Right now, the only team the Browns could beat is the Browns, and they’re doing it every week. They take the opening kickoff, go on a long drive, eating clock, and score. Then the team from the opening drive vanishes and is replaced by a team of practice squad players. I know it’s a new offense and there are backups replacing starters on the offensive line, but I was told the offense would be clicking by now. Cleveland brought back key defensive players, and I was told the team would build on the outstanding defense from 2023. Instead, they can’t stop the run, like last year, and they can’t tackle, like last year. Here’s the scary part, the best offensive player for the Browns Sunday was QB Deshaun Watson. Did he make mistakes again, yes. Did it happen again on fourth down, yes.
Last year the Browns had a top ten offense. It was flexible and adaptable to the different quarterback who started. All five signal callers last year were different, yet the offense worked. The offensive line last year was poor, yet they were able to overcome the mistakes. Can this offense get back on track, I hope so, because this is getting ridiculous. Here’s a notion, how about committing to the run. This game wasn’t a blow out, it was close, so running the ball was still an option. All of a sudden, wide receiver Amari Cooper is inconsistent as hell. If this continues, Cooper is a prime target for a trade.
On defense, the Browns still can’t stop the run. Going into this game, the Raiders were averaging 51 yards per game and a 2.8 average per carry. If your rushing game needs a boost, play the Browns. Las Vegas had 152 yards rushing for a 5.2 average. As I mentioned earlier, the defense can’t tackle. I counted over a dozen misses. Tackling is kind of important in the NFL. CB Martin Emerson can’t cover small fast guys so stop putting him on small fast guys.
Why is the Browns kicker missing important extra points in the fourth quarter? He can kick from the fifty plus but can’t hit an extra point. He did it last year, but the team overcame those misses. The Browns had the opportunity to win that game in the end, three times. The same thing happened against the Giants. Again, they had three opportunities to win the Giants game and failed. I just want the team that starts the game to show up the rest of the game. Stay safe and Go Browns.