Cleveland Browns Week 5 grades: Baker Mayfield, offense should have earned an A

The Cleveland Browns report card is in, and the team blew their high marks again because all three phases of the game couldn’t work together for the win

In a game where both the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Chargers went back and forth late in their very entertaining game, the Chargers were the last team standing and won 47-42, adjustments had to be made late to their final grades to accommodate the unwelcoming outcome for the team.

The Browns team seemed to be earning high grades to start with but after halftime, things seemed to go south again. Do you remember when you were in school and you needed to have all parts of the project completed but you forgot a step or two and the teacher docked you for those minor details? Well, that’s what happened to Cleveland in their attempt to complete the project and it cost them the grade and the win.

There’s been much discussion on who to blame in this latest tough loss of the Browns. Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield, seemed to answer some concerns early on in the game until the end again where he opened up another can of worms.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski certainly made some decisions in the game that have many of us scratching our heads. The Browns defense, who seemed to be getting its act together over the past two weeks went back to its old self and giving up big play after big play.

So let’s tackle these grades for this past game beginning with special teams.

Cleveland Browns Special Teams Grade: C

In a game that was more of a track and field event, the special teams didn’t help them, especially late in the game. Browns punter Jamie Gillian had an important punt with just over two minutes to play that only traveled 42 yards and was run back 12 yards by the Chargers. This put Los Angeles in excellent field position as they started their game-winning touchdown drive at the Browns 48 yard line.

Cleveland’s now very consistent placekicker Chase McLaughlin, did all he could in kicking two field goals and going four for four on extra points. He has become the new model of consistency and will likely win us a game or two before the season is over.

The Browns have started using wide receiver Anthony Schwartz on kick-off returns and that seemed to work pretty well as he had a busy day with all those Chargers touchdowns and returned five kicks for a 22 yards gained return average.

His longest was a 30 yard run back. Maybe next weekend at First Energy Stadium he can break one for a score. All in all not a bad day for special teams but also not its best in terms of helping in the field position battle.