Cleveland Browns: Studs and duds from Week 16 win

Dud: Penalties

Every game, it seems to be the same thing — the Cleveland Browns get a ton of penalties called against them. They set the tone early in this one too. On the initial kickoff in the game, Jabrill Peppers ran it 27 yards to their own 29. However, the drive ended up starting at the 12 thanks to an unnecessary roughness penalty.

That was just the beginning as once again, the Browns finished the game with a lopsided box score in terms of penalties. There were six accepted flags against Cleveland that covered 57 yards, whereas Cincinnati gave up just 15 yards on three penalties.

For years, this was an issue under Hue Jackson — and for the most part, it was always a dumb penalty, like the personal foul for unnecessary roughness. However, this problem has persisted even with Jackson gone.

Another example came last week when Breshad Perriman was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for responding to a penalty Denver cornerback Jamar Taylor got. Taylor was ejected and it would have given the Browns 15 free yards. Perriman messed it up though by jawing at Taylor — after seeing the flag thrown.

Gregg Williams is trying to prove he should get a shot at coaching the team full time, but these kinds of issues won’t help his case. Then again, he can trump those with his record of 5-2.