Browns: A depleted team can’t find a way against the Jets

The Cleveland Browns lost to the New York Jets on Sunday afternoon, falling 23-16 in a game that could’ve clinched their playoff spot.

The Cleveland Browns went from being able to play for a home game and the AFC North crown to now sitting in the last spot in the playoffs after they lost to the New York Jets 23-16 on Sunday. The Browns were given a heaping dose of adversity when they found out that all four of their top wide receivers would be out for the game. That means no Jarvis Landry, KhaDarel Hodge, Donovan Peoples-Jones, or Rashard Higgins would be available. If that wasn’t bad enough, the Browns were down three offensive linemen, with Wyatt Teller and Chris Hubbard out, and then finding out that Jedrick Wills wouldn’t start either.

With seven-key offensive players out, the Browns were facing an uphill battle. Nick Harris was getting beat all day and Kendall Lamm was abysmal filling in for Wills. Their inability to get the most out of those two players was a key reason why the Browns offense was so bad all day. Baker Mayfield had a rough day, 28 of 53 completions for 285 yards. He had no help in the rushing game, rushing for just 45 yards on 18 carries as a team.

While all that is bad, the team’s offense did everything they could. This was always going to be an uphill battle, especially when the tight ends weren’t able to make any big plays.

The biggest problem though is the same problem the team has dealt with all year; the defense. Despite having numerous opportunities to pursue free agents and trades, Cleveland made minor moves and gave a bunch of players one-year deals. The Browns spent nearly as much on Keenum ($6 million) as they did on all their linebackers (about $7 million) as a unit.

Guess where the Browns got beaten all day? If you guessed the middle, you’d be correct. There isn’t an excuse for that either. It cost this team at least three wins this year.

Thankfully the Browns just have to win next week and they’re in. Plus, there’s no guarantee that the Dolphins, Ravens, or Colts win either. If they lose, Cleveland is in. The team still controls their destiny. They just need to win.

That’s it.