What is Going on in Cleveland?

The team that had the most hype coming into the NFL season was the Cleveland Browns. So why are they 1-2 right now with two home losses? I will talk about the three main reasons why this team is struggling so far this season.

Freddie Kitchens

The coaching has been horrible thus far this season. Last night was a prime example of that. Cleveland went for it on 4th and 9 and ran a draw play. Why on earth would you run a draw on a pivotal 4th down play? Another example was when they threw the ball four straight times on the goal line instead of giving the ball to Nick Chub. Freddie Kitchens has been out coached every game thus far. Last year, all he had to do was to worry about the offense, and this year he has to manage the game as well. Yes, he’s young and will improve throughout the year, but so far he’s been outclassed in the first three games.

The Offensive Line

A huge problem for the Browns this year has been the Offensive line and last night was the case yet again. Mayfield was consistently under pressure last night. They gave up three sacks last night to a very good Rams defense. As of today, the O-Line has given up 11 sacks through three games. If they are gonna win next week against a very good Ravens team, the O-Line is going to have be way better.

Baker Mayfield

When you struggle, the QB is typically the one to blame, and it is true in this case. Baker has been below average this year. Many thought he was a dark horse MVP candidate this year, and he has been everything but that. Last night, Mayfield was 18-36 for 195 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. The reason for his struggle is that he is holding the ball for too long and he is trying to make everyone on that offense happy instead of taking what the defense gives to him. The Browns will go as far as Baker takes them and I do not see it being very far.

Featured Image: Baker Mayfield. Photo Credits: Brobible