That’s the only way I can put it. Did I really think the Browns were going to go into the toughest place to play in the division and win? It was more of a hope. But the offense played in the first quarter like they’ve been playing all year. Cleveland has been outscored in the first quarter 65-13. Thirteen points over eight games. And here’s the catch, the Steelers could’ve been up by more points. As I’ve said in the past, the Browns offense isn’t good and the only reason more people aren’t saying it because it’s been overshadowed by five wins in the last moments of games. Where’s the fault? It’s a long list. After playing their best game against the Titans, the offensive line played their worst game since game one. Are they to blame for the eight sacks? Not completely, but they didn’t help. If you start Deshaun Watson as your QB, expect sacks. He holds on to the ball too long hoping to make a play. It doesn’t work. Did you notice Aaron Rogers has no problem throwing the ball away when he feels pressure.
Speaking of pressure, Pittsburg has been averaging a 43%-win rate with pressure, Sunday it was 69%. It also doesn’t help if the OL is committing penalties at a record pace. I would expect penalties on the two rookies, but you have 30-year-old veterans adding to the problems. After Tennessee I thought the OL was starting to jell, one trip to Pittsburg changed that notion. When your best offensive lineman in the game didn’t practice all week, you have problems. The Browns offense, with the exception of TE Harold Fannin, took a giant step back.
The defense looks like they trying to make it to the bye week. Yes, they’re listed as healthy, but they’re banged up and it shows. The biggest problem is they can’t stop the run. Tennessee and Pittsburg used what’s called trap plays. Offensive linemen pull after the defensive lineman run past them, take out any linebackers and safeties and boom the running back is in the secondary. How to fix it? Get the DL to knock the OL off their assignments. That way you jam up the middle. Or they could send a blitzer off the edge to disrupt the play. Either way, this is how future opponents are going to run the ball against the Browns until they fix it. The other problem, the Browns can’t tackle. After eight games, Cleveland still has a problem tackling opponents.
On special teams, let’s not let Dylan Sampson return kicks. The Browns were constantly starting drives inside the 25-yard line, while the Steelrs were starting their drives on or past the 35-yard line. Cleveland starts inside the 25-yard line, then a penalty and before you know it it’s third and long. You know it’s going to happen; I know it’s going to happen and surprisingly yelling at the TV doesn’t fix it. I know because I tried.
I’ve noticed no one is talking about extending Watson in 2027 as a bridge quarterback. Unfortunately, the team might have to, because he already knows the offense. Besides, the free agent QB list is pathetic.
After eight games the Browns are 5-3 and are the only team with a winning record with a negative point differential (-34). Just for reference, their next opponent the Saints have a -32-point differential and are 2-5 and 0-4 at home. Cleveland against teams with a .500 or worse record has a +8-point differential and are 4-1. Against teams with a record above .500, they are -42-point differential and are 1-2.
After eight games no one thought this team would be 5-3 and looking at the remaining schedule there are winnable games. But things need to be fixed and need to be fixed as soon as possible. I’m not going to enjoy watching a team like the Saints who suck at running the ball and have already fired their run-game coordinator, run all over the Browns defense. Stay safe and Go Browns.