It is difficult to evaluate the Cleveland Browns in their loss on Sunday to the Kansas City Chiefs because quite frankly, the visitors were too damn good.
And once CB Denzel Ward went out of the game, it was going to be difficult to get the Chiefs to punt the football, which they didn’t do until the fourth quarter when the game was all but decided.
Despite the injuries on defense, S Demarious Randall was already out before the game started and Ward, CB E.J. Gaines, and LB Christian Kirksey all left during the game, the Browns were in the game at the half, trailing just 21-16.
This was partially due to Kansas City not having a real good defense, and partially due to new offensive Freddie Kitchens using some of the weapons that Hue Jackson and Todd Haley never utilized.
Duke Johnson caught nine passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns, his most catches since week four of 2017. It was the most he was used out of the backfield all season.
David Njoku grabbed four passes for 53 yards after not catching a pass against the Steelers the previous week.
And recently signed WR Breshad Perriman was also involved, catching two balls for 36 and running two end arounds for nine more. One of his receptions was on, get this, a crossing pattern!
It also may have helped the offense that rookie LT Desmond Harrison sat out and was replaced by former second overall pick, Greg Robinson. Granted, quicker, shorter throws were called for Baker Mayfield, but pass rushers weren’t sitting in his lap either, at least from his blind side.
We would keep Robinson in the starting lineup going forward, and it sounds like interim coach Gregg Williams may keep him there.
The defense should get a boost after the bye week with the return of CB Terrance Mitchell, and hopefully Joe Schobert as well. There is no question at all the defense misses Schobert, a Pro Bowler last season, who calls the signals on that side of the ball.
And although John Dorsey has done a great job building the roster, heck in the first round, he drafted a possible franchise quarterback, and a cornerback who could make the Pro Bowl in his rookie year.
However, we do have point out that drafting Chad Thomas in the 3rd round is not looking good, nor was the signing of Chris Hubbard to play right tackle. Those are blips on the radar though.
The truth is, the Browns may have faced the most brutal schedule in the league this season. They have played five games against arguably the top ten teams in the NFL: Steelers twice, as well as the Chiefs, Saints, and Chargers.
And it ain’t getting any easier with Atlanta (4-4) coming in, and games remaining with Carolina (6-2), Houston (6-3), and Cincinnati (5-3) twice.
It could be very difficult for the Browns to get more than four wins this season, but that will mean a probable top ten pick next spring.
This time though, Dorsey can look for best player available. This team needs depth, with the primary areas being offensive line, linebacker, and cornerback.
Our guess is the Browns coaching change will be a positive thing going forward, but it may be tough to see because of the schedule.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 