Browns Week 6 Recap going into Bye Week

The start of the game

The Browns started the game out with a bang, as Dontrell Hillard gashed the Seahawks for a 75-yard return. This was the first massive play that the special teams unit has made this season. This put Baker and the Browns offense in great position starting at the Seattle 23 yard line. It only took three plays for Nick Chubb to run the ball into the end zone. This is just the start the Browns offense needed.

The Seahawks got the ball on the ensuing kickoff and put together an impressive 75-yard drive. It was capped off by a Russel Wilson 16 yard run up the middle.

On Seattle’s next drive, they only gained 36 yards. Seattle had to punt after a sack by Myles Garret on second down forced them into a 3rd and 9. The defense came up with the stop, and Landry caught the punt at the 8. As we come to the end of the 1st quarter, Nick Chubb rips off a 52 yard gain. That took the Browns down to the 31-yard line of Seattle. The Brown’s second drive was one of their best drives. They took the ball 69 yards on ten plays to the house. It was finished off by a Baker Mayfield 10 yard run. This was his first running TD of his career.

The 2nd quarter

The second quarter started with another big play for Cleveland, just like the first quarter. Baker throws a 31-yard gem to Ricky Seals-Jones on an excellent route combination. The wide receiver pulled the safety out of the back corner of coverage and left Ricky free to walk in for a TD. When this offense is clicking, it has that quick-strike capability. After a missed PAT by Austin Siebert, the Browns have the early lead of 20-6. The wheels started to fall off the bus for the Browns after this touchdown. Seattle drove down the field 55 yards, and the defense stayed strong, forcing a 38-yard field goal.

The defense stiffens up, forcing a three and out for Seattle. The Browns get going big to start this drive. Baker hits OBJ for a 41-yard pass that was upheld after a video review as they drive towards the end zone. On 2nd and 8, from the Seattle 10 yard line, Baker forces a skinny post route by Jarvis Landry into tight coverage. The ball gets deflected by Jarvis and the defender and is picked off in the end zone by Seattle. This deflection was a very pivotal play in this game. Instead of the Browns going up either 23-12 or at best, 28-12, the defense cannot make a stop. Seattle marches right down the field in 1:07 for a TD, and the score at halftime is 20-18 Browns.

More Second quarter Action

The defense stiffens up, forcing a three and out for Seattle. The Browns get going big to start this drive. Baker hits OBJ for a 41-yard pass that was upheld after a video review as they drive towards the end zone. On 2nd and 8, from the Seattle 10 yard line, Baker forces a skinny post route by Jarvis Landry into tight coverage. The ball gets deflected by Jarvis and the defender and is picked off in the end zone by Seattle. This deflection was a very pivotal play in this game. Instead of the Browns going up either 23-12 or at best, 28-12, the defense cannot make a stop. Seattle marches right down the field in 1:07 for a TD, and the score at halftime is 20-18 Browns.

After halftime

As the Third quarter got started, the Browns stopped the Seahawks right away with a three and out. On this drive, doom came when the ordinarily reliable Nick Chubb fumbled on a screen pass. This turnover turned into a seven-play 58-yard touchdown drive for the Seahawks. With their first lead of the game at 25-20, Seattle forces a three and out. On Seattle’s next drive, the defense comes up big as Olivia Vernon forces a fumble by C.J. Prosise. Devaroe Lawrence recovers the ball. The Browns take over at the Seattle 45 yard line and start to drive down the field. The Third quarter only had the one touchdown and two fumbles. It was a little sloppy after the half, but the craziness is about to start. The microcosm of the first six games is about to come full circle.

How the refs ruin a game

After the fumble, the Browns drive the ball down to the 1-yard line. Then all hell broke loose. The poor officiating that is plaguing the NFL rears its ugly head again against the Browns. It’s 4th and 1. Baker is in shotgun formation with four receivers stacked to his right in a diamond formation. Baker gets the snap and rips a quick slant to Jarvis Landry, who somehow caught the ball. He maneuvers himself and reaches the ball out and hits a defender’s leg and fumbles the football. The Browns recovered the fumble in the end zone. NFL rules say you can’t recover a forward fumble into the end zone unless it’s the fumbling player.

Final thoughts going into the bye week

As the first six games are now complete, the Browns are 2-4. They could very easily be 4-2 if not for the fact they lead the league in penalty yards(506). Baker also leads the league in interceptions(11), and the defense is giving up 154 yards per game on the ground. This stretch of games was an extremely tough one for a team that is the second youngest in the league. Freddie is a first-year HC, and Baker has less than 20 starts in his career. The team needs to play more disciplined football. The receivers need to catch the ball when it hits them in the hands.

Baker is not entirely to blame, but he can also play much better. He needs to be more consistent with his accuracy and decision making. The schedule writers didn’t do the Browns any favors. They play the Patriots after the bye. The Seahawks were on a mini bye with playing last Thursday. This team has potential and talent. The defense will hopefully be 100% as they hit this bye week and get ready for the Patriots next. They will need everyone.

After the Bye

Freddie needs to run this offense through the number two rusher in the league, Nick Chubb. The wide receivers need to catch the balls that hit them in the hands and not tip them up for interceptions. After the Patriots game, the schedule gets much easier than the first seven games. They still have five division games to play, currently 1-0, and this division can easily be won. The Bengals are a train wreck. The Steelers are without Big Ben, and that offense is struggling. They already beat the Ravens handily on the road. The team has time to rest, get healthy, and get injured and suspended players back after the Broncos game. The Browns have Kareem Hunt coming back against the Broncos. They can also activate David Njoku to help with his athleticism and playmaking ability.

Breaking news and rumors

As I get home today, I see on my Twitter feed that Dorsey has made a move already. Austin Corbett, 33rd pick in the 2017 draft, has been traded to the L.A. Rams for a future 2021 pick. This trade now leaves a roster spot open, so what is Dorsey going to do? My Twitter is blowing up with different posts about LT, Trent Williams. It could be an interesting few days as the Browns are going into their bye week. Go Browns!!!

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