Nine penalties for 98 yards. That’s the story of this game. One of the best running backs in the league had 34 yards. Drive killing and drive extending penalties. If you’ve been reading my blog this year, you know I’ve been complaining about penalties since the pre-season. Good teams don’t commit stupid penalties. On a day when the Browns defense held the Bengal offense to zero points on their first four possessions, this team shoots itself in the foot. Inexcusable. I thought the defensive line played better and quarterback Deshaun Watson played better. A lot better than I thought he would. I’m starting to see more flashes of the 2020 Watson. My problem started with going for it on fourth down and not kicking the field goal. If you’re at home, sure you go for it. Not on the road when Joe Burrow is struggling. Take the points Kevin, it’s called momentum.
It’s time for Greg Mancz to start at center. He was Watson’s center in Houston, let’s see what he can do. I like Hjalte Froholdt, not at center but as a guard. Something is not right with Wyatt Teller, sit him a game to heal and put Froholdt his place. The middle of the offensive line is getting used and abused. The Browns can’t run the ball and I never thought I would say that sentence. Even when the Bengals were leading at halftime 13-3, I thought, okay, the Browns get the ball first in the second half, come out and get a good drive going and score. Nope. Finally, to defensive coordinator Joe Woods, the Bengals were without Burrow targets numbers two, three and four, how about giving CB Denzel Ward some safety help covering WR Ja’Marr Chase. Just a thought.
The Browns current playoff hopes are 0.4%, so it’s basically over. Time to get Watson ready for next year. Finishing 9-8 would improve my mood. Hopefully the Browns will have a normal off-season. I still don’t think head coach Kevin Stefanski should be fired at this point, but if the Browns continue to lose games, all bets are off. Every Browns fan know what an itchy finger owner Jimmy Haslam has. Despite what the Cleveland media says, the Browns are not in cap hell for next year. They’ll have about $34 million to roll over into next year. Add to that, I expect Watson and Amari Cooper to restructure their contracts giving the Browns around $40 to $45 million is cap space. I also expect GM Andrew Berry to go heavy in the defensive line and linebacker markets in free agency. The team has eight draft picks, one in the second round (43), one in the third (99), two in the fourth (111 & 131), two in the fifth (141 & 148), one in the sixth (190) and one in the seventh (231). Please address some important needs Andrew.
It’s on to the next game, Baltimore at home on a Saturday afternoon. It seems every year, after the Ravens and Steelers play each other, both teams go out and lose their next game. Let’s hope that trend continues. Stay safe and Go Browns.