How Did This Happen?

As stated in the blog leading up to the game, an ill-timed turnover and special teams’ disasters leaving short fields (which both did), handed the Browns 10 points. That “shouldn’t” have been enough to do the Packers in, but given the offense’s issues…

Jordan Morgan had about as bad a showing as I can remember since Don Barclay. Morgan was thrust into too many positions prior to mastering one…also, LaFleur clearly rushed RT Zach Tom back from injury, lasting only 1 snap, and Morgan was unable to handle Myles Garrett – or anyone else for that fact.

Rookie WR Matthew Golden deciding to run out of bounds when he had a chance to score, and at minimum gain an additional 10-15 yards was another blunder. When you add together the special teams issues, Jordan Morgan, vanilla play-calling, along with Browns S Grant Delpit tricking Jordan Love into an ill-timed interception, well, that’s how you get the Browns to beat the “best team in the league.”

Injuries Are Piling Up

We already mentioned RT Zach Tom, which turned out to be the lynchpin for the entire offense operation. Him moving out had the offensive line in shambles and they were never able to recover. RG Aaron Banks also went out, thrusting Jordan Morgan back to LG (which is his most-experienced position), and he struggled mightily there as well. The last (major) injury came to S Javon Bullard. Bullard has had a great start to the season, and while the defense didn’t seem to miss him, he is an attacking defender that’s very quick and assists in the swarming defense.

Cope: It Was Just 1 Game

This is true, however, if used appropriately, LaFleur and the coaching staff can use this as a callback point should focus become an issue again. Let’s hope this pisses the team off enough to make a statement – playing in Jerry World on Sunday Night Football seems like the perfect opportunity for that game.