Cleveland Browns: Surprises and Disappointments at the Midseason point

Performance against the divisional heavyweights

This is going to be the monkey on the team’s back until it isn’t. The fact is that the Browns have played two elite teams this season, and didn’t show up for either game. They lost 38-6 against Baltimore in Week 1, and barely had time to run their intended offense before they were in a massive hole. Lamar Jackson had no problem with the Cleveland defense, but has struggled since.

The Steelers game was even more disappointing. The defense actually played well early on, and kept the Browns in the game longer than they deserved. Mayfield threw a terrible interception to Minkah Fitzpatrick that was returned for a touchdown, and that was pretty much it. Pittsburgh coasted to a 38-7 victory, and Mayfield was replaced by Case Keenum in order to protect him against further injury. The Browns offensive line was flat-out dominated by the Steelers, whether they were trying to run or throw the ball. The coaching staff didn’t do Mayfield any favors by having tight ends attempt to handle Bud Dupree and T.J. Watt 1-on-1, which is never a good idea.

Cleveland is not anywhere close to being Super Bowl contenders. They shouldn’t be expected to beat teams like Baltimore and Pittsburgh. But they need to at least be competitive against them. Last year’s team actually beat each opponent once and put up better fights the second time around.

The rematches against the Ravens and Steelers will be huge tests for Stefanski. How will he change his approach against two teams who ate his lunch? Basically, nothing worked the first time, so Stefanski will be starting over.

It’s been a fun season thus far for the Browns, and hopefully, the second half will be even more enjoyable and end with the team’s first playoff appearance since 2002.