The Loss to the Browns
Once more, the Cleveland Browns defense performed admirably. Not flawless, yet sufficient to prevail. Despite generating more than 400 yards of offense, the Browns offense was poor. It was horrible, whether it was quarterback Deshaun Watson‘s errant passes, holding the ball, or poor decision-making, tight ends Harrison Bryant and Elijah Moore failing to receive the ball, or the offensive line briefly blocking defenders.
Despite all of that, Cleveland might have won the game if Bryant had caught the opening throw of the contest or Jedrick Wills had touched Alex Highsmith prior to the fumble recovery for a touchdown.
The result of the game might have been dramatically affected even if Dustin Hopkins’ 42-yard field goal attempt had been successful in the first quarter.
Another problem emerged at the game’s conclusion. As seen in the following video, Donovan Peoples-Jones was held before being interfered with as Watson’s throw was just above midfield:
The Browns would have received a first down and another opportunity to win the game with either decision. We wouldn’t presume Cleveland would have scored given the way the offense was doing, but there would have been a minute left on the clock and the ball would have either moved five yards (holding call) or to the foul area.
Watson’s throw could have been called if it had been better.
The Browns offense turned out to be the issue and ultimately cost the squad the game.
QB Deshaun Watson Behavior
The Cleveland Browns had a terrible “Monday Night Football” outing, in large part because Nick Chubb had a terrible season-ending knee injury.
Deshaun Watson, the quarterback, did some strange things during the 26-22 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, including throwing an interception that was returned for a touchdown on the first play.
The events that followed led some to question if Watson, a former Houston Texans star who is well-versed in suspensions, would once again be benched by the National Football League.
The quarterback for the Browns, who was acquired from Houston last year while facing allegations of sexual misconduct, shoved a referee and committed two face-mask violations on Monday’s game.
According to reports, the NFL is investigating those occurrences and possible sanctions. Despite the fact that we will contend that fines are routine, PFT contends that Watson may be suspended as a result of his behavior.
The grasping of a referee is now being described as “inadvertent” by the league.
Strangely, Watson is denying the on-field claims despite the Browns having committed $230 million in fully guaranteed pay to him. And finally? He will play in Week 3, but a fine for grabbing the face mask is likely.
Free football picks had the Browns winning and covering the 2.5 point spread on Monday night only to be let down by their performance. “There was no way to predict the early injury to arguably the best running back in the league.” said a staff member. Throw in the bizarre opening play of an interception for a touchdown and you have the makings if a disappointing loss.
