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Cleveland Browns: Grades from game vs. Jets

By Jonathan Goehring

Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) tries to sack Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Jets outside linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) tries to sack Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Jets won 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson watches warmups before a game against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson watches warmups before a game against the New York Jets at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Coaching: D

Any time a coach loses, more blame will be placed on him for his team’s performance than he deserves. Evaluating Hue Jackson is difficult to do after just eight games, and it is unfair to sharply criticize him due to his lack of weapons to work with.

However, when the game plan on offense is insufficient, this can be a knock on the coaching staff. The Browns came in to the game knowing that they would need to throw the ball a lot, but there still needs to be some semblance of balance. This was not existent, as Cleveland ran the ball just 15 times as opposed to their 51 pass attempts. This imbalance held true even though the Browns were averaging a respectable 3.8 yards per carry, and even though they were in the lead for a good part of the game.

Not only was the game plan poor, the Browns didn’t seem in sync on offense. This is a direct reflection on the coaching staff, as there was a clear lack of preparation.

Ray Horton clearly didn’t have his defense ready either. Mental lapses as what was seen on Powell’s third-and-ten touchdown run directly reflect preparation, a responsibility of the coaching staff. While the linebackers performed well, even they were not put in a good enough position to succeed, as they were too often forced to make tackles on running backs.

Next: Kessler should start against Cowboys

The team is a work in progress, without a doubt. But the coaches must at least maximize the talent they have been given. It’s no secret that the Browns lack pieces they need to become a contender. But all fans ask of the coaches is to make the most of what they have. There have been flashes of this at times, but the Browns took a step back in this category in Week 8.

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