Even though it was only one game – although on the road against a team widely regarded as a playoff contender – the win over Jacksonville relieved a lot of anxiety over this Browns team. The defense was top-ten. The Jacksonville running game was contained. The pressure on Lawrence was consistent and unrelenting. And the coverage, even with Ward limited to 11 snaps, seemed to pick up as the game went on and was more than good enough (with one exception, to be addressed later). Owusu-Koramoah in particular seemed to be all over the place making plays.
On offense, the Browns smartly ran often and effectively enough to keep Jacksonville’s defense honest. With both Wills and Conklin still unavailable at tackle and with Jones clearly limited, the Browns schemed up help in the form of Harris and Zinter as wingbacks. This fix worked well enough, and the line should improve markedly when everyone is healthy. Watson looked much more comfortable and decisive and thus was good enough even if not yet where the Browns need him to be to take them through the playoffs. Jeudy flashed number one receiver chops even while Cooper continues to struggle.
As for the negatives… In the second half the Browns seemed to throttle down the offense a bit hoping to hang on for a win. The 66-yard completion to Thomas that led to a touchdown and ultimately a nail-biting finish demonstrated that the Browns cannot just rely on their defense. They must have more confidence in their offense and put up more points. Newsome was criticized for his (pretty tight) coverage on this play, but where was the free safety, whose first responsibility – especially given the game situation – should always be deep pass help? I am afraid that we will really miss Thornhill in this regard until he returns. But the biggest complaint has to be all the penalties. What should have been a game-clinching drive late was destroyed by penalty after penalty. At some point the Browns might have to resort to pulling for at least a play if not a series any player who makes a dumb penalty. Stay tuned on this.
Next up: a soft part of the schedule: Giants, Las Vegas and Washington. The Browns should win all three and with better health and continued improvement from Watson set themselves up as a feared opponent for anyone.