Cleveland Browns: Hue Jackson longs for a ‘knockout shot’

After losing a game in which they had a late lead, Cleveland Browns head coach wants to see his team learn to put teams down when they are on the ropes

This season has seen a much better start for the Cleveland Browns than the past two. In 2016 and 2017 they managed just one win and spent the majority of the year fielding questions about the possibility of going 0-16.

They did fall to that dreaded mark in 2017 and that led to a plethora of changes this offseason. The result has been a much better team and they already have their first win as they sit with a record of 1-2-1 at the quarter mark.

Anyone watching this team play understands that while this is better than previous seasons, the Browns have left a lot on the field. In reality, they could be looking at 4-0 right now.

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Head coach Hue Jackson understands this and wants his team to learn how to win these games that they had a shot in. He wants the team to find a way to deliver a “knockout shot” that keeps the opponent from hanging around and finding a way to steal the win.

"“You look at that and you go, ‘Wow, this team is talented, is gritty and is tough.’ There’s no quit in them. I like that characteristic about our team, but we have to learn how to finish. We have to learn how when we have a team on the ropes, you have to give them that knockout shot so that there is no doubt. There shouldn’t be any doubt.” — Jackson said via Patrick Maks of Cleveland Browns.com"

It’s easy to see what Jackson means as each game they have played has come down to the wire and outside of their lone win, they went from a near win to an upsetting loss or tie.

Week 1 was a tie because they had a kick blocked at the end of overtime — one that was within a reasonable range and should have led to a 1-0 start. They then had the New Orleans Saints on the ropes, but several missed field goals and an ill-timed interception did them in again.

They finally got a win in Week 3 when Baker Mayfield entered for an injured Tyrod Taylor and led a comeback win and had high hopes he could lead them to a victory in his first start. The Browns had that one put away it seemed but fumbled snaps, bad special teams, and of course a terrible call aided in their defeat.

This roster is young and winning is new to the franchise. They have to find a way to shake off losing and Jackson is right that the only way to do so is to find a way to put teams out when they are on the ropes.