Browns: Two Games, Two Bad Halves, And a Season Defined?

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next

Nov 5, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end

Carlos Dunlap

(96) pursues Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) in the second half at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals won 31-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Second Of Two Games, Halves, And Losses

The same thing happened on Thursday night in Cincinnati. Despite some slight struggles early on stopping Bengals QB Andy Dalton and the Bengals passing attack, Manziel led the Browns offense on a 92 yard scoring drive just before halftime that put the Browns only down 14-10 going into the break.

With McCown out due to an injury he suffered in the Cardinals game on Sunday, it was vital for Manziel to come out strong and he did.

Offensive Coordinator John DiFilippo had him rolling out of the pocket, being mobile, and using his skills to move the offense. The defense stood its ground despite allowing three touchdowns to Bengals TE Tyler Eifert, and it seemed like there was a chance the Browns could pull out the win.

It looked like the Browns had a gameplan, and they had an effective plan to execute it. Then came halftime and another disappointing second half effort.

Once again for all of the momentum built-in the first half, including the end of the half scoring drive, Cleveland failed to build on their success. Instead, the Bengals came out and pitched a shut out in the second half, not even allowing the Browns offense a first down until the game’s final three minutes.

More from Cleveland Browns

The final score, Cincinnati 31, the Browns 10. That’s two games in a row that the Browns’ coaching staff failed to adjust or diversify their gameplan to prevent their opponents from adjusting and stopping them. That’s two games in a row that the Browns’ offense has failed to score a single point in the second half, which brings me to ask this… is it time to say that the season is over?

At 2-7, with an injured journeyman QB, an injury depleted defense, failed trade rumors, and first round draft picks riding the bench, it’s time to turn to 2016. If Browns GM Ray Farmer and Pettine are smart, they should be thinking the same thing.

Next: Why Should The Browns Turn To 2016?