The Cleveland Brown’s first quarter of the season has come and gone. Before the season started there was talk about possible records looking at those teams. The Cleveland Browns are 2-2 are the first four games. Many believed the record should be better than it is. However, their record is what it is at the moment. So we will review how we got here and what will come next.
Coaching
Many believe that the coaching in the first four games is why the Browns are only 2-2. Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt have been in charge of the play-calling duties. So far into the season besides the Falcons game, the offense has shown up to play. Cleveland’s offense has averaged 26.3 points per game over the first four games. That number ranks the Brown’s offense in the top 6 according to NFL.com. Cleveland has one of the most efficient offenses. At times the game management on Stefanski has been questionable. Defensively the Browns have left things to be desired. Suffering some injuries early and lack of communication has hurt them. If the defense can limit mental errors and over-emphasis communication then they will be excellent. Overall coaching has been good enough to win. Despite what some fans think coaches have put players in a position to win and it’s on players to execute.
Cleveland Browns Offense
The Cleveland Browns offense so far into the season has outperformed pre-season expectations. With the Brown’s backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett the Cleveland offense has ranked in the top 6 of offensive stats this season. The Browns have the best rushing attack in the NFL with 749 yards so far on the season. As well Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been a top-ten quarterback in the NFL. This team is averaging 26.8 points a game. Overall the Cleveland Brown’s offense has performed at a top-ten level and has been very efficient. One could only imagine where the offense can go when Deshaun Watson is cleared to play.
Cleveland Browns Defense
Coming into the season the defense had high expectations. A season ago they finished top 5 in defense and returned 9 of 11 starters on that side of the ball. At times they have matched those expectations and then other times they have been a major letdown. Specifically, they have let down the team in the second and fourth quarters. Poor communication led to big plays and even a wild loss. Defensively they have ranked all over for statistics. So far they are ranked ninth for total defense according to ESPN. As I have noted earlier the issues plaguing the defense are all fixable mistakes. If the defense can solely focus on communication it will get better. Joe Woods must emphasize communication and limit mental mistakes. If he does not then he may be looking for a new job come the off-season.
Upcoming Schedule
These next 7 games of the schedule will be the real test for this team on the season. All 7 opponents are considered top-level teams in the NFL this year. However, teams outside of the Bills, Cheifs, and Eagles look to be average. No other team is head and shoulders better than the Browns right now in the NFL. Twenty-nine other teams all have their flaws. Outside of their two losses already the only team that can really beat the Browns is themselves. This team can really control their own destiny from here until the end of the season.
Moving Forward
The Cleveland Browns must continue to adopt the one-game-at-a-time mentality. Control what they can control. Again if this team fixes minor things it will make a world of difference. Cleveland is very close to being a top contender this season. Contrary to some Cleveland Browns fans’ thinking. Kevin Stefanski is not on the hot seat and furthermore should not be fired. Finally, the Brown’s future franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson will be back in the building on Monday, October 10th.
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