Sunday’s 35-14 blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints has left the Cleveland Browns reeling, and it hasn’t done much to improve their standing in the NFL power rankings. With the team struggling to contain both Derek Carr’s aerial assault and Taysom Hill’s ground game, Cleveland has plummeted as low as 30th in the rankings according to several major media outlets.
A Tough Road Ahead for the Browns
Looking ahead, the schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Browns. They are set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers twice in the next month, followed by a challenging matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. With these formidable opponents on the horizon, Browns fans may need to brace themselves for a prolonged stay at the bottom of the power rankings.
Defensive Woes
The Browns’ defensive struggles were on full display against the Saints. They allowed a staggering 473 yards and 35 points, which is simply unacceptable for a team with playoff aspirations. This defensive collapse not only undermined their efforts but also overshadowed what could have been a promising offensive performance. Despite racking up 443 yards of offense and committing zero turnovers, the Browns could only manage 14 points. Two missed field-goal attempts and two turnovers on downs contributed to this disappointing outcome.
Bright Spots Amidst the Struggles
However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom for Cleveland. There were some bright spots to note. Jerry Jeudy had a standout performance, recording 142 receiving yards, including an impressive 89-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown. Other playmakers like David Njoku, Elijah Moore, and Cedric Tillman also made notable contributions, showcasing that there is still potential within this roster. This is especially encouraging following the trade of Amari Cooper, which many fans viewed with skepticism.
Power Rankings Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at how different outlets are ranking the Browns after this latest defeat:
ESPN – 28th
ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi highlights the struggles of left tackle Jedrick Wills Jr., who has faced challenges returning from a season-ending knee injury. Wills missed three of the first four games and opted out of the Week 8 contest against the Ravens due to a hyperextended knee, calling it a “business decision.” With Dawand Jones now out for the season due to a leg fracture, Wills finds himself back in the starting lineup during a critical contract year. His 65.7% run block win rate ranks among the bottom tier for qualifying tackles, raising questions about the offensive line’s effectiveness.
NFL.com – 26th
Eric Edholm from NFL.com pointed out the irony of the Browns’ offensive output against the Saints. Despite their impressive yardage, the lack of points was alarming. The defense’s inability to step up made the offensive struggles feel even more pronounced. Edholm noted that the special teams also had a rough outing, compounding the team’s woes. Yet, he acknowledged the potential of the receiving corps, which has shown signs of life since the trade of Cooper.
The Sporting News – 30th
Vinnie Iyer from The Sporting News expressed disbelief at how much the Browns’ defense has deteriorated compared to last season. While the offense is doing its best to adapt with Jameis Winston at the helm, the defensive collapse has been shocking. The inconsistency on both sides of the ball raises serious questions about the team’s direction as they head into a critical part of the season.
Pro Football Talk – 26th
Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk offered a blunt assessment, stating, “If it looks like a tank, walks like a tank, tanks like a tank…” This metaphor captures the essence of the Browns’ current predicament. The team is struggling to find its footing, and the growing pains are evident.
The Bigger Picture
As the Browns navigate through this tumultuous season, the focus must shift to making adjustments and finding a way to turn things around. The upcoming games against the Steelers and Chiefs will be pivotal. Can the Browns rally together and find a way to compete against these rivals? Will the offensive playmakers continue to step up, and can the defense find a way to regain its form?
Looking Forward
Browns fans have reason to hope, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The team must dig deep and harness the talent within the roster. With the right adjustments and a renewed focus, there’s still time for Cleveland to turn the tide and improve their standing in the league. The upcoming weeks will be crucial, and every game will count as they strive to claw their way back up the power rankings.
In the ever-competitive landscape of the NFL, the Browns must remember that every setback can be a setup for a comeback. Will they rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.
