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In the NFL, fortunes can change dramatically from one week to the next. Just days after a primetime division win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Cleveland Browns were brought back to earth with a 17-12 loss to the New York Jets in wet, messy conditions at the Meadowlands.
The Browns, who entered the game 3-1 and riding high, struggled to find any rhythm. The young core of the team was exposed, and despite having pulled out three consecutive fourth-quarter victories earlier in the season, they couldn't overcome their mistakes this time.
1. Ground Game Goes Missing
Cleveland's rushing attack was virtually nonexistent, managing only 96 yards on 24 carries. Quarterback Deshaun Watson accounted for 40 of those yards, while running back Quinshon Judkins added 44 yards on 14 attempts, averaging a mere 3.1 yards per carry.
Judkins, who is working his way back from an injury, has yet to average more than 4 yards per carry in any of the first five games. The run-blocking has been a weak point all season; entering the week, the Browns ranked 30th in the league in run-block win rate (70%) and 17th in pass-block win rate (49%).
To make matters worse, Judkins was seen leaving the locker room in a walking boot, raising concerns about his health. For Cleveland to win close games, the running game must improve.
2. Turnovers Squandered
The Browns' defense forced two lost fumbles and recovered two others that the Jets managed to retain, but unlike the previous week, the offense failed to convert those takeaways into points.
The first lost fumble came at a critical moment: with under six minutes left in the third quarter, the Jets were threatening inside the Cleveland 15-yard line. Quincy Williams knocked the ball loose, and Ronnie Hickman recovered for the Browns. However, the offense went three-and-out with three straight runs and punted the ball right back.
The second takeaway occurred with 4:20 remaining in the game, moments after the Browns had finally scored a touchdown to take a 12-10 lead. Needing to close out the game, Cleveland instead went three-and-out again, consuming only 21 seconds off the clock. Punter Corey Bojorquez then mishandled a high snap, giving the Jets possession at the Cleveland 23-yard line. The Jets capitalized and scored the game-winning touchdown.
3. Offensive Output Stifled
The inclement weather played a significant role, leading to multiple fumbles and dropped passes for both teams. Still, the Browns managed just 198 total yards: 102 passing and 96 rushing.
Watson threw for 155 yards but was sacked eight times for a loss of 53 yards, which is subtracted from the team's passing total. Over the previous three wins, Watson had been sacked six times combined; the eight sacks on Sunday were a result of both poor protection and Watson's attempts to extend plays with his legs.
Cleveland's inability to move the ball consistently put too much pressure on the defense and special teams, ultimately costing them the game.