Cleveland Browns: Week 13 letdown instant reactions
Following an emotional 35-20 win in week 12, the Cleveland Browns were riding high. And, rightly so. But the emotional charge would not last forever, as the Houston Texans clashed with the Browns in week 13.
The Cleveland Browns of November were starting to look like a legitimate playoff contender. Chances were slim, but a path existed in which the Browns could make the playoffs in the AFC.
Those playoff hopes were promptly dashed in week 13, as the Browns traveled down to NRG Stadium for a date with the red-hot Houston Texans. The Browns came out flat in this one, and the Texans took care of business, 29-13, and won their ninth in a row. Let’s get some instant reactions.
Mayfield’s Worst Half
The Dangerous One, Baker Mayfield, had a bit of a humbling performance in week 13. For the first time under Gregg Williams and Freddie Kitchens, Mayfield looked like a rookie. Multiple rookie mistakes haunted Mayfield in this one, as he threw three interceptions in the first half. The Texans defense is tremendous, and they flexed their muscles in this game.
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Mayfield and the Browns cleaned it up in the second half, it was too little too late for Cleveland. The Texans are a playoff team, maybe one of the most complete teams in the league.
There’s a reason this team has gone on a nine-game winning streak, and Baker Mayfield succumbed to that defense in week 13.
Mayfield, thankfully, did bounce back in the second half. All in all, it turned into a nearly 400-yard game with a touchdown to keep the rookie touchdown record in Mayfield’s sights. Two touchdown tosses per game will keep Mayfield on pace for said record. If you’re looking for a sign to be very optimistic about Mayfield going forward after this tough game, this pass from the rookie is that sign.
Mayfield to Higgins for 6️⃣#CLEvsHOU https://t.co/qjVdUrGhqG
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 2, 2018
Defensive Breakdowns
This week wasn’t very kind to the defense, especially the secondary. Denzel Ward checked out after being put in concussion protocol, which forced T.J. Carrie into the unpleasant position of guarding DeAndre Hopkins all game.
On the bright side, Myles Garrett was able to power through to Deshaun Watson a couple of times throughout the game. Despite what certain sections of Twitter may tell you, Myles Garrett is an elite pass rusher. Today was no different, and Garrett took advantage of the Texans’ sloppy offensive line.
The Bright Side?
The upside here is that young teams, rookie-laden teams like the Browns, need these kinds of experiences. The Browns are not perfect, but they picked themselves up a bit in the second half. The offense showed life despite getting crushed in the first half of play, and Baker Mayfield bounced back quite a bit.
Next. Browns mentioned as a destination for Kareem Hunt. dark
The reality is that the Browns simply are not yet equipped to deal with the NFL’s elite. They are tremendously improved from seasons past, but they’re not playoff-ready yet. Hate to say it, Cleveland, but…maybe next year? You win this round, Texans. But the Browns may be seeing you again really, really soon.