Here we are again. Another chance to possibly win a big game, only for it to slip away. Perhaps this one wasn't as painful, because I was not expecting the Browns to beat the Bills. But what frustrates me, is how the team started this game out. When the game started, both the offense and defense were doing exactly what was needed to have a chance to beat the Bills. The offense played a balanced game of running the ball and sprinkling in a few well timed passes, and the defense got some early pressure on Josh Allen, had some solid tackling and run defense and looked like they came to play. But as the old saying goes, you have to play a full 60 minutes. The Browns once again failed to do that.
Where did the Browns fail, exactly? Let's take a look at the Keys to Victory.
Control the flow of the game early
Early on, the Browns did exactly what they were supposed to do to have a chance to give the Bills a run for their money. Everything was working offensively, and the defense actually showed up. It even got to the point where Stefon Diggs, the Bills' Pro Bowl wideout, was getting frustrated about Buffalo not being able to move the football or get into an offensive rhythm. He can thank the Browns defense for that one. THAT is what playing solid defense is supposed to look like.
Unfortunately for the Browns, the Bills later made adjustments, made the plays they were supposed to make, and Joe Woods' defensive unit regressed back to their usual bad habits (poor pass coverage, and even worse run defense). The Browns gave up 171 yards on the ground. That will absolutely never get the job done.
What I would give to see Cleveland put a full 60 minutes of good football together, and counter the opponent when they make adjustments. That's the most frustrating part about this Browns team. I've seen glimpses of good to great football. They have the capability to play exceptionally well. But for some reason, they can never put it all together.
Use the run to set up play action
I didn't see much of this today. And most of that had to do with the Browns AGAIN not running the football enough. Cleveland only rushed for, wait for it... 26 times for 80 yards. That's not Nick Chubb. That's the output for the entire team. Chubb ran the ball 14 times for 19 yards. That's all. The best running back in the league by a mile, and that's all he gets. I cannot explain how absolutely infuriating it is to see that. He has been our best player since 2018, and we have had not one, but now TWO coaching staffs who have refused to use him correctly. It's not that the Browns don't know how to use him correctly. They just don't. They willingly choose not to. But you can't get a team off balance and keep them there with play action, unless you RUN THE FOOTBALL! That's how a balanced offensive scheme is supposed to work.
Force turnovers and get after Josh Allen
Just like last week in Miami, the Browns needed to focus on getting a good pass rush brewing, and forcing a turnover or two. When one team is a clear underdog, they need to use any aspect of the game to their advantage. Turnovers have always been called "the great equalizer" for a reason. But like last week in Miami, the Browns failed to either consistently pressure Josh Allen or force turnovers.
Allen didn't have an eye-popping stat line. He only went 18-27 for 197 yards and a touchdown. But he made plays when he absolutely had to. The Browns sacked him twice. But he never really looked like he was even remotely uncomfortable. In fact he looked more and more relaxed in the pocket as the game went on. Not what you want to see if you're Cleveland. Good defensive lines generate great pass rushes, and make a quarterback's life anywhere from pretty uncomfortable, to miserable, to a downright living hell. The Browns did not even register anywhere on that scale today.
Next week, the Browns host the 5-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It's the last game before Deshaun Watson makes his debut for the team on December 4th in Houston. But with the way this season has gone, I think the problems with this team go far, far deeper than anything we can imagine or see as fans. Watson returning won't solve them. Guaranteed. I think the problem or problems plaguing this team aren't just on the field or with the coaching staff. They're in the building in Berea. But until they get fixed (if they ever do), we'll likely continue to see more bad football from a very talented, but poorly coached, underachieving team.
Stats Leaders
Jacoby Brissett: 28-41, 324 yards, 3 TDs
Kareem Hunt: 5 carries, 32 yards
Amari Cooper: 8 receptions, 113 yards, 2 TDs
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: sportsbettingny.com
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