The Cleveland Browns were no match for the New England Patriots in their 38-15 loss.
Different week, same story. The Cleveland Browns lost their third consecutive game, this time a 23-point drubbing courtesy of the visiting New England Patriots. For those who wanted the game to feel different that wish was granted. Cleveland was clearly outmatched from the start as the best coach of all time, Bill Belichick, was more than prepared for what the Browns had to offer.
Kevin Stefanski was forced into having to ease into the run game rather than lead with it, resulting in a lopsided pass-run play call ratio early on which did not correct itself. Jacoby Brissett was called upon to attempt 45 passes while Nick Chubb only rushed 12 times for 56 yards. Brissett’s 21 completions for 266 yards, an inconsequential touchdown, two interceptions, and four sacks led to an unspectacular 18.6 QBR. Meanwhile it was Bailey Zappe looking like an All-Pro against Cleveland’s terrible defense, finishing 24-34 for 309 yards with two touchdowns and being sacked just twice. Both sacks came from the one and only Myles Garrett, Cleveland’s new franchise leader in sacks.
Late in the game the Browns were faced with what should have been an easy decision, kicking an extra-point. Overthinking the situation resulted in a botched two-point attempt and Cleveland being down nine instead of eight. While the defense would later make this decision moot, Kevin Stefanski did not put his team in position to win. Whatever the advanced metric is used to make this decision should be thrown in the garbage. It is about playing the game situation and at the time going for two with time left in the game was unnecessary. The missed attempt forced Cleveland into attempting an onside kick which a penalty overturned their recovery.
Looking ahead
The Browns are now 2-4 on the season after playing what was considered to be the easy part of their schedule. Multiple blown leads have resulted in three losses which should not be. Cleveland is now about to embark on the more difficult stretch of their season. More complete debacles like this loss to New England could become the norm rather than the outlier.
