Cleveland Browns studs and duds from Week 5 loss to the 49ers
By Dan Justik
Dud: Antonio Callaway
The Browns made the decision to give Antonio Callaway extended snaps in his first game back from his four-game suspension. And the decision proved to be a costly one because Callaway did not seem ready for the playing time.
More from Browns News
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
- Is Marcus Davenport on the Browns radar in 2023?
- 5 Free agents from Super Bowl LVII Cleveland Browns should target
The Browns used Callaway as their third wide receiver, but the 22-year-old continued to make mistakes, which all occurred in the first half. Callaway’s mistakes ended up costing the Browns offense, either by causing a turnover or putting the offense behind the chains.
Callaway’s most blatant mistake, his drop at the goal line then tipping it into the arms of 49ers cornerback K’Waun Williams, ultimately was the story of the game. Instead of a 14-10 game and the Browns having momentum on their side, it quickly turned into a deficit the Browns could not overcome.
It was clear Callaway was rusty. He was having issues getting lined up and was out of sync running his routes. And he when he was targeted, he was not making any plays on the ball.
The Browns should have used Callaway in small doses to help him get adjusted to being on the field again. It is difficult for any player to step into a large role after being away from the team for four weeks, so the Browns were setting themselves up for failure by relying on Callaway as much as they did, even though they bailed on him after the first half.