It’s not cool for the Browns to keep losing theirs
By STEVE KING
The Browns played exceptionally well on defense last Sunday.
It was a big reason why they pole-axed the host Cincinnati Bengals, a two-point favorite heading into the game, by a resounding 41-16.
Great. The defense, after struggling early in the season, is definitely making strides — some would say even quantum leaps forward.
Great! Woohoo!!
But the gray lining in that silver cloud is the fact that, once again, the Browns defense committed a number of penalties, including some silly, stupid personal fouls.
Ugh. Not good. Definitely not good.
It didn’t hurt the Browns in the overall scheme of things at Cincinnati because they were able to overcome it by following it up with good play.
But it could hurt them at some point, and even to the extent that it costs them a game. And the best opportunity for that to happen will present itself on Sunday when they play the New England Belichicks at Foxboro.
Head coach Bill Belichick is the best in the history of the NFL when it comes to identifying an opponent’s weakness and exploiting it. He’ll go right after the Browns’ biggest weakness, which is the defense’s inability to control its emotions. He’ll have his offensive players constantly baiting the Browns, trying to lure them into losing their cool. They won’t stop.
Indeed, if you’re looking for an early key to the game, this is it.
Nov. 8, 2021
Browns make roster moves
BEREA, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns have made the following roster moves:
Waived (1):
CB Herb Miller
Placed on Reserve/COVID-19 (1):
RB John Kelly
Placed on Practice Squad/COVID-19 (1):
WR Lawrence Cager
WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (11.8.21) Transcript provided by the Browns Media Center
On his TD catch yesterday:
“It was a really good play call. In the moment that the play was called, I felt like I had a chance on it. I did my part and ran my route. I looked up, and the ball was in a perfect location. It was easy on me to just finish the play.”
On if he feels a need to step up with the Browns and WR Odell Beckham Jr. parting ways:
“I am just continuing to get better every day and focus on me and what I have to do.”
On his reaction to learning Beckham would no longer be with the Browns:
“It was tough. It was tough. It was different. That is my guy. That is my guy.”
On his relationship with QB Baker Mayfield:
“My relationship with Baker is pretty good. I just keep moving forward, keep putting pieces together and continue to focus on what I have to do and how to make me better every day.”
On if he saw the Bengals S approaching to make a big hit on his catch down the sideline:
“I actually did not. I looked up, and I was tracking the ball the whole time. I was hoping that he did not get there in time, and as soon as I caught it, boom. That is all that I remember. I am just thankful that I held onto the ball.”
On if he felt OK after the hit:
“Oh yeah, I was good.”
On if the hit should have been a penalty due to the potential of helmet-to-helmet contact:
“I do not feel like it was helmet to helmet. It was a pretty clean hit. That is football.”
On where he has improved most since last season:
“It would be my awareness – awareness of the defense, what we have going in offensively and the scheme, knowing where I could go on this play. Kind of just having that awareness piece, I feel like I have grown.”
