On a day where loses by teams like the Chargers, the Colts and the Steelers would have helped the Browns in their playoff chase, they go into Baltimore and leave their offense in Cleveland. Or maybe they left it in Cincinnati because they’ve scored 30 points over their last three games. On the defensive side of the ball, the Browns play their best game as a unit and their best game against Lamar Jackson. What a waste. It’s been 48 hors, so let’s get to it.
Positives. The defense. That’s it. According to Pro Football Focus, four of the top five grades went to defensive players. Safety Grant Delpit (91.5), LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (88.1), S John Johnson, III (77.8) and CB Greg Newsome, II (77.7). Newsome and JOK make the 2021 NFL draft for the Browns a big success. Both are studs. The Browns took what the Bengals and the Dolphins did to the Ravens and combined them. Now please do it for four quarters.
Negatives. The Offense. That’s it. Only LG Joel Bitonio graded in the top five with PFF at 89.5. If the defense is going to put eight and nine players in the box, how about we try a screen pass or a designed roll out. And when your injured quarterback throws you the ball, freaking catch it. It’s time for head coach Kevin Stefanski to let OC Alex Van Pelt call plays. Breaking News: The Browns still have 12 men on the field. It’s also time to find a new punter, sorry Jamie, you’re a nice story, but damn.
As for the state of the team. They are 6-6 and can still make the playoffs. The wildcard is their only hope. No one will be fired in the off-season. For all the Baker haters, he’s still the guy. Aaron Rogers is not coming to Cleveland. Russell Wilson is not coming to Cleveland. I know all the kitchen table GM’s think it’s possible, but that’s not how the NFL works. That’s not how this front office works. Mayfield didn’t forget how to play football, he’s hurt. Apparently, an injured Mayfield is a better option than a healthy Keenum. I really didn’t want to see Case Keenum against that defense. Finally. the Browns aren’t going to blow it up and start over. Are you insane? Do really want to start over with another retread NFL QB or a rookie? Do you not remember Doug Peterson, Trent Dilfer, Jake Delhomme, Jason Campbell, Cody Kessler, Kevin Hogan and DeShone Kizer?
Let’s hope this coaching staff takes the bye week to look at themselves and the state of the team. The talent is still there and like I said, the playoffs are still in sight. Use the bye week appropriately or it’s bye-bye playoffs. Everyone stay safe and Go Browns.