Wow, was this game rough, or what? Although the Cleveland Browns did score in this one, it wasn’t until halfway through the fourth quarter. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let’s just get a refresher. This past Sunday, the Browns lost in horrifying fashion to cross-state rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. What exactly is horrifying fashion? Well, Cleveland lost to the tune of a 31-7 beatdown. But as always, the Browns can learn from their (many) mistakes this weekend. Let’s break it down and take a look at the Browns takeaways from week four.
Week Four Cleveland Browns Takeaways
Kizer Gets No Help
It feels like this is starting to sound like a broken record. DeShone Kizer, in his fourth start, just can’t seem to get the Browns offense going. However, one can very easily make the argument that it isn’t his fault. Rather, he cannot progress in his development because he has absolutely no help on the offensive side. Sure, the offensive line is pretty strong at some points. Really, good on them for keeping Kizer up most of the time. But the thing about the offensive line is, no matter how good they are, they can’t go out and catch passes.
I mean, sure, you could have Joe Thomas run a streak route to the endzone if you really wanted to. The way Hue Jackson‘s offense is designed, it might not be too far-fetched. But that isn’t what Thomas is there for. What it comes down to, is players like Kenny Britt and Ricardo Louis simply not doing their jobs correctly. If the drops continue for Britt, he might find himself on the bench permanently sooner rather than later. These drops have to stop, before Kizer completely loses all of his confidence.
Duke Can Still Make Plays
Preparing for this game, it was imperative that Duke Johnson get more touches. Whether by run or pass, Hue Jackson needed to find a way for Kizer to get him the ball more. Right now, Johnson looks like the best skill player that Cleveland has. The fact that he has not started in front of Isaiah Crowell is baffling, to be quite honest. While he only had four rushing attempts (and one went for Cleveland’s only touchdown), “The Duke” collected nine total receptions. Jordan Leslie might not have gotten all the touches he deserved, but the Browns seem to be on the right track with Johnson. He’s a playmaker through and through, and the Browns finally seem to be noticing that.
This Could Be A Long Year
For the second year in a row, the Cleveland Browns are 0-4. Additionally, this is the fifth time they have started with such a record since coming back in 1999. It hurts to bring this one to light, but it is undoubtedly true. The Browns might not be as close as many fans once thought they were.
Although Myles Garrett has not come back yet, the Browns are already staring another number one pick right in the face. In a race with the New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Los Angeles Chargers, they are one of only four 0-4 teams. Hopefully by next week, Garrett is finally playing, and the Browns will get Jamie Collins back. Either way, the Browns will be looking to get back on track against the shockingly 2-2 New York Jets next week. Strap in, Cleveland; 2017 could be another long season.
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