Five Cleveland Browns whose stock is down after dropping heartbreaker to Seahawks

4. The infraction faction

Don’t let the horrid officiating mask that the Browns do commit a ton of penalties and their reputation for being a sloppy, undisciplined team probably makes easier for refs to throw a flag.

Larry Ogunjobi did rough the passer with 13:28 in second quarter, setting up Seattle field goal, cutting the lead to 20-9.

Chris Hubbard was flagged for holding early in the third quarter, one play before Nick Chubb coughed a fumble into the arms of Ziggy Ansah. Later on, he was flagged for being downfield as an ineligible man.

A Greg Robinson holding penalty dug the Browns from a 1st and 10 down to 1st and 20 with 3:30 remaining in the game. Mayfield was intercepted on the attempt to Hilliard on the next play.

The secondary committed their usual share of illegal contact penalties as well. Pass interference was even called. The secondary had a tough time keeping up with Seattle receivers, and Greedy Williams and Denzel Ward missed yet another game.

All the penalties and stupid mistakes do is enforce how undisciplined the Browns are at this point. Of course, that reflects poorly on Freddie Kitchens and the coaching staff.

If there’s one thing true of this Browns’ team, it’s that they don’t know how to overcome adversity. Whether it be callings going against them or the other team making a push, this team just can’t afford to keep shooting itself in the foot.