Cleveland Browns: 5 biggest in-season mistakes entering Bye Week
5. The entire special teams
Special teams has cost the Browns games this season. Not a game, but GAMES. Cleveland’s inability to kick makeable field goals cost the Browns at least three wins this season.
You’ve got to wonder why some management teams place a heavier emphasis on special teams.
Some fans are just the same way. “Oh, he’s just the kicker!” That’s a snarky dismissal of a player who’s actually very, very important to the team because when you’ve got a bad one, it brings the entire team down.
This is especially true for the 2018 Browns, because it seems like every point is as valuable as a million tons of plutonium.
On returns, the Browns have given up to many big returns, while on the flip side, Jabrill Peppers has done little to flash the skills that made his so an elusive player with the ball in his hands at Michigan.
It was surprising to see that Peppers ranks ninth in the NFL with 9.4 yards per return. But his longest run back is for 33 yards. Browns’ fans using the eye test know he’s not flipping the field like the great returners do.
I don’t think I’d give Antonio Callaway the job now, because he’s got enough on his plate. But the Florida product better be seriously considered for the punt return job next season.
Next. 5 Browns whose stock is up after Falcons upset. dark
At least Britton Colquitt‘s a Pro Bowler. He’s been the most consistent player on the Browns this season.