Another wasted opportunity, another frustrating game. Welcome to the 2022 Cleveland Browns. Let’s get to it.
The Good. The offense. The Browns are fifth in the league in offensive efficiency. Yes, the head coach does show moments of bizarre play calling, but considering the team is starting a career back up, I never thought this offense could be this good. Sometimes I think Kevin Stefanski over thinks things at key moments. The fourth down call when you have a QB who so far this year was a perfect eight for eight on quarterback sneaks and 95% successful for his career, don’t handoff the ball. The Utah pass to Njoku was a great call at the right time. That’s how you run your tight end. Njoku, Amari Cooper, DPJ, the offensive line, Kareem Hunt and of course Nick Chubb all played great. Jacoby Brissett keeps wasting great play with throwing interceptions at the wrong time.
The Bad. The not so special teams. They are ranked 14th in the league in efficiency. The one bright spot is returner Chester Rogers. I no longer sweat bullets when the other team punts. Kicker Cade York missed his first two field goals of the season. All of his misses, both field goals and extra points, have come at home. He might need to head to the stadium on his off day and practice. I’m not giving up on him, he’ll win games for the team in the future.
The Ugly. The Browns defense is ranked 30th in the league in efficiency. Prior to the season, I thought the offense would struggle and the defense would carry the team. I know GM Andrew Berry went out last night and traded for a good linebacker, but it’s time to invest in the interior defense with a tackle. The two starting defensive tackles for the Browns are ranked last and next to last in the NFL rankings for their position. Can’t stop the run the last two games. Over that span, I had never heard of three of the four running backs who were running all over the Browns defense. Still can’t cover a tight end, still can’t shut down an average wide receiver. All the fans want Joe Woods fired, but who is going to replace him?
All is not lost, but you got to figure the Patriots and Bill Belichick will come into Cleveland Sunday and try and run the ball the down the Brown’s throat. Adjustments need to be made and made immediately. The Browns can still make the playoffs if Brissett can win five to six games, but that quest starts on Sunday. Stay safe and Go Browns.