Cleveland Browns fall to 0-10 in 2017 with a 19-7 loss to Jacksonville
The Cleveland Browns offense blew a great outing by the defense in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars that drops the Browns to 0-10 in 2017.
A Cleveland Browns loss on a Sunday is becoming a new fall tradition for fans along the shores of Lake Erie.
The latest loss, a 19-7 defeat at the hands of the Jacksonville Jaguars, gives the Browns 10 losses and a big fat zero in the win column.
This one was especially frustrating given how well the Browns played on defense. The 36:55 time of possession for the Jaguars may make it seem like the defense couldn’t get off the field, but the five turnovers by the Browns adds some context to the number.
From horrific interceptions to fumbles on both carries and punts, the Browns decided the turnover route would be the way to lose this game.
But even with the seemingly lopsided loss, the Browns were in this game late, giving those who made the trek to the stadium a reason to brave the snow and hold out hope of a comeback victory.
The Browns trailed 13-7 and had the ball with 3:28 remaining. After reaching Jacksonville’s side of the field, DeShone Kizer fumbled. But the game was still not over, as the defense forced a three-and-out and the Browns got the ball back with 1:14 remaining. No timeouts remained but the hope wasn’t dead.
Cut to Kizer getting strip-sacked on the first play and Telvin Smith recovering the ball for a touchdown and you could almost see the fog being formed from all the sighs in the stands.
On a day when snow began to fall in Cleveland, the Browns could only manage 50 rushing yards, albeit against a great Jaguars defense. The Jaguars countered with 139 rushing yards, with Leonard Fournette accounting for 111 on 28 carries.
And as expected, Kizer dropped back often, finishing with 32 passes, completing just half that number.
Those looking for positives can look to the defense, as Jacksonville had trouble doing much on offense all day. That isn’t an elite offense, but a 7-3 record means they have done enough to win this season. Myles Garrett looked great as always, while James Burgess led the way with three tackles for loss.
It is tough to break these games down at this point because the 0-10 record is so deflating. Turnovers continue to be a common theme, as are dropped passes, missed tackles, missed blocks and anything else that involves a mistake.
One notable stat from the game? The Browns didn’t commit a single penalty. Baby steps, everyone, baby steps.
Things don’t get much easier next week as the Browns head down to Cincinnati to take on a Bengals team that already has a 31-7 win over the Browns this season. That was the game in which the stadium cleared out by halftime, in case you buried the memory.
It will be interesting to hear what Hue Jackson has to say throughout the week, while fans will also be waiting on some more Peyton Manning rumors.
Next: Haslams met with Browns players to calm the waters
It is unfortunate we focus on off-the-field stuff so much in Cleveland, but that is the most exciting aspect of being a fan when wins are so hard to come by.