Credit and blame in the NFL is an interesting art form. The simplest of answers is always to focus on the quarterback, head coach and play-callers on both sides of the ball. Like most things, sometimes the simplest answers are the best answers.
The NFL is mostly a head coach and quarterback league. If we add a third, offensive coordinator has pushed its way into the conversation to join the other two.
The problem with the simplest answer in football is the number of variables on any given play much less for a game or an entire season. With 22 players on the field, the referees, weather and sometimes the condition of the field itself, a wide variety impact each and every play.
Despite that common knowledge, credit and blame continue to be placed mostly on the three noted above.
That was true for the Cleveland Browns in both 2020 and 2021. A ton of credit was given to head coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Baker Mayfield for the playoff run and a ton of blame headed their way after…