LOOK, LISTEN TO WHAT THE BROWNS ARE DOING

By STEVE KING

As a writer, you look for the little things.

The little things always say a lot, reveal a lot.

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To that, end, I’ve tried to see the little things, and observe them, to get me to the truth, and possibly – and hopefully – when no one media person is catching on. That’s the competitive part of me showing.

For example, Eric Mangini – although I’m sure you’ve tried to forget him, you do, still, remember the thankfully former Browns head coach, don’t you? – used to say, “Um,” anytime he was getting ready to tell a lie. The “Um” gave him a chance to collect his thoughts – such as they were for a guy like him – and figure out how to word his lie so it sounded like the truth, even when it wasn’t anywhere close to it.

Yes, indeed, look at the little things, and they will lead you to the truth – the real truth, the actual truth, not just the truth as someone wants it to be.

Such is the case – I firmly believe – with the Browns’ new top men team, made up, along with owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, of new head coach Kevin Stefanski, new Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager (whew, that’s a lot of words for just one title) Andrew Berry, and the holdover, Chiefs Strategy Officer John DePodesta.

The Browns, being late to the party, have finally figured out that all the movers and shakers need to be aligned – on the same page – to have a chance at success. A lot of people don’t think the Browns are aligned, or can be aligned. All the dysfunction in the team’s front office through the years has led them to that conclusion.

Now here’s where the search for little things comes into play. Many times in recent press conferences, Stefanski, DePodesta and Berry have started comments with “Look,” or “Listen.” The only thing missing was “Stop” at the beginning of the other two words.

It is my strong feeling that none of this is accidental. The three men were purposely doing it to, quietly and inconspicuously, show that they are all in concert with one another.

That’s a good idea. I like their efforts.

But what I would like even more is for their alignment to be real.