It’s victory Friday. Four days after a humiliating loss, the Browns coaches had the team ready to play. Before you say, “but they gave up 30 points to the Bengals”, I have a news flash for you, QB Joe Burrow is very good. Cincinnati needs to figure out a way to protect him better, he’s going to get killed before the season is over. The Browns did what they had to do to win. More importantly, every time the Bengals scored, the Browns answered. So lets start with the negatives.
The defense was average, maybe below average, but made plays when they had to. They still can’t cover an opposing tight end. Raise you hand if you’ve ever heard of Drew Sample and C.J. Uzomah. I didn’t think so. Besides CB Denzel Ward and CB Terrance Mitchell, the back seven was erratic. LB Mack Wilson, CB Greedy Williams and CB Kevin Johnson can’t come back soon enough. None of them have shown up on the short-term IR yet, so it appears they’ll all be ready for week three. The tackling by the defense was terrible. The special teams were not special at all. Note to kicker Cody Parkey, kick the ball out of the back of the end zone. The kick off coverage was non existent. I’m sure pre-season games would’ve helped but this is what happens when your best special team players are starting on defense. On offense, RG Wyatt Teller had two stupid penalties. That’s it, that’s the offensive list.
Now for the positives. The offensive line was fantastic. Rookie LT Jedrick Wills allowed only one QB pressure. One. The OL allowed no quarterback hits, no sacks and 6.1 yards per rush. RT Chris Hubbard started in place of Jack Conklin and you did not hear his named called once. I loved how HC Kevin Stefanski started the game with play action and rollouts. The Bengals were completely caught off guard and it allowed QB Baker Mayfield to get in a rhythm early. Is there a better running back duo in the NFL right now? No there isn’t, the Browns rushed for 215 yards. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt ran though and over the Cincinnati defense. FB Andy Janovich was on the field more this game and he was a blocking machine. That’s what Browns fans call “fullback porn.” This is how a wide zone offense is suppose to work.
On defense, the defensive line had three sacks, seven QB pressures and eight QB hits. DT Sheldon Richardson was disruptive all game. DE Myles Garrett made a big play when the team needed it, forcing a fumble which was recovered by the Browns on the one yard line. DE Porter Gustin was in the back field constantly. As mentioned earlier, Ward and Mitchell played very well. Cincinnati star wide receiver A.J. Green was targeted thirteen times and only had three catches. Now I know why the Browns signed K Cody Parkey. Having a kicker who can make an extra point is refreshing. The Browns need someone who is reliable from 40 yards out.
The Browns now get ten days of rest and recoup. Hopefully injured players will heal and safety Ronnie Harrison and linebacker Malcom Smith will have fully learned the defensive scheme. The Browns need both to start against Washington. The kick coverage team needs a lot more practice time. Enjoy this one Browns fans. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.