different things happen in crucial points in the game, breaking points of the game, being able to hold your composure, being able to talk to each other, treat everybody with respect. I just think at times there was a lack thereof.”

Article Continues Below
More Cleveland Browns News
Aug 4, 2024; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during practice at the Browns training facility in Berea, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Myles Garrett opens up about ’emotional blow’ of Nick Chubb’s exitMike Gianakos ·
Featured image Shedeur Sanders
Browns’ Shedeur Sanders drops mic with ‘no excuses’ declarationDylan Fine ·
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett flashes a smile during training camp on Friday, July 29, 2022 in Berea.
Browns star Myles Garrett’s fiery take on Aaron Rodgers joining SteelersJackson Stone ·
Nov 21, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) is introduced before the game between the Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Texans fans can’t stop thanking the Browns again after Nick Chubb moveMike Gianakos ·
image thumbnail
3 Browns veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025Enzo Flojo ·
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) on the field before the game against the New York Jets.
Ex-NFL QB wants Dolphins to trade for rookie Browns passerJosh Davis ·

While Kitchens definitely should not shoulder all of the blame for Cleveland's bad season, it seems like Landry feels that the now former head coach could have done a better job of keeping everybody together.

Kitchens started 2018 as the Browns' running backs coach before being elevated to the role of offensive coordinator midway through the season.

Because Baker Mayfield loved working with Kitchens last year, he lobbied for Kitchens to become the club's next head coach, and the Browns honored his request.

It seems safe to say that that was a big mistake.