Lessons in Loss: What the Browns Must Address After Falling to the Saints

The Cleveland Browns had the extra week to prepare via the bye week and lost to the New Orleans 35-14 on the road on Sunday afternoon. The Browns won the turnover battle 2-0. Jameis Winston passed for a season-high 395 yards. Jerry Jeudy caught for over 100 yards for the first time this season and had a total of 142 receiving yards. 

One could say Nick Chubb is being “doghoused.” This marks the fourth straight game in which Chubb has received fewer than 20 carries. Chubb ranked second in rushing yards with 1,525 in 2022. Despite all the offensive stats, Cleveland scored only 14 points and lost in blowout fashion. Dustin Hopkins missed both of his field goal attempts today. Hopkins has missed at least one kick in four of his last five appearances. 

It’s been more of the same for Cleveland’s schematics, as they prefer to run heavier 12 personnel, which consists of one running back and two tight ends. Compared to Deshaun Watson, Winston is a quicker decision-maker, which allows Cleveland to run more plays. This is the third straight game in which Winston has had over 40 pass attempts. Watson surpassed that mark only once, with 45 pass attempts, and that was back in Week One against the Cowboys.

The Cleveland defense was blown completely off the field. They gave up one rushing touchdown of at least 50 yards and one passing touchdown of at least 50 yards. It’s been evident that they have missed their versatile linebacker, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. However, more important is Owusu-Koramoah’s health, as he injured his neck by jamming it into his shoulder against the Baltimore Ravens. Once a playoff contender and now looking toward the draft despite better quarterback play, it’s been more of the same for Cleveland.