An opportunity to bounce back becomes another reason for misery. This is what happened with the Cleveland Browns after they suffered a humiliating 41-17 defeat against the Baltimore Ravens. The defense was gassed out in the second half, and the offense was unable to move the ball early. All that has now surrounded the HC Kevin Stefanski with questions regarding the team’s performance and his coaching, in particular. 

Although Brown’s offense and defense were not spectacular, this doesn’t mean the special teams did anything to revive the team. Whether it was blocked punts by the Ravens or the missed kicking opportunities against the Bengals, the special team under Bubba Ventrone is performing below average. This is what Anthony Lima, the host of the 92.3 The Fan show, said after Brown’s 2nd loss in a row. 

“You can’t have your special team look like one of the worst units in the league because that will make these game looks so much worse, and your punter was limping the rest of the game,” Lima said. He even went on to discuss what the real issue is with the special team: “Hey, at least the kicker made his kicks, which is a lot better than we saw in week 1, but your coverage is terrible.”

Lima then went on to narrow down the real problem, and he had his own take on how to solve the issue. “One thing, like if you are asking what could you do, I mean, you get Bubba Ventrone the pink slip,” Lima said.

Anthony Lima Lima’s frustration with the special team coordinator is obvious after Brown’s struggles in their first two games. It is never a good thing when the spotlight shifts to the special team coordinator. But Ventrone’s unit struggled in week 2. LaJohntay Wester’s long return set up an early Ravens field goal. This was followed by a blocked punt from the Ravens. Both of these resulted in a touchdown and led to an injury to Corey Bojorquez. 

Even HC Kevin Stefanski mentioned that it was the offense and special teams that made their day difficult against the Ravens. “We gave them 21 points via a blocked punt, a fumble recovery, and an interception… It’s hard to win when you do that.” He said. But apart from Lima’s pink slip remark for Ventrone, there isn’t much buzz in the media about firing him.

Ventrone has had both his highs and lows with the team. After being signed in 2023, Bubba helped the special team set several records. The 33 field goals by kicker Dustin Hopkins became the most in a season for the Browns. Even punter Corey Bojorquez set a record with a 49.4 punt average.

But then came the 2024 season, and that’s where the problems started brewing. Hopkins ended the season with one of the worst field goal averages of 66.7. Even in the season opener against the Chiefs, the team allowed a 60-yard punt return touchdown. The performance was so poor that Ventrone said, “There was a lot of bad football” regarding the special teams. It looks like the team has carried the same problem into the 2025 season. 

Browns’ special team struggles in the last two matches

In the season opener against the Bengals, Browns kicker Andre Szmyt missed a point after touchdown and then went on to miss another potential go-ahead with 2:22 minutes remaining on the clock. This cost the Browns their match against the Bengals, 17-16. But even after those missed kicks, HC Kevin Stefanski showed his confidence in Szmyt and said, “There’s going to be situations like this again, and he’s going to make those kicks”. Even special team coordinator Bubba Ventrone said, “You’re going to support the guy that you believe in,” regarding Szymt.

The kicking improved in the next match against the Ravens as Szmyt made all his kicks. But the coverage issue persisted. In the match against the Ravens, Brown’s punter, Corey Bojorquez, had a punt blocked in the 2nd quarter. It was the first time Bojorquez had a blocked punt since 2019, and only the third of his career. This ended with the Ravens picking up the ball on Brown’s 24-yard line.

Bojorquez came limping up after the play. After the injury, he was brought back to a punt only to be downed at the 9-yard line. Although Bojorquez said, “I’ll get in with the trainers, see what we’ve got to do, and get ready for next week.” As of now, there has been no update regarding his injury. The Browns are already struggling with their special team, and Bojorquez’s injury has further complicated the issue for the team.

The Browns will be facing the Green Bay Packers this Sunday. If the team wants to capitalize on opportunities, then both Ventrone and Stefanski will have to pay special attention to their special team.