The Cleveland Browns headed to the Meadowlands of New Jersey sitting in first place in the AFC North Division, but when the dust settled in Week 5, Browns fans were left shaking their heads. Was the three-game winning streak an aberration? Is it the same old Browns?
Cleveland suffered a disappointing 17-12 loss to the New York Jets in Week 5, but the game was there for the taking. Ultimately, it was a mistake on special teams that cost the Browns, and some tackling issues, especially trying to stop the run, was the final nail in the coffin.
Don’t Blame it on the Rain, That’s Weak
Weather conditions in the Week 5 game against the Jets were less than ideal, as the remnants of Hurricane Isaias affected the Eastern Seaboard with varying intensity. Heck, I was jostled out of bed on Sunday to the blaring siren on my phone from a tornado warning. And, we had a few touch downs just a few miles from my house. It was more touchdowns than the Browns had Sunday.
It was a steady rain for the entirety of the game against the Jets, but don’t use the rain as an excuse for the loss. A team playing on the shores of Lake Erie, at least for now until the stupid dome is built, should be used to playing in the elements. Browns Football has seen a lot worse of conditions than they faced on Sunday.
Cleveland Still had a Chance to win Late
The Browns trailed 7-6 at halftime, and that’s how things stayed until the fourth quarter, when the Jets tacked on a field goal to make it 10-6.
Cleveland’s most impressive drive of the game came in the fourth quarter, as it went on a nine-play, 86-yard touchdown-scoring drive. Quarterback Deshaun Watson had a nice 20-yard scramble midway through the fourth quarter, getting the Browns from midfield deep into Jets territory. After a couple of incompletions, he fired a strike to rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston for a 29-yard touchdown, as the first-year receiver continues to shine.
However, the Week 4 hero, placekicker Andre Szmyt, misfired on the extra point, as Cleveland led 12-10.
The Browns appeared to be in good shape, as linebacker Carson Schwesinger sacked Jets quarterback Geno Smith, forcing a fumble which was recovered by defensive tackle Adin Huntington with 4:20 to go.
The Browns were able to go three and out, which is bad enough. But, punter Corey Bojorquez could not handle a high snap, as the ball sailed over his outstretched hands to set the Jets up at the Browns’ 23. Not good.
Jets running back Braelon Allen took one off tackle to the left, going 22 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, making it 17-12.
The Browns STILL had a chance, though, but it punted the ball away, using the two-minute warning and timeouts to get the ball back. And, it worked. They STILL had a shot…and, it didn’t go well. Again.
On fourth down, with :57 left in regulation, the pocket collapsed on Watson, and he desperately ran to the left, and was unable to even get off a pass, fumbling it away. Even if the Browns recovered, it was nowhere near what the team needed to stay alive.
The final two offensive drives resulted in eight plays, and zero net yards. Ugh.
To make matters worse, the Baltimore Ravens forced overtime with former Browns quarterback Tyler Huntley starting for the injured quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle), and it topped the Atlanta Falcons, and former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, in overtime.
The Browns get those same Ravens in Week 6 at Huntington Bank Field. And, they better cut out the mistakes, if they want to get back on track.
