Browns: 4 good things and 4 bad things from Week 12 win

Conclusion

The Jaguars aren’t a bad team. The Titans, Colts, and Packers all won against the Jaguars by seven points or less. So this is in no way a slight against the Browns that they struggled against the Jaguars. It’s also worth noting that Myles Garrett, Ronnie Harrison, Denzel Ward, Andy Janovich, and Porter Gustin all missed time against the Jags due to various reasons. This game may have been radically different if the Browns were at full strength (or as near to full strength) heading into this game.

Yes, Mayfield missed a few easy passes, but that’s more mechanics than anything and can be rectified with practice time. Yes, Stefanski made a few boneheaded decisions but he’s also the front runner for Coach of the Year. This is a team that can make some real noise this year and the Titans are going to be in for a real fight because the Browns have proven time and time again that they’ll find a way to win.

The biggest and most glaring issue is the defense, who even at full strength has trouble getting off the field on third down and getting a pass rush going. Why the Browns haven’t called Clay Matthews III yet is still baffling. The Browns just don’t have any real good pass rushers besides Myles Garrett and three-sack games aside, Olivier Vernon is far more likely to have no sacks, than have three sacks.

You’d like him to split the difference but that doesn’t seem likely at this point. The Browns defense will be the biggest question mark going into the last five weeks but that doesn’t mean the Browns haven’t proven they can’t find ways to compete.

The Titans are next up and this game could make or break expectations.