The NFL’s Game Accountability initiative, which acts as a watchdog to promote player safety and preserve the integrity and competitiveness of the game, was developed in partnership with the NFL Players Association. But the Cleveland Browns are not only learning that accountability on the field, it hits the bottom line, too. The Browns are coming off a tough 23-9 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 6, but their problems are getting worse. According to the latest NFL Game Accountability report, the team will be feeling it in their wallets.

Tight end David Njoku and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy were both fined for infractions during the game. Jeudy was fined $12,172 for unnecessary roughness in the first quarter at the 9:20 mark, with the violation categorized under striking, kicking, tripping, or kneeing. Njoku was hit with a $14,491 fine for unsportsmanlike conduct in the fourth quarter at 13:47 due to obscene gestures.

Jeudy’s penalty came against the Pittsburgh Steelers after landing a left-handed strike on Joey Porter Jr. in the first quarter of the Browns’ 23-9 loss. If Jeudy’s punishment appears to be making the headlines, take a look at Njoku’s viral video circulating on social media. It appears to show Njoku, while walking towards the tunnel, making obscene gestures towards the Steelers fans.

Well, Njoku’s disciplinary history should also come into play here. He was previously fined $16,391 for unnecessary roughness against the Rams in week 14 of the 2023 season, so this latest incident doesn’t make him a first-time offender. Adding to more miseries, the executive branch is also facing a rift among themselves as the Browns enter week 7 limpingly.

HC-GM breakup? Fallout between Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry

Experts and insiders are spotting a growing strain and damaged trust between the Browns’ top decision-makers. The rift between head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry widened after the controversial Joe Flacco trade that led to Flacco thriving with the Cincinnati Bengals. According to Nick Pedone of 92.3 The Fan podcast, “They’re trying to find a path forward, and now that they’re losing, and now that you’re hearing things from national people.”

Charles Robinson also weighed in and said, “He wanted to make sure he had a veteran in his No. 2 position to support role, and now that guy is playing for the Bengals. This feels like there’s a tiny bit of separation now between the head coach and general manager.”

The quarterback shuffle hasn’t helped the Browns. With Flacco turned 15 years younger entering Cincinnati, the Browns’ quarterback depth chart has shown concerns. Sheduer Sanders is frequently inactive while starter Dillon Gabriel is in a constant flux. All thanks to trades like Kenny Pickett and ongoing contract limitations. Fans are now left scratching their heads.

Even the number tells the same story. Cleveland finds itself almost at the bottom in scoring at 13.7 points per game. They also struggle on the ground with just 90.7 rushing yards and have allowed 24.3 points per game. Offensive struggles and defensive lapses are glaring in the Cleveland camp.

If the ownership wants some change, the message is crystal clear: management is pointing at coaching for missed games and misaligned roster strategy. Gabriel is promoted to the starter duties, but if the offense cannot perform even with several experiments, then not only will Stefanski come under the spotlight, but it will shine brightly on him.