Name a Browns season that hasn’t been a roller coaster ride, but this is getting ridiculous. A complete embarrassment of a game. Talk of a changing culture in Cleveland? Not when it comes to the Steelers and the Ravens. Same old, same old. The Browns chance to win the AFC North just got slimer. Don’t get me wrong, there is still a possibility, both Cincinnati and Pittsburg are train wreaks right now, but if Lamar Jackson keeps playing like he did yesterday, Baltimore is the class of the AFC North.
I’ll start the blame game with head coach Kevin Stefanski. Seven of his first ten plays were pass play. Pass plays. Pass plays with a rookie quarterback. The first play was a running play and went for 25 yards and of course the offense gets called for a penalty. But the play worked. Even down 14-3, you continue to try and run the ball. Nope, Stefanski was determined to make Dorian Thompson-Robinson into Deshaun Watson. Not having running back Nick Chubb is really hurting this team. Do the Browns have a great offensive line? Not right now. Chubb helped cover up poor line play. The Browns don’t have another player who can do that. What in god’s name is wrong with Elijah Moore? Bonehead play after bonehead play. All in all, I think it’s time for Alex Van Pelt to start calling plays.
On defense, the team started out great. A three-and-out on the Ravens first two possessions. Then after an interception, one play, one Jackson rushing touchdown. I believe the Browns defense spent the entire second quarter on the field. Then add the fact they couldn’t tackle and it’s a recipe for disaster. I still believe the defense is legit, these kinds of games are going to happen, but man that was brutal. At least the team has a kicker.
The whole question of Watson starting led to this loss. We may never know what really happened, but the situation was a major failure. So what happens next. I hope the Browns will consider signing a veteran tackle who will actually play. Getting Kareem Hunt more involved in the offense would also help. Get backup quarterback P.J. Walker up to speed. By the way, Josh Dobbs was not going to win that game. And finally, more impute from Alex Van Pelt. It’s only game four and there are thirteen games left. When I first saw the schedule, I hated the week five bye, but now I’m grateful for the timing. This team needs this bye right now. Stay safe and Go Browns.