Stop blaming the refs for Cleveland Browns shortcomings

The Cleveland Browns lost to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday and while a call was missed by the refs, it was not the reason they fell to 7-8

In their most recent loss, there were a couple of calls that went against the Cleveland Browns. One was a facemask to Baker Mayfield but the big one was the missed pass interference (or defensive holding depending on how you wanted to call it) on Donovan Peoples-Jones.

The second error by the officials led to an interception and ended the Browns chances of pulling off an upset win over the Green Bay Packers. In the end, they lost 24-22 and fell to 7-8 on the season.

Following the loss, there have been a lot of fingers pointed at the refs, but that’s a short-sighted way of looking at things. Sure, the officials missed some calls — but that happens in every single game. It’s not a problem common to only the Browns, no matter how bad we want to act as though it is.

For example, these fine folks took a look at the 20 worst calls in the NFL during the 2021 season as of October, and while the Browns make the list, there are plenty of other teams who got hosed even more than they have. It’s a sad fact of the NFL, and teams have to know by now that they cannot leave the game up to the refs.

Yes, that’s easier said than done at times — but not really in Week 16. In their game against Green Bay, they put themselves in the hole they were in. Three turnovers led to 21 points, which proved to be the difference in a 24-22 loss.

Constantly pointing fingers elsewhere does no good. Cleveland cannot control the refs, so what they need to do is make sure to execute the plays they call — and keep it out of the zebra’s hands.

As hard as it is to say, the Cleveland Browns lost the game on Saturday, not because of the refs but because of their own shortcomings.

They have a couple of games left to salvage the season but they have to fix themselves and not fixate on the officials.