Victory Monday, I think. On an ugly nasty day, the Browns won in an ugly nasty way. Should QB Baker Mayfield played yesterday? Yes. Should he have continued to play after the latest injury? Probably not. Apparently, an injured Mayfield is better than a healthy Case Keenum. One thing that’s obvious though, an injured Mayfield is not good for the Browns offense, which hasn’t scored more than 17 points in five of the last six games. So, let’s get to it.
Positives. When the offense was clicking, like the first touchdown drive, it really is a thing of beauty. Head coach Kevin Stefanski showed why he was coach of the year last year on that drive. I don’t know who WR Jaris Landry was supposed to throw the ball to, but I’m glad he didn’t. Highest graded players on offense according to Pro Football Focus were, LG Joel Bitonio (90.9), RB Nick Chubb (83.8), RB D’Ernest Johnson (79.1), C J.C. Tretter (78.1), TE David Njoku (75.7) and RG Wyatt Teller (72.5). On defense the highest graded players were CB Denzel Ward (85.9), S Ronnie Harrison (79.9), CB Greedy Williams (79.7) and DE Myles Garrett (75.5). The Browns defense did what it needed to do in the first half to slow down the Lions. Ward is playing his way back into a contract extension and LB Malcolm Smith makes plays when he’s on the field.
Negatives. Throwing from inside the ten-yard line instead of running the ball with that guy named Chubb was not the brightest idea. Of course, your injured QB overthrew a wide-open Jarvis Landry and it ended up being an interception. Both of Mayfield’s interceptions were bad. Ten penalties, it’s freaking week 11 and the Browns are still committing stupid penalties. Brace yourself folks, it too late in the season for this to get any better. On defense, the Browns continue to not make adjustments at half time. After three weeks of very good play by safety John Johnson, III, he regressed during this game. The lack of consistency on this team is maddening. Who kidnaped our kicker and replaced him? Finally, whoever thought former player LaVar Arrington would be a good fit in the booth must have pictures on someone. How in god’s name do mispronounce Jim Browns name?
Yes, the Browns won yesterday and yes, it’s victory Monday. If your happy about the victory, like I am, then do yourself a favor, stay off Browns twitter for the day. I’m sure Bills fans, Packer fans and Titan fans would have like to have won ugly yesterday. Now the Browns go to Baltimore and play the luckiest team in the league. Hopefully the team will clean up some things this week and Stefanski will keep it simple next week. Also, it looks like RB Kareem Hunt and RT Jack Conklin will be back this week. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.