Both Joe Flacco and Myles Garrett used that word to describe yesterday’s game and I would agree. How special teams coach Bubba Ventrone still has a job is amazing. Also, how Cameron Mitchell still has a roster spot is also amazing. This team has no room for errors this year especially against a team like the Ravens. So what happened? Flacco looks very old, and the interior of the offensive line looks even older. Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic and Joel Bitonio were supposed to excel in the wide zone blocking scheme. Nope. The special teams again cost the Browns a win. The defense played winning football again but got rewarded with nothing, again. Everyone said the first six games were a gauntlet and yesterday showed you why.
Again, the defense came up with no turnovers and they have no third cornerback. I don’t know how long they can keep this up if this continues. The wide receivers can catch the ball; the Browns lead the league in dropped passes and what the hell is wrong with David Njoku. He’s mostly been quiet after two games. The only positive on offense is the play of the 2025 draft class. Looking forward, I think the running game will improve dramatically with Quinshon Judkins starting.
The new Cleveland media debate is starting Dillon Gabriel over Flacco this weekend against the Packers. Please don’t even suggest it. The Packer’s defense is better than the Ravens and you want to throw a rookie out there? Let’s wait and get pass the next four games, then we can talk about it. I know he looked good very late in fourth quarter after the outcome was decided, but to throw the kid out there against the Packers, Lions, Vikings and Steelers would ruin Gabriel. If the running game can get going with Judkins the Browns offense will be better.
Prior to the season starting, all I asked was for the Browns to be at least 2-4 after the first six games. That can still be achieved, if the defense continues to play great, the offense can start to move the ball on the ground, and the special teams plays a ton better. If any of these three aspects fail, then it’s going to be a long season. Stay safe and Go Browns.