In last week’s game the Browns just came up short against the Giants, losing 21-15.
I saw a lot of good things from that game. They were finally putting drives together and really putting the pressure on defenses. It was just rough because the Browns lost their Pro Bowl left guard Wyatt Teller, who is a crucial part in the run game when he pulls.
The week prior, the Browns faced the Jacksonville Jaguars, hoping to improve after their loss to Dallas. They made adjustments, keeping Deshaun Watson more in the pocket, and the offensive line offered better protection. Watson showed improvement, making quicker decisions, but still held onto the ball too long at times. The defense also stepped up, with Jim Schwartz dialing up creative blitzes to increase pressure on the Jaguars’ quarterback, leading to a solid win.
The Browns played a hard-fought battle but ultimately lost to the Dallas Cowboys 33-17 in the first regular season game on Sept. 8. Offensively, the Browns struggled to move the ball, relying too much on Deshaun Watson to roll out of the pocket.
The offensive line was weakened by injuries, with backup tackles DeWand Jones and James Hudson stepping in for left tackle Jedrick Wills and right tackle Jack Conklin.
While Jones and Hudson are solid players, the absence of Wills and Conklin was felt, and Watson lacked the protection he needed.
The Browns also faced challenges on the defensive side. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott was sacked only three times, which is unusual for a defense as strong as Cleveland’s, led by edge rushers Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith and linemen Shelby Harris and Dalvin Tomlinson.
However, they struggled to break through the Cowboys’ offensive line. Looking ahead, many hoped defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will devise new blitz packages and adjust the defensive line to apply more pressure.
Despite the loss, Browns fans remained hopeful.
“I was not totally disappointed with the outcome of the game, knowing Stefanski was the play-caller and Deshaun Watson was under center,” longtime fan Derek Fan said.
Many fans, like Fan, believe Watson needs better protection rather than being the target of criticism.
Watson’s running ability is a key part of his game, but it also makes him too hesitant to throw.
“Deshaun held on to the ball way too long and should have thrown it away instead of just running,” Browns fan Lucius Vendetti said.
Watson’s tendency to scramble can lead to sacks and lost yards, or even risk injury, when he should be making quicker decisions.
Heading into week four against the Raiders, the game plan should focus on keeping Watson in the pocket and making faster reads. With a healthier offensive line, fans are hopeful the Browns can make a strong playoff push and contend for a division title.
