Cleveland Browns: Takeaways on offense from the loss in Houston

Another slow start

In what is becoming a recurring theme, the Browns had a three-and-out to start a game. A huge reason why this team finds itself in negative game scripts is due in large to the slow starts on offense.

These slow starts are attributed to the turnovers in the red zone. This week it was a pick-six on second down at the Houston 22-yard line. Ironically enough, right before the interception the announcers were touching on a quip Hue Jackson had about his quarterbacks just getting the offense to the next play when in the red zone.

Typically by the time the Browns offense finds its footing they’re staring at a two-touchdown deficit and the running game is pushed to the side. Crowell had 12 carries for 58 yards but continued his struggles on second down.

Duke Johnson had five rushes for 40 yards and three catches for -1 yards. I’m like a broken record, but Hue Jackson needs to get a special packages of plays together featuring Duke Johnson. He needs at least 15 touches from the ground or air and the results may surprise you.

He may not be a feature back, but he’s a weapon that can help these inaccurate quarterbacks find some rhythm in an otherwise anemic passing game.