How Cleveland Can Avoid A Letdown
Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Other than the playoff game at Pittsburgh three seasons ago, I’m not sure I’ve been more shocked by a Cleveland Browns win than I was last Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. I’m old enough to remember the Browns before 1999, but young enough to not really remember the old Browns. But watching this team religiously since their return, this must be a top-five triumph for the organization.
And it wasn’t just big because the 49ers are one of the top teams in the league. It was big because of how the team responded to multiple adverse situations.
Cleveland was beaten badly by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. The team had a bye week where they could have chosen to sulk or to prepare for a battle. They chose the latter, showing they have heart and that the coaching staff is in control.
The elephant in the room for three-straight weeks has been the human question mark that is Deshaun Watson. Everyone expected him to play the Ravens in Week 4, and then he missed that, had the bye week, and still missed the 49ers game.
People were afraid to say it, but now that I think the situation has passed, I’ll admit I was worried Watson wasn’t happy in Cleveland. After he spoke to the media yesterday, I’m fully convinced that the injury was worse than initially thought, and the team was just being cautious to make sure he is fully healthy when he returns.
So now it’s time to answer the real question. Is this the same old Browns team that will take two steps forward and three steps back? Or has this team turned the corner and will be able to go on the road and beat a competitive Indianapolis Colts squad?
Potential Pitfalls
Unfortunately, this is a classic letdown situation for the Browns. Not only is the team coming off a huge home victory, but they are also traveling to face an opponent they are favored against on the road, and the opposing team is without their starting quarterback.
After Anthony Richardson opted for season-ending should surgery, the Browns will now face Gardner Minshew who has proven to be a capable starter in the NFL.
Sounds pretty ideal, right?
Well, the Browns have a history of letting great opportunities slip through their hands. Ask any Clevelander and they’ll tell you, the Browns often don’t disappoint you until they can disappoint you the most.
Ever since the miserable 2020 season, the Browns have always been fighting to stay above 500, and moving to 4-2 vs. 3-3 at this point in the season would be a huge catapult to position themselves as playoff contenders.
It’s still unclear if Watson will be available or not this week. I suspect he’ll sit out another week, but either way the Browns should win this game with Watson or P.J. Walker at quarterback.
Looking ahead at the schedule. there are three very winnable games in a row as they travel to Indianapolis and Seattle and then host the Arizona Cardinals. If this team has truly turned the corner, they have a shot at being 6-2 heading into a huge rematch with the Ravens.
If the Browns are going to be the same old Browns, they could easily walk away 4-4 after the next three games, which would be devastating.
What Can They Do?
The biggest thing the Browns need to do to remain on the winning track is stay ahead of the chains on offense. Even when Watson was at quarterback, there were too many negative plays on first down that made it very challenging for the offense.
Against the 49ers, Kevin Stefanski did a great job of mixing up the run and pass on first down, which not only helped the offensive line but also helped his inexperienced quarterback. I loved the play action on first down, and I also liked seeing Kareem Hunt get carries on first down.
Why Hunt and not Jerome Ford on first down? Hunt is a north-and-south guy; even if the hole isn’t there, he’s going to create one. Meanwhile, Ford is a great runner who is patient and then attacks when he sees the opportunity. Not very often is Hunt tackled for a loss because of his aggression, while Ford can often be tackled for a two-to-three-yard loss if the hole isn’t there.
If Watson is back, I hope the play-calling is consistent with last week. Not only did it help the running game, but it also helped keep pressure off the quarterback.
On the defensive side of the ball, it’s simple: Keep doing what you are doing and stay healthy. If the offense has another off Sunday, the defense will have to win by themselves.
They proved they could do it last Sunday after they forced a turnover and the offense went backward and had to punt. The defense came right back onto the field and stopped the 49ers’ offense.
This offense can potentially be great, but are still getting their feet under them. Jim Schwartz must keep his unit motivated even when the offense isn’t clicking to ensure they have a chance in every game they play.
I tend to be more negative about the Cleveland Browns than I should because I have watched this team drop the ball so many times over the last 24 years, but even I feel like this time is different. I think Stefasnki is the right man in charge and will have this team prepared to take care of business on Sunday in Indianapolis.
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