The Cleveland Browns came up short in Atlanta, losing to the Falcons 23-20.
If there was a way that the Cleveland Browns were going to lose games early in the season it was going to be in a certain fashion. The way that things played out in Atlanta Sunday was not said fashion. Much like their loss to the Jets earlier this season and their slim win in Carolina, it was giving up points in the 4th quarter to sub-par offensive units. Much like those teams, Atlanta was able to put up points late against a bad Browns defense.
Before getting into what happened in Sunday’s loss it is important to note that the Browns were without Myles Garrett, Jadeveon Clowney, Taven Bryan, and Anthony Walker in the contest, with Walker being the only player who will not return this season. Overall Cleveland has struggled in the 4th quarter giving up 50 points total, 13 to Atlanta on Sunday while Carolina and New York each scored 17 in the final quarter.
This is a disturbing and unacceptable trend early on in the season when the defense was supposed to at least be average. This would afford the offense quarterbacked by Jacoby Brissett a larger margin for error that they currently have. The team is now in a position where they have to play perfect for 60 minutes. Not only is that not realistic, it is a major reason why they moved on from their former quarterback who is currently struggling in Carolina.
The Browns totaled over 400 yards, controlled the clock (35:44-24:16), and still managed to lose. Cleveland’s offense should have scored more than 20 points, this much is true. Not being able to capitalize with opportunities in front of them is concerning. However, watching the defense fail to slow down an opponent late for the third time in four games is the larger concern. Deshaun Watson will be returning later this season and will be able to help boost the offense. The defense does not have a Deshaun Watson coming in to bolster their unit. This combined with the fact they have played the easy portion of their schedule with tougher opponents on the horizon should be setting off alarms everywhere.
