Browns' late-game meltdowns becoming a pattern
The discussion about whether Nick Chubb should have run out the clock in the final minutes on Sunday instead of scoring is covering up a much bigger problem for the Browns.
Cleveland's defensive lapses in the fourth quarter are becoming harder to ignore, and there are only a handful of days to figure out what's wrong before the Browns host the Steelers on Thursday night.
The numbers are simple but striking. In two games this season, the Browns have allowed 34 points in the fourth quarter and a total of 21 points in all other quarters.
In Week 1, Baker Mayfield threw for 142 of his 235 yards in the fourth quarter. The Panthers overcame a 20-7 deficit, a comeback highlighted by a 75-yard touchdown reception from Robbie Anderson. Cleveland's defense simply stopped being able to defend the passing game after three excellent quarters. If not for a 58-yard winning field goal from Cade York, the game might've been seen as an ugly collapse.
Sunday's loss to the Jets qualifies as an ugly collapse. To the Browns' credit, New York's offense didn't control the entire fourth quarter. A pair of three-and-outs seemed to doom the Jets until Flacco found Corey Davis for a 66-yard touchdown to breathe some life into the game.
Cleveland's defense was confused on the play. Davis created 10 yards of separation between himself and the closest defender in a play that mirrored Anderson's 75-yard touchdown a week earlier.
After an onside kick, Joe Flacco and the Jets methodically moved toward the end zone in a way they struggled to do earlier in the half. There was little reason for the Browns' defense to be tired, considering the drive that ended in Davis' touchdown only lasted two plays.
The Browns have the personnel in place to play great defense, and that's exactly what they have been able to do in early-game situations. If they can't figure out how to sustain it, defensive coordinator Joe Woods might be the first to fall.
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