Cleveland Browns: 3 takeaways from the 28-26 loss to the Titans
Several things stood out after the Cleveland Browns fell to 0-6 after a 28-26 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon.
The Cleveland Browns have been struggling with consistency at the quarterback position all season, but Cody Kessler seems to be the man for the job. Unfortunately, he once again failed to pick up his first NFL win, this time against the Tennessee Titans.
Kessler did nothing to lose the game, as the team once again failed to muster enough on either offense or defense to pick up the team’s first win of the season.
There is a clear talent gap between the Browns and the rest of the NFL, but that does not mean there is ever a lack of effort on the Browns’ part. Whether that will continue throughout the season remains to be seen, although the presence of so many young players on the roster may help keep the optimism high through the end of the season.
While us fans try to remain optimistic, let’s take a look at some of the takeaways from the latest loss.
Cody Kessler should remain the starter
The success of Kessler is hidden amidst the constant losing of the Browns. He finished Sunday’s game with 336 yards and two touchdowns on a day when the running game was nonexistent. He stayed in the pocket, showing no fear when it would be easy to throw the ball away quickly after injuring his ribs last week.
He spread the ball out well, once again relying on the great play of Terrelle Pryor, who hauled in both of Kessler’s touchdown passes. He also got Ricardo Louis involved, who finished with five catches and 65 yards.
With Josh McCown returning to practice this past week, it appears he may be healthy enough to play next Sunday. However, there is no need to pull Kessler from the starting role if he is healthy. He is showing improvement every time he takes the field, with this latest game being his best yet. With an 0-6 record, there is no need to put the veteran McCown on the field when Kessler can benefit more with the time on the field.
Terrelle Pryor is becoming a dominant receiver
Josh Gordon was supposed to be the dominant receiver on this team, but his absence has opened the door for Terrelle Pryor to shine.
Pryor finished with nine catches for 75 yards and two touchdowns, proving he is this team’s top option moving forward. Corey Coleman has the looks of being a great receiver once he returns from his injury, but Pryor’s size and speed make him the top threat for the Browns.
Even though it has only been six games, the Browns may want to begin working to extend Pryor’s contract for the next few years. He has proven he can be a great receiver through the first six weeks of the season, and this talent is not going to disappear.
Too early to go for two
The decision by Hue Jackson to go for two when the Browns were down nine points is a decision that will be talked about throughout the week.
One side can argue that it does not matter when a team goes for two, as it would be needed eventually, but Hue Jackson could have given his young team more hope by kicking the extra point and being down eight.
By being down nine points, recovering the onside kick meant the Browns still had to score twice. Saving the two-point conversion for the final touchdown doesn’t increase the chances of converting, but he could have put this young team in a position to tie the game and head to overtime. Instead, the feeling of defeat already set in.