Instant reactions from Cleveland Browns Week 9 loss to the Broncos

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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 3: The Cleveland Browns offense lines up behind JC Tretter #64 in the first quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Browns were in a must win situation against Denver, but came away with a backbreaking loss. Here are some instant takeaways from the loss.

With the Denver Broncos starting a backup quarterback who has never taken a regular season snap, the Cleveland Browns seemed to be in a prime position to end their three-game losing streak.

Instead, they were outplayed by the Broncos and were dealt a big blow to their season, losing to the Broncos 24-19. Any hopes of reaching the playoffs required the Browns to play near perfect football during the second half of the season. The loss to Denver practically ends any realistic hope of making the playoffs now.

For most of the season, the Browns could not get out of their own way, leading to many of their losses. They made similar mistakes against the Broncos, but they also could not match the performance of gritty Broncos.

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Here are the instant reactions from the Cleveland Browns loss to the Denver Broncos.

Tackling Woes

The Cleveland Browns defense had a good chance of controlling the game and making it hard for the Broncos to score points with Brandon Allen as the starting quarterback. Instead, the defense played undisciplined and gave the Broncos offense life.

Cleveland’s undisciplined play was noticeable in their tackling, which led to two huge plays for the Broncos. And on both explosive plays for the Broncos, one of the key culprits for allowing the play to happen was Jermaine Whitehead.

The Cleveland Browns allowed a 75-yard touchdown pass to Broncos tight end Noah Fant, who broke three tackles on his way to the end zone. The first tackle he broke, which helped spring his run, was a poor tackling attempt by Whitehead. Whitehead tried to shoulder tackle Fant, who bounced off Whitehead and was able to turn upfield.

Later in the second quarter, Phillip Lindsay broke free for a 40-yard run after another missed tackle by Whitehead. The run set up a field goal for the Broncos.

Even though it was only two plays, Cleveland’s inability to make tackles helped put 10 points on the board for the Broncos. The Browns needed to execute, and their inability to make tackles led to points for the Broncos. The defense was sharp for a large portion of the game, but a couple of miscues let Denver build a lead and putting the Browns in trouble.

For how many issues the Browns have had this season, making tackles should be the No. 1 priority. Instead, Cleveland once again played undisciplined and put themselves in a hole early on in the game.

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