Daniel Corrigan | September 23rd, 2019
The Browns were stopped inside the five yard-line four straight times and fell 20-13 to the reigning NFC Champion, Los Angeles Rams. The Browns were missing seven starters, including Denzel Ward, Greedy Williams, Damarious Randall, David Njoku, and Rashard Higgins.
The Offense
This offensive line is going to be a problem. Baker Mayfield just has no time to throw. That doesn’t excuse Mayfield from holding on to the ball for so long. We saw what this offense could be when they ran a high-tempo, RPO offense. Mayfield was hitting Odell Beckham Jr on slant routes and Nick Chubb was moving the ball. Then, they just stopped doing it for some reason.
Speaking of bad play calls, a draw on fourth and nine? Also, you have the ball inside the five with 30 seconds left and three timeouts. Maybe, just maybe you give the ball to Chubb at least once? It’s plain and simple, Freddie Kitchens has been HORRIBLE calling plays this year. They lost their swagger that they had last season. With a rough schedule ahead, you better find it, and you better find it quickly.
The positives were that Mayfield was much sharper with his throws. But he still needs to get the ball out quick and don’t quick to leave the pocket. Chubb was so close to breaking a long gain all game. He just couldn’t get enough help with his blocks. The Browns need to get Jarvis Landry more involved, he has had a couple big catches this year, but he is almost non-existent right now.
Mayfield passed for 195 yards on 18/36 passing and a touchdown. Chubb finished with 23 carries for 96 yards. Leading in receiving yards was Landry with 62 yards on three receptions. Demetrius Harris caught Mayfield’s lone touchdown.
Offensive Grade: C: The offensive line has to be better, if they don’t fix it, the Browns are in trouble.
The Defense
I feel so bad for the defense. They played a great game, especially without most of their starting secondary. The only negative is that Cooper Kupp is still running wide open drag routes. Myles Garrett continues to show why he will be giving a speech in Canton one of these days. T.J. Carrie made a huge diving interception (the offense proceeded to go three and out) and Juston Burris played the tip-drill to perfection on a clutch interception.
The pass-rush was almost non-existent at some points, and Jared Goff made the Browns pay with all that time. The Browns were able to hold Todd Gurley to only 43 yards rushing which is huge.
My Thoughts
I did not expect the Browns to win this game. Especially with all the injuries. But this game was right there for the taking. Horrible play calling, and horrible offensive line play lost the Browns the game. Kitchens absolutely has to get better.
Team Grade: B-
Player of the game: T.J. Carrie
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