The Cleveland Browns came close, but ultimately fell short in Los Angeles as the Chargers come away with a shootout win.
The story of the Cleveland Browns 47-42 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers can be told in the final two drives of the game. While up just one with 3:15 to go, the Browns ran the ball twice including on 3rd and 10 before punting to the Chargers in what ended up being a game-winning scoring drive. Now trailing with 1:31 left in the 4th it was time for the Browns to pass the ball, enter Baker Mayfield.
The problem is that Mayfield did what he did all game for the most part, completed short passes and hoped that yards could be gained after the catch. Unlike earlier in the game that was not the case as it took the Browns 50 seconds to go just 12 yards. Cleveland’s chances ended on three unsuccessful deep throws from Mayfield and turning the ball over on downs with just five seconds left. A major reason why the Browns came up short in this game is the limitations of Mayfield.
Outside of a couple throws, Mayfield lived on short throws and yards after the catch. 21 of 23 completions from Mayfield are considered short throws, which is a trend that is not new. When Mayfield has been successful this season it has been when throwing short and relying on his receivers to make a play. While over 60 minutes it can produce impressive numbers, such as Mayfield’s 23-32 for 305 yards and two touchdowns. The problem arises when the ball is needed to pushed down the field in a comeback situation and it does not happen. While the excess of short throws could be a result of his injured shoulder, this has been the theme of the passing game this season.
Rushing attack keeps on chugging along
Part of the reason why Mayfield has been able to get away with throwing a lot of short throws and being successful has been the Browns rushing attack. Nick Chubb carried the ball 21 times for 161 yards and one touchdown while Kareem Hunt ran 12 times for 61 yards and two touchdowns. The heart and should of the Browns offense continues to be the dynamic duo of Chubb and Hunt.
Njoku and DPJ
Two players who made surprising impacts in the passing game were David Njoku and Donvoan Peoples-Jones. Njoku made an incredible play resulting in a 71-yard touchdown reception, just part of his seven catch 149 yard performance. Peoples-Jones finished with the second-most receptions (5) and yards (70) for Cleveland. While Njoku has been up and way down this season, Peoples-Jones has been a no-show, encouraging performances from both.
Missing: Odell Beckham Jr.
The most confusing aspect of the Browns offense continues on for another week. Baker Mayfield simply cannot connect with Odell Beckham Jr. While Beckham did have the costly drop on 4th and 2, he was only targeted three times in the contest finishing with just two receptions for 20 yards. A major factor in his lack of production definitely falls on the shoulders of Mayfield. Mayfield does not even appear to consider throwing in his direction an option as he completes short throw after short throw. Simply put, Mayfield appears afraid to throw the ball downfield and that has a direct impact on just what Beckham can do in a game. Until the quarterback stops being gun-shy, Beckham’s numbers will continue to suffer.
Injuries, injuries, injuriesÂ
The Browns came into the game without Jedrick Wills, Chris Hubbard, and Jadeveon Clowney. During the game Cleveland also lost Jack Conklin and Denzel Ward for the game, two key payers on both sides of the ball. Also exiting at one point was Myles Garrett, AJ Green, Malik McDowell, and Troy Hill. Health was not Cleveland’s friend and did not make things easy as they battled a superior team on the road.
Defense
The less said about this unit, the better.
Not so special history
The Cleveland Browns made history in this game and not the good kind. This was the first time a team lost when either scoring 40 points and having zero turnovers, or scoring 40 points, totaling 500 yards, and having zero turnovers according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
