Browns Struggle Offensively, Lose To Ravens 24-10; Three Takeaways From The Setback

The Cleveland Browns lost to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday after not finding any production offensively. The team was often times out of place and paid for it on both sides of the ball, gifting the Ravens with great field position on a number of occasions. With the loss, the Browns fall to 0-2. Let’s look at the three takeaways on the loss.

1. Kizer’s Rough Day- Being a rookie quarterback is not easy, just ask DeShone Kizer. The rookie struggled in Sunday’s 24-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and even missed a portion of the contest due to a migraine. Kizer finished the game with three interceptions and did not show any signs of confidence during the offensive drives. Kizer went from being one more offensive drive from beating the Steelers last week to carelessly firing the pigskin to defenders who picked off his passes. Kizer not only took his team off of the field, he gave the Ravens perfect field position.

It’s going to be crucial for Kizer to understand that the big play isn’t always necessary. If he can trust in his check downs and make the right play, the offense will be successful. If not, he’ll be spending a lot more time on his back.

2. Crowell Continues To Disappear- Where is Isaiah Crowell, the lead running back for the Browns searching for a contract after the season’s up?

After a hideous first game by Crowell, the back followed up his opening performance with another dud. Ten carries for a meager thirty-seven yards will get you nowhere on the ground and it is quite a shame considering that the Browns went out and spent on an offensive line for Crowell and the offense to succeed behind. How do you go from almost eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards with a less than stellar offensive line last year to barely eclipsing 100 rushing yards in two weeks with a top-ten offensive line? Quite puzzling if you ask most people.

3. Hollywood Shines- Rashard Higgins was brought off the practice squad for Sunday’s game and replaced Kasen Williams. For Williams, it could be one of the last times he sees\ a big role in the offense. Hollywood, as Higgins is dubbed, was able to have a career-day and finally live up to some expectations the Browns have set for him upon drafting him in the 2016 NFL Draft. With six catches for ninety-seven yards, it was a great day for Higgins in a game where there weren’t too many positives. Maybe the demotion to the practice squad motivated him.