Bill Callahan is the MVP of the Browns assistant coaches

By STEVE KING

While we’re on the subject of giving credit where credit is due for the offensive line playing so very well in the Browns’ 17-14 victory over the Denver Broncos last Thursday night, we also need to give some praise — actually, a whole bunch of it – to the line’s coach, Bill Callahan.

Callahan came to the Browns in 2020 on head coach Kevin Stefanski’s first staff with the reputation of being the best offensive line coach in the NFL. He has only enhanced that opinion since then, and the game against Denver is a prime example of why. With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, the best tandem of backs in the league, out with injuries, the Browns turned to little-used D’Ernest Johnson to carry the load. He didn’t disappoint, running through gaping holes in the Denver defense to the tune of 146 yards and a touchdown in 22 carries.

Indeed, if there was one general reason for the win, it was Johnson and that line, regarded as arguably the best in the league. When Case Keenum, who was starting in place of the injured Baker Mayfield at quarterback, had to pass, the line gave him plenty of time to throw.

There has been so much focus offensively on offensive-coordinator-in-name-only Alex Pelt, and while that is understandable, it is greatly replaced. It’s just plain silly, really.

For the real key to this staff — Bill Callahan is the MVP, and there are no ifs, ands or buts about it.

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