Deja vu. Not once, not twice, but three times. Same horror movie. Same old song and dance. Same crap different day. For the third time this season, the Browns snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, and they rip out our hearts and shove them in a blender while doing it.
I have absolutely no idea why this keeps happening. Zone defense that doesn't stop anybody or anything. Stupid mistakes and loss of composure and discipline. Not making critical stops when absolutely necessary. I understand there are several people to blame. But I still pin the majority of this one on Kevin Stefanski and Joe Woods.
Yes, these men are adults. Yes, they're supposed to be professionals. But as a coach, you are supposed to put them in the best position to succeed. And that includes both using the best scheme to suit their strengths, and getting them to play as close to mistake-free football as they possibly can. Neither Stefanski nor Woods did that today. And it's just absolutely infuriating. I know I'm a writer, but there are no words for how frustrating it's been the last three weeks. We deserve a better football team. Let's go over the Keys to Victory and vent our frustrations together.
Control the ball, play keep away and win the time of possession battle
The Browns barely won the time of possession battle (30:02 to 29:58). But that's where the positives end for this team today. The Chargers, one of the weakest rushing teams in the league, managed to absolutely blow up the Browns on the ground. They ran the ball 34 times for 238 yards and two touchdowns, outgaining the Browns in the running game (238 yards to 213 yards).
Aside from a few stops here and there, the Browns just looked absolutely pathetic on defense, especially against the run. There is no other way to put it. I don't know why they looked so awful today on that side of the football. A scheme that doesn't fit, and poor coaching is my guess. But God only knows what's going on in the Browns organization.
"Get home, Garrett!"
I didn't yell that at the TV this time. But it still was absolutely frustrating watching Garrett get bottled up and shut down like he did. He only had two solo tackles this game. No sacks. No real pressure. He's been an afterthought so far this year. Either he's just not on his game right now, or maybe other teams and opposing offensive coordinators have finally figured him out. But this is the worst season I've seen him play. He is not himself, and hasn't been for several weeks.
APB: Amari Cooper
Cooper had a rough week in Atlanta last week, but bounced back nicely today against the Chargers, catching seven passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. For all the issues the Browns have had and will have in the future, I think it was an absolute steal to get him in that trade from Dallas I still would've like to see him get more targets, but he did great!
Now let's talk about the 10-ton elephant in the room and why I think this game was lost by the Browns.
Defense? What defense?
As I suspected might be the case, the Browns could not stop the Chargers at all. They did whatever they wanted to do, to the tune of 465 combined yards, both on the ground and through the air. I'm beginning to think this won't start to change until there is a change made in coaching. I don't usually call for a coach's job, but I personally hope Kevin Stefanski is putting together a defensive coordinator wishlist for 2023. I know it's the NFL, and there is a LOT of unseen work that goes on in order to be a successful coach on game days. But Joe Woods does not know what he's doing. He doesn't have any business being a coach in the league the way this is going.
Next up, the Browns try again for the fourth time to seal a winnable game against a struggle. But for right now, like every Browns fan, I'm emotionally spent. I'm half tempted to fall asleep in the recliner out here in my living room. There's one saying I always think of after close games like this: "Cleveland teams get just close enough to break your heart."
The Browns certainly did that to us again today.
Statistical Leaders
Jacoby Brissett: 21-34, 230 yds.
Nick Chubb: 17 car., 134 yds.,
David Njoku: 6 rec., 88 yds.
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
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