The Browns' playoff hopes may be long over, but any time this team wins a game no matter who it's against, I can't help but smile! And the offense finally seemed to resemble the explosive unit we expected them to be with Deshaun Watson under center. Nick Chubb did Nick Chubb things, Amari Cooper balled out, and the defense got in on the action, as they forced veteran quarterback Carson Wentz into several bad decisions with the football. It seemed like a very complete, solid team win. That was definitely great to see as we get close to wrapping up this season. But how exactly did the Browns get a big win in our nation's capital, and all but shatter Washington's playoff chances? Let's take a look at the Keys to Victory!
Run the ball to set up short yardage situations
The Browns really struggled to get going until the second half offensively, but as a team, they ran the ball 30 times for 146 yards. This came out to just under five yards per carry which is often a good day on the ground. Nick Chubb led the charge with 104 yards on 14 carries. They didn't really set up the offense in a lot of short yardage situations, but it did set up my next Key to Victory, which was...
If the opportunity is there, let it fly!
Deshaun Watson didn't throw it a lot. He only threw the ball 18 times today. But when he did have opportunities, he made the absolute most of them, and he torched the Washington secondary for three touchdowns, including two absolutely beautiful bombs to Amari Cooper! Thrilled to see that and hopeful that this kind of play carries over to 2023 not just for Deshaun Watson, but the entire Browns offensive unit. This team is just too talented not to be making more plays like this. Hope they find a way to get it done next season!
Contain the three-headed monster
The Browns' secondary was absolutely brilliant here. They bagged three interceptions on the day. Grant Delpit had two of them. Plus when the Commanders' top receiver on the day, Logan Thomas, had only six catches for 56 yards, that's what you call lockdown defense against opposing wideouts.
Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin had a combined six catches for 68 yards and no touchdowns. The secondary just seemed to be playing far more aggressively and was definitely more up close and personal than they've been for much of the season, which was a great sign moving forward into the season finale against the Steelers and beyond!
Even though the season hasn't gone like we'd hoped, the Browns still have a chance next week to do something they haven't done in a very, very long time. With a win in Pittsburgh, Cleveland will have swept the Steelers for the first time since 1988! I wasn't even born yet! Yes, the season has been a big disappointment. Yes, I would have loved to write a Playoff edition article for you all. But I know beating Pittsburgh twice in one season would put a BIG, Texas-sized smile on my face!
Until then Dawg Pound, enjoy another Victory Monday! Hopefully there's one more just like it coming next week. GO BROWNS!
Stats Leaders
Deshaun Watson: 9-18, 169 yards, 3 TDs
Nick Chubb: 14 carries, 104 yards
Amari Cooper: 3 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TDs
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: ESPN
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