Browns Embarrassing Start to Season Continues With Weak First Half Against Jets
By Michael Luciano
The Freddie Kitchens era in Cleveland continues to look uneasy and concerning. While the box score shows that Baker Mayfield and the Browns are beating the New York Jets at halftime 16-3, the fact that they aren't up by 30 is a concern.
Mind us asking how you were only able to score one touchdown against a team that's missing just about everyone?
I thought Freddie Kitchens was some wild innovative offense guru. Running a draw on 3rd and 10, then not attempting a 4th and 4 feels like what most coaches have done for 100 years
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) September 17, 2019
The Jets are now starting a practice squad quarterback in Luke Falk, have -13 yards passing, and committed eight penalties for 62 yards, so the fact it's a two-score game is a serious indictment of Cleveland's weak play.
The offense has sputtered in the red zone, having been bailed out by kicker Austin Seibert's three field goals. This is a far cry from the Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham Jr.-led offense that was supposed to tear the league apart piece by piece. Instead, they can't put the Jets away for good.
Jets give up a first down on 3rd and 20... which sets up Seibert's third FG of the first half to make it 16-3 at halftime.
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) September 17, 2019
Jets have looked awful on both sides of the ball.
If the Browns were any good, they'd be up 35-3.
The Browns should use the rest of this game to work out the kinks before the Rams come to town in primetime. Based on the first half, they have a lot to figure out before they can be called a contender.