Building the Browns 2020 Ep. 1 breakdown and review of the behind-the-scenes documentary production by the Browns
Episode 1 of Building the Browns 2020 was appropriately titled A New Beginning. In this episode, the Cleveland Browns take us behind the scenes of the initial public reaction to the hiring of head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry.
Fast-forwarding past introductions, the Browns personnel immediately spring into action and begin the process of preparing and arriving at the 2020 NFL Combine where they will have their first introduction to the rookie class of 2020.
When do we get to work
When Stefanski is shown his new digs, he immediately says “When do we get to work?” and as we get to know our new coach throughout the episode his intelligence, work ethic, and expectations are made clear. He even shares “this team is going somewhere, and I want to be a part of that.”
We also hear from Paul DePodesta, Cleveland Browns Chief Strategy Officer, talking about his experience interviewing Stefanski. DePodesta reflects on interviewing Stefanski during the 2019 offseason and also talks about how he now had two opportunities to sit down and dive into what Stefanski brings to the table.
A familiar face
Andrew Berry was the next headliner on the Browns’ marquee. It was mentioned he is the youngest general manager in the NFL at 32-years old and his familiarity with the franchise. Above all, Berry’s interview was different than other candidates. Because of his knowledge of the Browns, Berry was asked to answer questions on a deeper level during the interview process.
My favorite quote from this episode, when Berry is addressing Browns personnel, illuminates his approach to management style, “my expectation for everybody in this room is to come to work with a positive attitude and energy every day they enter the building. Those behaviors they don’t start in the fall, those are habits that we form right now.”
Meet the staff
During this episode, we were introduced to key Browns staff.
Dan Zegers, Personnel Coordinator
Megan Rock, Manager, Fan Experience & Special Events
Rob Pavlas, Video Director
Adam Al-Khayyal, Scout
Formal combine visits
There were five players formal player interviews flashing throughout the NFL combine section of the episode.
Adam Trautman, tight end, Dayton
Jalen Hurts, quarterback, Oklahoma/Alabama
Harrison Bryant, tight end, Florida Atlantic
Hunter Bryant, tight end, Washington
CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Oklahoma– Lamb was asked during his interview who the best quarterback he ever played with was and his answer was Baker Mayfield.
Review
During the introductions of Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry it was obvious what the Browns were trying to convey. The Browns want everyone to know they hired “smart people” who know a lot about football and managing people.
Additionally, it is great to see behind the scenes at the NFL Combine. There is still plenty we don’t know, but the comments by DePodesta and Berry show what they are thinking about. Paul DePodesta mentions how he is sifting through the information that’s relevant and what’s not so relevant to see what matters. Andrew Berry comments on how he is scouting for skillsets that fit within the construct of the offense and defense of Stefanski and Joe Woods. This builds the alignment narrative the Browns are really pushing.
This is exactly what I was expecting to kick things off. The Browns need positive momentum and for the fanbase to see this organization as settled. While this was a puff episode, there was plenty to glean from it as there are obvious obstacles ahead for everyone.
Next week: The coronavirus pandemic and how it is impacting the Cleveland Browns operations.
