The Cleveland Browns slept-walked through a game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, dropping their fourth loss of the season in a 29-12 decision. In what should have been a winnable game for the Browns, Cleveland was never really in it. The historically good defense looked a step behind all day. It continued to show its issues with running quarterbacks. Russell Wilson also illustrated a new flaw in Jim Schwartz’s group, constantly confusing them with shifts and audibles, which seemed to open up running lanes all over the field. Indeed, the Broncos had only scored one rushing touchdown all year but ended the day with 171 yards and two scores on the ground. And, to top it all off, the Browns lost another quarterback to injury.
On a tough day on both sides of the ball, Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah had a whale of a game. He led a listless defense with 10 tackles, two tackles for a loss, and a sack. Jerome Ford averaged over seven yards a carry but only got nine carries for reasons passing understanding. The Cleveland Browns also had something of a breakout day from rookie receiver Cedric Tillman, who led all wideouts with four catches for 55 yards.
Though this game will not go down as one of the great matchups in NFL history, it is the first 29-12 final in the history of the league. The story of the game, however, will be injuries, mistakes, and playcalling.
Cleveland Browns Lose Another Quarterback to Injury
The injury bug has hit the Cleveland Browns offense hard. The Browns currently have their starting quarterback, running back, and two offensive tackles on injured reserve. Cleveland can now add top backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson to the injury report. Thompson-Robinson, starting in place of Deshaun Watson, left the game in the third quarter after a brutal helmet-to-helmet collision with Bronco Baron Browning. Before leaving the field, Thompson-Robinson had a mouth full of blood and was evaluated for a head injury. He was later ruled out with a concussion.
PJ Walker replaced Thompson-Robinson. The Cleveland Browns also have Joe Flacco on their practice squad. Either could make the start against the Los Angeles Rams next week if Thompson-Robinson is unable to play.
… and Another Offensive Star As Well
Top Cleveland Browns receiver Amari Cooper left the field early as well. He took a hard hit in the side from a Denver Broncos defender and crumpled as he hit the ground. Cooper left the field afterward and did not return. He was later ruled out with an injury to his ribs.
… and Maybe Myles Garrett, Too?
All-world edge rusher Myles Garrett looked like a shadow of himself for most of the game on Sunday. He was on and off the field for much of the game. He appeared to be favoring his left arm, holding it awkwardly at points. The FOX announcers said he seemed to have an issue with his left wrist. As he remained in the game, the Cleveland Browns were under no obligation to provide any medical information about him.
Questionable Playcalling From the Cleveland Browns Head Coach
Cleveland Browns Head Coach Kevin Stefanski has been known to get too cute for his own good. Stefanski’s penchant for gadgetry was on full display today with the Browns rookie quarterback making his first road start. Thompson-Robinson attempted nearly twice as many passes as runs, despite playing the league’s worst run defense. Cleveland’s terrible day offensively was capped off by a safety in the game’s final minutes when the team should’ve just been handing off the ball.
Drops Becoming a Problem
The Cleveland Browns have had a litany of drops by their receivers over the last two weeks. Against the Broncos on Sunday, the Browns dropped five passes, including a touchdown to tight end David Njoku and a two-point conversion to Amari Cooper. Njoku also only caught seven passes on 15 targets against the Pittsburgh Steelers last week.
West Coast Swing
Instead of returning to Ohio, the Cleveland Browns will head to Los Angeles from Denver on Sunday. They’ll practice at UCLA this week in advance of Sunday’s showdown with the Rams at SoFi Stadium on Sunday, December 3.
Main Photo: [Ken Blaze] – USA Today Sports
