Cleveland Browns post-mortem on week 1. Bengals are next on the schedule

After a heart-breaking loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Cleveland Browns must turn their attention to their next game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. So even though the Eagles game could have gone either way, there is much to be improved on. Let’s take a look at some of the things that the Browns have worked on this week in anticipation for improvement against the Bengals.

Offense:

Really this is all that needs to be said. The defense had its issues which we will cover but the Browns offense was flat out horrible.

Brandon Weeden MUST take care of the football. Throwing four interceptions in the game is not something you want to be known for, especially in Cleveland where we have run more QB’s out of town than Wal-Mart has killed local businesses. There have already been “Op-Eds” and cries for Weeden to be replaced by backup QB Colt McCoy. Not all of the interceptions should fall at the feet of Weeden but the majority do.

The offensive line needs improvement. Pocket protection was ok for the Browns keeping Weeden upright for the most part, but they struggled in the run game. However, it was exciting to see Trent Richardson pop the helmet off of a defenders head. Richardson’s performance wasn’t outstanding, but as he gets more carries and hits he will improve.

So how did the offense rank in week 1?

Offensive Rankings:

Points/Game             16.0 (25th)

Total Yards/Game   210.0 (32nd)

Rushing Yards/Game       99.0 (16th)

Passing Yards/Game        111.0 (32nd)



Defense:

The defense (despite what the stats say) played extremely well essentially playing the Eagles' tough forcing 5 turnovers including a “pick-six”. Despite that however the defensive run stopping once again allowed 100+ yards. But even with the defense struggling to stop the run the defense did everything they could to keep the offense in the game, they fell just short of winning with an L.J. Fort interception in the endzone, but he just could not hang on to it.

How did the Defense rank?

Defensive rankings:

Points/Game             17.0 (9th)

Total Yards              456.0 (31ST)

Rush Yards/Game   150.0 (27th)

Pass Yards/Game    306.0 (27th)

It is just one game. But despite seeing some very poor play by the Browns, I do see light at the end of the tunnel. At least there is nowhere to go but up.

Next up is the winless Bengals who were embarrassed by the Ravens last week 13-44. Look for the Bengals to try and bounce back in the Battle of Ohio.

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