![\"Browns](\"https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/QtuD5FfaLcZI2EkylPDyrEDZwlY=\/0x0:6078x3039\/fit-in\/1200x600\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_asset\/file\/25713537\/usa_today_24667063.jpg\")
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Self-inflicted wounds cost the Browns as the Chargers took charge early in Week 9<\/p>\n
The Cleveland Browns dropped another game after another uninspired performance, marred by communication errors on defense. At 2-7, the Browns will head into their bye week closer to contention for the number one overall pick in the draft than any hope of a trip to the playoffs.<\/p>\n
Cleveland\u2019s pass rush was up for the challenge early, led by Myles Garrett\u2019s<\/strong> three sacks in the first half. The issues occurred in the secondary as the Los Angeles Chargers connected for two long touchdown passes on busted coverages. Denzel Ward <\/strong>and Juan Thornhill <\/strong>weren\u2019t on the same page on the plays that would ultimately seal the game early for the Chargers.<\/p>\n On offense, the Browns weren\u2019t any better. After a breakthrough performance last week, Cleveland quickly reminded us of what plagued them in the weeks prior.<\/p>\n The pass protection was inconsistent, they had untimely penalties and failed to establish the run despite facing lighter boxes for most of the game. Jameis Winston<\/strong> would throw three costly interceptions as he seemed to lose the poise he played with last Sunday.<\/p>\n The lone bright spot on the offensive side continued to be the play of wide receiver Cedric Tillman<\/strong>. The second-year wideout led the team again in receiving with 75 yards on six catches and another touchdown.<\/p>\n The Browns weren\u2019t helped out by their special teams either; they allowed a long punt return early that ultimately led to the Chargers\u2019 first touchdown. They also had a field goal attempt blocked late in the fourth quarter that would have made it a two-score game.<\/p>\n There will be plenty to fix over the bye in a season that will be all about evaluation and playing for pride going forward. Now, let\u2019s get to the grades in all three phases.<\/p>\n Offense: D<\/strong><\/p>\n Defense: D+<\/strong><\/p>\n Special Teams: D<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Self-inflicted wounds cost the Browns as the Chargers took charge early in Week 9<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1235,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1234","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cleveland-browns"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Browns](\"https:\/\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/thumbor\/2ALQHh1R_VapZ5Dw2ROUnzRduuE=\/0x0:3985x2656\/1200x800\/filters:focal(1360x687:1996x1323)\/cdn.vox-cdn.com\/uploads\/chorus_image\/image\/73697712\/2182715190.5.jpg\")
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