4 Frustrating takeaways from Cleveland Browns win over Baltimore
By Greg Newland
![Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks off the field following an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 6](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2Fhttps-3A-2F-2Fdawgpounddaily-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F17346793-850x560-d1d767e8a30150c19bea4ec4accf531731a20d1382b59296fbda009a8e726db4.jpg "Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) walks off the field following an interception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in Cleveland, Ohio. [Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]Browns 6")
Cleveland Browns Frustration No. 2 – Miscommunication on defense
One thing I continue to struggle with is why so many guys are out of place at the time of the snap on defense. I know that Anthony Walker missed the game Sunday, but far too many times guys were moving around before the snap and weren’t even focused on playing defense.
The two scenarios that stand out the most are the 12 men on the field penalty, and the fourth and 11 conversion late in the fourth quarter.
One the first touchdown drive of the fourth quarter, Bateman caught a long pass down to the one and the Ravens lined up quickly to just run the ball in for a touchdown. I’m not saying the Browns would have had a goalline stand at the one, but they weren’t even ready at the snap of the ball.
Not only did they have no shot at stopping the play, but they also got a penalty for having 12 men on the field. Completely embarrassing and likely on the coaching for trying to sub with the Ravens in hurry up.
The moment where I almost lost my mind was on the second touchdown drive. The Browns forced a fourth and 11 and had a chance to all but end the game. The Ravens went for it and threw a quick seam to Mark Andrews who was completely uncovered.
It was legit a pitch and catch that my dad and I could have completed if we were given the opportunity. I don’t love giving up a fourth and long in any scenario but giving it up because you couldn’t even get lined up is so irritating.