Cleveland Browns Week 8 instant reactions: Jarvis Landry, offense drop game

The Cleveland Browns fell to 4-4 on the season as they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here are some instant reactions to the frustrating loss.

It was a frustrating game as the Cleveland Browns offense managed just 10 points in a 15-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Things started out well for Cleveland, but as the game went on, their chances continued to fall through their hands.

The Browns opening drive covered 63 yards on 13 plays but still ended in a field goal. It did at least give them an early lead as Chase McLaughlin knocked in a 30-yard field goal.

Defensively, they answered by forcing a punt and Cleveland again had a long offensive drive, which also unfortunately stalled. This time, it was due to a fourth-down conversion that went awry — which is sadly becoming a norm with the Browns.

The good news is, this time Baker Mayfield wasn’t sacked. Instead, Nick Chubb was stopped short on a fourth-and-1 run which gave the Steelers a short field. The defense again held on, after some penalties on both sides, but Pittsburgh still tied it up with a kick from Chris Boswell.

Following some back and forth, the Steelers made quite the blunder when they had a shot at going up 6-3 but elected to call a fake field goal. Cleveland stayed disciplined and no one was open for Boswell. He finally threw it away but took a shot from Jordan Elliott, which ended his day early as he was out with a concussion from then on.

That proved costly as the Steelers had to go for two following a touchdown when it was 10-9 and came up unsuccessful. They then kicked the ball out of bounds on the ensuing kick-off, giving the Browns excellent starting position but they couldn’t capitalize.

Not being able to cash in was the theme for the Browns on Sunday as they had far too many costly mistakes which included a fumble and two huge drops from Jarvis Landry. The final was on a fourth-and-12 which allowed the Steelers offense to run the clock down and win it 15-10.

Here are some quick takeaways from the loss.

Cleveland Browns receivers let it slip through their hands

Jarvis Landry had the costly fumble that ended a great drive from Baker Mayfield but he wasn’t the only one who messed up on Sunday. Rashard Higgins also had a costly false start and Odell Beckham, Jr. was nowhere to be found in this one.

D’Ernest Johnson keeps rolling

In the Browns win over the Broncos last week, D’Ernest Johnson stepped up in a huge way as he filled in for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt who were both out. Even with Chubb back in Week 8, Johnson got his opportunities and even scored the first touchdown of the game.

Johnson capped off an eight-play drive with a 10-yard touchdown run, his second of the season. This put Cleveland up 10-3 and put the pressure on the Steelers offense. In the end, it didn’t matter but Johnson was one of the few bright spots for the Browns.

Cleveland Browns injury issues continue

In the second quarter, Jack Conklin hit the turf on a run play and had to leave the game. The cart originally came out but he was able to walk off. While leaving, he was seen holding his wrist, which adds to his already growing list of injuries as he already missed time with a knee issue.

In the second half, they lost safety John Johnson was also lost as he suffered what was called a neck stinger.

Cornerback Greg Newsome also found himself banged up but he was able to return. Newsome even made a huge stop to give his team a shot late, but the aformentioned wide receiver issues dommed their comeback attempt.

Up next for Cleveland is a road game with the Cincinnati Bengals.