#HeyTony: Why are the Browns not getting any love?

Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland.

Hey Tony: The Browns have won four of the last five games yet there seems to be a lot of negativity in the media coverage. Given that two years ago the team didn’t win at all, why isn’t the recent success celebrated more?

-- John, Canton, OH

Hey John: It’s not just media. I think the majority of fans, too, are having trouble reinvesting confidence and faith in the team after the loss in Pittsburgh. It deflated everyone. In fact, the team has done a much, much better job of recovering from that debacle than the rest of us. I think everyone feels this team has underachieved. I suspect beating Baltimore would do wonders to restore some love in them.

Hey Tony: Why is John Dorsey insulated from the scrutiny which surrounds the rest of the team? He inherited an embarrassment of wealth from Sashi Brown, had a young QB coaches were excited to work with. So he chooses Freddie Kitchens? Leaves the roster thin at important spots? (OL)

-- Matt, Columbus, OH

Hey Matt: My feeling is that Dorsey’s evaluation will come once the season is done. Everything about the team begins with him. So let’s wait for the season to conclude before turning our focus to the GM.

Hey Tony: If the Browns fire Freddy Kitchens, which coach would you hire and why? Ron Rivera, Mike McCarthy, Lincoln Riley, Urban Meyer, or someone else?

-- Michael, Normal, IL

Hey Michael: I’m not prepared to answer this question until I’m convinced Kitchens won’t be back. Honestly, I’m not there yet.

Hey Tony: Will the Browns force Freddie Kitchens to get new coordinators to keep his HC job for next year?

-- Andrew, Cleveland, OH

Hey Andrew: I would expect staff changes in Year 2, yes. The extent of which I am not sure just yet.

Hey Tony: What are Ryan Lindley’s credentials to be a QB coach? All I remember is that he was a lousy backup in the NFL. Why doesn’t this ever come up?

-- Adam, Powell, OH

Hey Adam: Lindley was 1-5 as an emergency starter in two NFL seasons with Arizona. He also appeared in one game with the Colts. After shelving his playing career, Lindley returned to San Diego State as a graduate assistant in 2017. When the Browns promoted Freddie Kitchens from running backs coach to interim offensive coordinator in November of 2018, Kitchens lured Lindley to Cleveland to coach the running backs. Kitchens promoted Lindley to quarterbacks coach when he was named head coach in January.

Hey Tony: Is there any chance we go after a fullback next year even though Nick Chubb has had a unbelievable season without one and also having Kareem Hunt?

-- Aaron, Mansfield, OH

Hey Aaron: Let’s hope so.

Hey Tony: Joe Schobert has been one of the most consistent players on defense. Why haven’t the Browns made any offers to keep him in Cleveland?

-- Pete, San Clemente, CA

Hey Pete: Schobert said on Monday that the Browns have made no offer on a new contract. I was surprised to hear that. I expected the Browns to re-sign Schobert before season’s end to head off his departure in free agency. Perhaps the contract signed by Carolina linebacker Shaq Thompson this week affected things. Thompson received a four-year extension for $54.2 million with $28 million in guaranteed money. Thompson was the 25th overall pick (first round) in the 2015 draft. Schobert was the 99th overall pick (fourth round) in the 2016 draft. In 69 games, Thompson has 341 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. In 58 games, Schobert has 371 tackles, six interceptions, seven forced fumbles and three recoveries. Usually, I believe a prospective free agent will go through the process if he isn’t re-signed by the completion of his last year under contract. Maybe Schobert will give the Browns more time prior to free agency in March. Then again, maybe the Browns have decided to allow Schobert to walk.

Hey Tony: Satisfied with the kicking game so far?

-- Jim, Oologah, OK

Hey Jim: Austin Seibert and Jamie Gillan have exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Hey Tony: Which position room is free from offseason focus? Seems LB is in good shape? What other group is excluded from top three draft choice or free agent priority?

-- Eric, Mount Sterling, KY

Hey Eric: Well, if Schobert is allowed to leave, I would think the linebacker position needs to be upgraded. Listen, no position is exempt from being upgraded.

Hey Tony: Ryan Day a possible candidate for coach?

-- Rick, Fort Myers, FL

Hey Rick: Day looks to be quite an attractive NFL head coach prospect. He was exposed to the NFL as quarterbacks coach under Chip Kelly one year with the Eagles and one year with the 49ers. Now he has succeeded a coaching legend (Urban Meyer) at Ohio State and taken the Buckeyes to the brink of a national championship. My only concern at this point: He hasn’t faced any adversity as a head coach, other than a 21-7 halftime deficit in the Big Ten championship game.

Hey Tony: What is Rashard Higgins future in Cleveland?

-- Mike, Fort Worth, TX

Hey Mike: In the immortal words of former Indians President Gabe Paul, Higgins’ future is in the past. He undoubtedly will leave in free agency after this season.

Hey Tony: If you had to sign Baker Mayfield to a big, long-term contract RIGHT NOW would you do it or look to trade him?

-- Dan, Chagrin Falls, OH

Hey Dan: Mayfield isn’t eligible for a new contract, per CBA terms, until after his third season in 2020. No need to do anything rash right now.