Browns grind their way to ugly win against the Colts

The Cleveland Browns ground out an ugly win against the Colts in a game full of injuries and bad plays but ultimately saw their win streak extend to four.

Not every game can be a beautiful one to watch and that’s exactly what the Browns and Colts Week 5 matchup was, ugly. Fueled partly due to poor play on the offense in the second half, and injuries that mounted to many key players, the Browns were able to grind out a win that extends their record to 4-1 (the same as the Chiefs) and has them as one of the few teams in franchise history to start a season 4-1.

For the defense, they made plenty of big plays and came through when needed, lead by Ronnie Harrison and Myles Garrett. Harrison had an interception that he took in for a touchdown, and Myles Garrett had four tackles (three solos) and a sack. The defense was able to force some turnovers, with what would be a game-clinching one coming at the hands of Sheldrick Redwine.

Offensively, it became obvious early that the loss of Nick Chubb would hinder the rushing attack against the stout Colts defense. Kareem Hunt was ineffective running between tackles but found good space on the edge and through the air. Baker Mayfield stepped up huge in the first half and had a great game to start. Yet, injuries to Wyatt Teller threw the offensive line out of whack. Jedrick Will had his worst game as a Brown, giving up at least two sacks and even had a key missed block that ended up injuring Mayfield.

Mayfield only threw once pass after that hit and was in immediate and obvious pain after.

The Browns grounded out a win and it was sure ugly but as Al Davis once said, “Just win, baby!” That’s exactly what the Browns have done under Kevin Stefanski, they’ve found ways to win. While celebrating the win should be on the mind of every fan, the injuries sustained in this game could be long-lasting, and keeping an eye out on Mayfield, who probably shouldn’t have returned to the game, will be a huge prerogative.

The Browns will take their four-game winning streak to Pittsburgh next week.