Browns: Coaching failures and 5 other terrible things in loss to Cardinals

The Browns lost to the Cardinals on Sunday in an embarrassing game.

The Browns fell to the Cardinals on Sunday to the tune of 37-14 in a game that can only be described as embarrassing. The Browns’ offense fell apart due to a combination of bad play-calling, injuries, and a drastically different game plan than was established in the last 25 games. The defense fell back into standard and typical issues that have been plaguing them since Kevin Stefanski and company took over.

The team came in already down Nick Chubb, Jack Conklin, and Jedrick Wills. That list of injured players would only grow as the game went on. Baker Mayfield dislocated his already ailing left shoulder, Kareem Hunt hurt his calf and Odell Beckham briefly left the game due to a shoulder injury.

It was a winnable game for the Browns. Cleveland didn’t show anything during the course of the game that made you think they weren’t as talented, if not more so than the Cardinals. Injuries were a major issue, sure, but the big issue fell solely on how the coach and staff handled everything. The team abandoned all that is is on offense and while Mayfield had a solid outing injuries aside, the fact that Stefanski never established a rushing game until late was a mistake.

This was a game that got out of hand because the coaching staff tried to change their identity on the fly and didn’t give guys like Hunt, D’Ernest Johnson, Demetric Felton, or Johnny Stanton a chance. It was a completely uncharacteristic game for Stefanski and it showed.

The Browns luckily have the Denver Broncos up next, but before we get there, we have to talk about the six things from this week that were wholly inexcusable.