Where have we seen this before? The Browns turn a winnable game into another ugly loss thanks to boneheaded coaching and game management, questionable play calling, and just not playing to their strengths. That was the case again today, as the team falls to 6-9 on the season, and is officially eliminated from Playoff contention.
I know there are several bad teams in the NFL. The Browns aren't the only one. But it sure seems like only the Browns can stubbornly go ahead with a game plan that is so diametrically opposed to their strengths, and they seem to do it just because they can. And that is the most infuriating part of watching these guys.
For as much as I've supported him ever since he was hired in January 2020, that part of things is on Kevin Stefanski. Plain and simple. He has one year left to find his coaching mojo. If he can't get the Browns to the Playoffs by January 2024, he'll likely be on his way out of Cleveland. And it's from losing games like this, that will eventually put the final nail in his coffin. I really, really don't want to see that. Partly because I'm so sick of the coaching merry go round, but also more importantly because I think he can be a brilliant coach at his absolute best. We've seen it! He was a coaching wizard in 2020, and the first Browns head coach to win Coach of the Year honors since 1976! I like him as a person, and I think he genuinely does care about winning here in Cleveland. I just think he either can't get out of his own way, or he thinks he's smarter than everyone else whenever he pulls a fast one. But thinking that way is eventually going to get him fired. But football is a team game, after all. So where did these guys go wrong? Let's take a look at the Keys to Victory.
Get the running game going!
34 carries for 124 yards looks like a solid stat. But the Browns only rushed the ball for 3.6 yards per carry. That's well below their season average of 4.7 yards per carry. The general rule of thumb and indicator of success on the ground, is that if a team is running it for at least four or five yards per carry, they're having a good day running it. But Cleveland failed to really gash one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL. And the most irritating part of that, is that the game was set up for them to do that. The weather is awful, it's bitterly cold, and the Browns have one of, if not the strongest rushing attacks in the entire league. They seemed to gain a little momentum late in the game. But by then it was too little, too late. The Browns are at their absolute best when they consistently can gash and pound teams running the football, and they get stronger as the game rolls on. But that didn't really happen today, unfortunately.
Yes, punting is a weapon
Corey Bojorquez had himself another great game, and was instrumental in pinning the Saints down consistently. It's just a shame the Browns defense couldn't do more with it, especially as the game wore on. But he did all he was asked to do. He punted five times, for an average of 42.6 yards per punt, downed three of them inside the 20, and had a long of 57 yards. He did his job. But perhaps the most questioned unit on the team failed to do theirs. Which brings me to my last Key to Victory...
17 or less
Yes, the Browns did hold the Saints to 17 points. But in a game like this, 17 was unfortunately enough to win. The defense looked solid enough early on, but as the game went on, I saw the same issues I've been seeing all season: Opposing teams gashed them for big runs, there wasn't enough solid tackling in the open field, and they struggled to get off the field on third down when it mattered most. The Saints were 7-15 in terms of third down efficiency. That's not spectacular from their perspective. But if I'm in Joe Woods' shoes and I'm coaching this defense? Knowing my opponent was near a 50% conversion rate would bug me. And the fact that they had several third and short situations that were easy conversions would bug me even more!
In a perfect world, a defensive coordinator's dream is to consistently put the opposing offense in a third and long situation. That way, they can be creative with the pressures, blitzes, and schemes they dial up. They can pin their ears back and get after it. But the Browns were forced to play a little less aggressive than they probably would've wanted to because of having to defend on third down and short plays.
The Browns also failed to get to Andy Dalton. At all. That white jersey was squeaky clean. Grant Delpit intercepted him once, yes. But Myles Garrett and the defensive line were a nonfactor today. Dalton wasn't pressured hardly at all. He wasn't hit or sacked once in this game. That's not how the Browns are supposed to play defense. And when there's a nonexistent pass rush, the result is often what we see today: Opposing quarterbacks moving freely and easily in the pocket, and hitting open receivers when the opportunity is there. Plus the Saints running game looked pretty stout, as they ran the ball for 152 yards and two touchdowns. The Browns defense just wasn't there when it mattered the most today.
Cleveland plays their final two games of the season on the road at Washington, and then to wrap the season up at Pittsburgh. I still love the Browns, in spite of their many, many years of struggling. I'm a lifer. But even a grizzled, seasoned fan like me is getting tired of the same old song and dance most weeks. 2023 and the offseason cannot get here fast enough. I'm just mentally and emotionally tired. Sad too. This team can and should be so much more. Breaks my heart.
I know we have two games left, but for those of you who do read these, I just wanted to say thank you, and that I greatly appreciate it! We win and celebrate together and we lose and commiserate together. And even though the game did not go how we would have wanted, I want to wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! And as always, Go Browns!
Stats Leaders
Deshaun Watson: 15-31, 135 yards, Rushing TD, INT
Nick Chubb: 24 carries, 92 yards
Amari Cooper: 6 receptions, 72 yards
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
Comments