Cleveland Browns: Defensive takeaways from the Week 5 loss
Offense must begin to help defense
Overwhelming may not even be able to describe the start of DeShone Kizer’s career. Backup quarterback Kevin Hogan has now replaced Kizer in two of the five games this season.
In both of those instances, Hogan has undoubtedly outplayed Kizer. Although, the receivers continuously drop passes from Kizer while making spectacular catches for Hogan. Perhaps it’s Hogan’s ability to know where the third and fourth options are on a play as Kizer seemingly panics after the first two are unavailable.
Regardless, the quarterback play isn’t the only issue for the Browns. Receivers still are dropping balls. Running backs are still missing holes. The offensive line is still racking up the penalties. And the play-calling has been pitiful. There is not much the Browns have done on offense that makes them look smart or prepared.
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Hue Jackson is a supposed offensive genius but consistently fails the team with questionable play-calling and his lack of clock management. Late in Sunday’s game, the Browns had a chance for a field goal but instead went for it on fourth down. Jackson’s play didn’t work and the Browns turned the ball over.
Of course, Hogan marched the Browns offense down the field late in the fourth, but the team ultimately ran out of time. This was due to Jackson’s decision to not kick a field goal to make it a three-point game.
The defense can only do so much but with the way this offense is playing, nobody can expect the Browns to win.
The play-calling must improve, the running backs have to be utilized more and turnovers need to stop. If this happens, the defense can take over and control the direction of the game.
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But until then, the Browns will continue to be disappointing and make Sunday afternoons a rough time in Cleveland.