Cleveland Browns: Looked Like Same Old Team In Yet Another Loss
By Ric McElroy
The Cleveland Browns came close to winning a game, but once again are still winless. The Voice of the Fan explained exactly how Cleveland is struggling and what must be done in order to see wins.
The first half of today’s game versus the Tennessee Titans looked suspiciously like the Cleveland Browns of last year and the year before that and so on. There was no pass rush or coverage by the cornerbacks. Overall, there was a general lack of communication from both Cleveland’s defense and offense.
That said, I will say they looked a little better against the run this week. The Browns’ offense was offensive yet again as they traded touchdowns for field goals. They simply were unable to score inside the red zone.
Too many times missed communications along with the inability to to capitalize on field position occurred with some poor quarterback play thrown in every so often. What also was inconsistent was Cleveland’s play calling, which was really bad in spots.
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Even I could tell what was coming, and if you don’t think the Titans knew too, you don’t know their defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, the long-time coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cleveland also caused too many penalties on both sides of the ball, in addition to their Special Teams. If the Browns did something good, you could count on a penalty to wipe it out. At times, it almost seemed as if the officials were only calling penalties against the Browns!
In the second quarter, there finally were two big pass plays from quarterback Cody Kessler to wide receivers Richardo Louis and Terrell Pryor. Pryor’s led to a touchdown.
Following the Pryor touchdown, I can’t understand the Browns defensive mindset. Tennessee drove down the field, but missed a long field goal. Going into the half, the Titans led 14-13.
Following their first series in the second half, Cleveland punted the ball, but the Titans scored again on an easy touchdown. Again no pass rush or corner coverage happened and four Browns players watched as Titans running back Demarco Murray entered the end zone.
That drive showed Cleveland’s defense’s body language as very uninspired, who lacked the necessary effort! By the time the third quarter ended, the Titans were leading 21-13.
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As the fourth quarter was progressing, the Browns’ defense looked like they were getting tired. That likely was the case because their offense had so many three and outs in the third quarter.
Speaking of the aforementioned bad play calling, here is an example of it: It was 1st and 10 with 3:33 left in the game. Cleveland was down by 15 points and they ran a 3 yard pass play on an out route to tight end Gary Barnidge. Simply put, the play calling stunk!
Cleveland’s execution on offense is very questionable. Although they scored a touchdown and missed the two point conversion, the game was over. Being down by nine points meant that Cleveland would have had to score on two consecutive possessions to lead.
The Browns ultimately recovered an onside kick but it was too little too late. Running back Duke Johnson scored a touchdown with 27 seconds left, but Cleveland had no time outs.
Had the Browns kicked the point after the touchdown before, they could have tied the game after Johnson’s touchdown with a two point conversion. Yet another bad play call!
Cleveland ended up losing 28-26; Can you say 0-6? The Browns came close but once again close doesn’t count.
Next: What Is The Most Disappointing Part Of The Season?
A win is needed and I don’t see one coming unless things change. The competition is too tough from here on out. The penalties, lack of communication and bad play calls must disappear along with much better line play on both sides of the ball for a win to happen!