4 Reasons Cleveland Browns have regressed in 2021
By Greg Newland
Cleveland Browns regression: Reason No. 1 – Inability to close games
The biggest thing I notice in 2021 compared to 2020 is the inability to close games. What I mean by that is the ability to get a first down at the end of the game to keep the other team from getting the ball back.
Three times this year (Chiefs, Chargers, and Raiders) if the Cleveland Browns could have gotten one more first down, they would have won the game. Can you imagine being 10-4 vs. 7-7? And in two other games (Ravens and Steelers), if the offense could have just finished a drive with the score within one score, they could have had two more easy wins.
The Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots just smacked the snot out of the Browns, but other than that they easily could have won every single game.
Who’s to blame for this? That’s a great question and I’m just not sure. At times I want to blame coaching for not calling the right plays.
But at other times, it’s just guys on the field not executing.
Too many times the Cleveland Browns defense has given up a third down and 12 after playing fantastic the first two downs, and far too often the Browns offense couldn’t convert a third and short or gave up a sack on fourth down in the red zone.
Next. Takk McKinley will be tough to replace. dark
I don’t know what it will take to fix this, but things need to change. If the Browns get the ball and can end it with one first down, please let your quarterback throw the ball. Everyone is expecting the zone run from Chubb.