Cleveland has lost four in a row coming in and desperately needs a victory to realistically keep its playoff hopes alive.
CLEVELAND — At halftime of this “Monday Night Football” Halloween special, the Browns lead the Bengals 11-0 in the first “Battle of Ohio” of 2022.
Here are 3 observations from the first half of play:
1. Defense doing its job
Following their best performance of the season a week ago (not saying much), the Browns’ defense appears to have taken a massive step forward tonight. The unit has forced three punts, two turnovers, and a missed field goal, sacking Joe Burrow three times while intercepting him once.
Myles Garrett (aka “Vecna”) appears to be feeling better, deflecting the ball and forcing the INT before later knocking Burrow to the ground.
2. Mistakes on offense
Let’s start with … whatever this play call was. Let’s hope Amari Cooper sticks to catching the football instead of throwing it.
And then there’s Jacoby Brissett, who’s made some good passes but also has fallen back into his tendency to flub under pressure in the pocket. The glaring miscue came late in the first half with the Browns in field-goal range, as with several defenders about to bring him down he tried to heave it but was picked off by Vonn Bell.
It hasn’t hurt them yet, but that might not hold against an offense like Cincy’s.
3. Special (?) teams
The kicking game continues to be a bit concern, with Cade York getting a field goal blocked at the line for the second week in a row (this try was from 53 yards away). However, he did make up for it as time expired with a 55-yard boot that made it 11-0.
The special teams as a whole have been a problem all season, often overshadowed by the struggles of the defense. Hopefully that make can instill some confidence.