4 Frustrating takeaways from Cleveland Browns win over Baltimore

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) rushes for a short gain ahead of a host of Baltimore players during the second half of an NFL football game at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal] /

Cleveland Browns Frustration No. 3 – Man-to-man struggles

One thing that continues to stand out for the Cleveland Browns is their lacking talent at the wide receiver position. Jarvis Landry is the leader of the group and is talented but struggles when facing tight man-to-man coverage. Rashard Higgins is the exact same story.

Donovan Peoples-Jones had the best day of Browns receivers and that’s not shocking. He has the size and speed to get open in man-to-man, but when you only have one weapon it’s easier to take away.

As frustrating as Baker Mayfield has been at times this season, I’ll agree it’s not all on him. Greg Newsome has been fantastic, but Browns fans had to be sick after not taking Rashod Bateman (wide receiver) in the 2021 draft and being torched for over 100 yards on the day.

David Njoku is another guy that usually finds a way to get open in tight coverage but didn’t play after being put on the COVID list late in the week. The bottom line, the Cleveland Browns offense is going to struggle until they get a wide receiver that can get open in man coverage.

Multiple times on third and medium Sunday, Mayfield had time, looked at multiple receivers, and had nowhere to go as everyone was blanketed. He forced one throw that was intercepted, but also made a few nice plays with his legs.

If you want to compete with the Ravens, Bills, Patriots, or Chiefs in the AFC, you must be able to beat man coverage, or you don’t stand a chance.

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