Browns v. Broncos observations

Well — after two of the biggest wins the franchise has had in awhile, things fell down to earth today and rather abruptly in the second half. Below are my observations after Browns 29–12 loss.

• Once again, another road game where the Browns get off to bad starts. This team better hope for home field advantage in playoffs cause if not, they are in big trouble. Its all phases too. The defense is never good to start on the road, the offense is even worse, special teams kicks the ball 80 yards into the end zone on punts. Just another disaster start and always behind the eight ball. Not a coincidence 3 out of 4 losses have been on the road.
• Kevin Stefanski fell fast down to earth today. Going up against the leagues worst run defense, with a rookie QB at the helm, Kev thought it would be good to drop back and pass a lot. Maybe he was implementing George Constanza’s ‘opposite day’ approach. Either way it was predictably bad, and now we have another QB hurt because we don’t run the ball enough. This was the game to drag it out in ugly fashion with the run game and bleed clock. Instead the Browns fall behind 14–0 and have to claw back. Once behind 17–12 and driving, they do a ridiculous reverse that ended in a turnover (because of course it would) and the game was all, but over with 7 minutes left in the game. Just unbelievably bad by Stefanski and this was ammo for his detractors who still believe he can’t be the right head coach for the team.
• The defense was okay but again falling apart on the road defensively to start games is not sustainable. Not sure what the deal is but at least when they figured it out, they kept the game close enough. Greg Newsome got humbled today. Browns miss Denzel Ward and might have to either attract a corner in free agency/draft. I don’t think Ward has much playing time left and Newsome just isn’t good enough. JOK played very well and that was about it.
• Not much more to say with this one. Felt it would be a little tough, but again when playing with small margins, just grind things out. DTR was getting better when they ran the ball with regularity. Why they didn’t start the game just rotating backs of Ford/Hunt/Strong is beyond me. Hell could’ve done some jet sweeps and screens to anyone. Now the Browns are more than likely starting Joe Flacco next week, Amari Cooper is hurt and questionable, more guys are banged up. The early bye week sucked, but it is what it is. Browns gotta figure out their identity again. They lost it today being too cute and going against the grain. Really believe if they stuck with the run, they may have pulled this off. Anyways off to LA next week against the Rams. See what they do then! GO BROWNS!