- Deshaun played horribly. There is no way around that. He looked rattled and lacking confidence in his ability to throw the ball all night long. I don't know how many wide-eyed images they showed during the broadcast, but it felt like a lot. Lots of double clutches and inaccuracy throughout the game. Had some nice back shoulder throws, 3 and X down conversions, and made plays with his legs but those were few and far between. It seemed like he had one read and if he couldn't see it, he was off running. We will not be winning many games with a performance like that. I don't believe Watson forgot to play the game and all of his talent from a few years back simply dissipated, which is why I believe it is (1) all in his head or (2) there is some disconnect between he and Stefanski/playcalling.
- That said, our offensive line was absolutely putrid. Specifically the interior lineman. Watson had very little time to throw and thought they sucked in pass pro and run blocking. Even when Chubb was in, there weren't many open lanes as we normally see and Chubb's vision and strength was really what allowed him to get those tough extra yards. Wills gave you two seconds of solid work and then just stopped his motor (recurring theme). Pocic was perhaps the worst of the five, IMO.. Teller perhaps 2nd. The overall pressure PIT provided up the middle was fast and frequent. Once Chubb went down, I feel like the Steelers DEF blitzed a ton and we had no answer for it. They knew our running game was toast.
- Browns DEF was amazing again. Delpit is emerging as a playmaker and leader. He is everywhere and is so fast to the ball. I really enjoy seeing him play.
- Will be interesting to see the snap count and routes run between the two, but I have no clue why Harrison Bryant is playing over Akins. That first play was all on Bryant as much as Watson had his issues yesterday. Then dropped another later in the game. He can't block worth crap, so if he is not going to elevate the receiving end of the offense, he needs to take a seat.
- I wouldn't be surprised if Chubb's career is essentially over. Maybe I'm being a little overly dramatic but if it is as serious as everyone was making it out to be the recovery time might be over a year and who knows how his body responds. Just terrible for Chubb. Not sure how much he will cost but if this team might want to consider Jonathan Taylor for Week 5.
- Ton of injuries for some of the best Browns talent in Chubb, Ward, Newsome, and even Garrett was hobbling towards the end. Zadarius Smith too. It will be interesting to track these this week.
- I like using Nick Harris on a couple of those goal line plays. He's pretty fast and agile for a lineman. I think we see more of that. It was clever.
- Overall, just a bad loss on a game that felt very winnable with better QB play. Or if Chubb didn't get injured, I think we probably win this game too.
Not going to the 'fire everyone' tone that most people seem to be exhibiting last night and this morning, but I am deflated...no question about that. But this is the NFL and a team can bounce back as quickly as they can lay an egg. It will be interesting to see who is added the running back room.
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