It says something that the Cleveland Browns can win a game in which they played poorly.
They certainly didn’t play their “A” game while beating the New York Jets 23-3 last night in New Jersey.
In past years, the Browns needed to play very well, and have their opponents play bad to have a chance to win. The expectations nationally show how things have changed football wise here, but getting a win when you play subpar might be better.
We heard former Browns’ QB Trent Dilfer say recently that with teams not playing veterans much in the preseason, it takes about four weeks for teams to get in a rhythm.
Freddie Kitchens’ team can vouch for that.
We felt the penalties in the opener were an aberration, and that turned out to be true. Outside of Myles Garrett’s two roughing the passer fouls, the Browns played a fairly disciplined game.
Speaking of Garrett, much was made about this being Baker Mayfield’s coming out party, his debut on a nationally televised NFL game, but it was the 2017 first overall pick who impressed.
Yes, the penalties were bad, and he needs to play more under control, however, he dominated the Jets’ offensive line with three sacks, giving him five now on the young season.
The offense is still sputtering, and it seems like Kitchens is still a tad too pass happy, trying to use his new toys.
The second year passer threw 35 times, compared to just 18 rushing attempts for Nick Chubb.
It also hasn’t helped that Mayfield’s accuracy has been off through the first two games, he seems to be high on his throws. It may be because he doesn’t have the confidence in the offensive line just yet or it could be because defensive coordinators are disguising things a bit better for the second year quarterback.
We also think the QB is looking for big plays that aren’t there, and needs to take what the defense gives him more often.
We are confident that Mayfield will learn and adjust, and his play will improve as the season goes on.
Until then, we’d like to see the running game a bit more.
We also are feeling a little confident in the special teams. John Dorsey raised some eyebrows by going with a pair of rookie kickers, but through two games (again, small sample) Austin Siebert and Jamie Gillan have been just fine.
The former made three field goals last night and Gillan has had just one punt that has been attempted to be returned. And he made sure the Browns kept the field position advantage last night repeatedly making the Jets, with an inexperienced QB, start inside their own 20.
And the coverage has been very good too. After years and years of the special teams putting Cleveland in tough spots, this is refreshing.
It shows how far the Browns have come that they can still win a game on the road by 20 points, even if a backup quarterback plays for the opposition.
On the other hand, the NFC Champion Rams come to town this Sunday night, and a better effort will be needed.
As we always say, you don’t want to be playing your best football in week two. There is still plenty of time for improvement.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 