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Cleveland Browns: Studs and duds in loss to Buccaneers

By Dan Justik

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 16: Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Greg Williams on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 16: Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Greg Williams on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 16, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Dud: Gregg Williams

If Winston would not have imploded late in the game and the Browns defense did not force as  many turnovers as they did, there would be a lot of blame going towards defensive coordinator Gregg Williams for the loss.

For most of the game, the Buccaneers were able to diagnose what Williams called and picked apart the Browns defense. Receivers were running into open space, creating easy throws for Winston.

The Browns defense just could not get off the field, as they allowed 34 first downs to the Tampa Bay offense. Cleveland also gave up 456 yards to the Buccaneers.

Williams does have to manage a defense that has been ravaged by injuries, including losing his on-field brain Joe Schobert to a hamstring injury. However, the way that the Buccaneers were able to find space was not a good sign.

Had the Browns not forced the amount of turnovers that they did late in the game, the defense was not going to give Mayfield the chance to tie and win the game. And if it were not for two ill advised throws by Winston, the Buccaneers offense likely marches down the field.

The Browns defense was put in a bad position with their injuries, but the Buccaneers were constantly having receivers run free. Cleveland was lucky to only give up 26 points on Sunday.

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