Sorry I was unable to write my review of the Bengals game, I had to go out of town on family business, but I’m back and still happy about the Monday night game. I was absolutely stunned head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t call any pass or run plays to the tight ends. Stunned. By the way, his trick play assortment has suffered and is need of an upgrade. Don’t let WR Amari Cooper throw another pass. I was also stunned to see RB Nick Chubb and RB Kareem Hunt on the field at the same time more than once. The play calling, game management and play selection was vastly improved. Nick Chubb had 23 carries and the Browns won. They are now 3-0 this season when Chubb gets at least twenty carries. Amari Cooper is an excellent route runner, for those who still didn’t know. Both WR David Bell and WR Donovan Peoples-Jones had excellent games. All in all, the offense was very good. Not bad with a career backup as your starter.
On defense, you could see the changes defensive coordinator Joe Woods made. It starts with safety John Johnson calling the defensive plays. He has a good command of the defense, communicates well and is more engaged. Playing LB Sione Takitaki at the middle linebacker spot proved important. I don’t know if the Browns can get away with that versus other teams, but it worked against the Bengals. LB Deion Jones had more playing time and that was a good thing. The safety coverage over the middle was excellent until late in the game when it didn’t matter. The secondary made QB Joe Burrow hold on to the ball more, which created pressure and sacks. CB A.J. Green needs to play more and rookie CB Martin Emerson, Jr. looks like a third-round steal. The special teams played better than average, which is all I ask for right now.
Moving forward, it’s time to heal up and get ready for the final three games with a very surprisingly good Jacoby Brissett as the Browns starting quarterback. At 3-5 the Browns still have a chance to make the playoffs, but these next three games will have a lot to do with it. Going 2-1 against Miami, Buffalo and Tampa Bay would help and it’s possible. Being 2-1 in the AFC North also helps. The starting quarterback for the Browns in their last three divisional games will be Deshaun Watson. He is due back week eleven against his old team the Texans. I think he has that game circled for extra motivation. I’m going to sit back today and enjoy a stress-free Sunday. I hope you do the same. Stay safe and Go Browns.