The Browns only had three on the day but they came consecutively on the same drive. Myles Garrett abused Orlando Brown Jr. on back to back plays. Then Isaiah McGuire was able to get to Burrow, who was only barely able to avoid taking a safety. Garrett had six of the team's eight tackles for loss. McGuire had two.
McGuire didn't just pick up where he left off last year in terms of his run defense, but he showed more evidence he's taking it to the next level. In addition to the sack, he had multiple pressures and was helpful in squeezing the pocket around Burrow. On all three sacks, the pocket was collapsing around Burrow and he had nowhere to go.
Had the Browns won, the talk would be about the sheer number of rookies who made significant contributions. On offense, defense and special teams. Flacco is the steadying influence they need to guide a group of young playmakers. The defense is back. The Browns handily outcoached the Bengals again.
But between the drops and missed field goals, they lost. Again. They let another winnable get away and they know it. 1-0 would've been a huge lift for this team, especially coming off of 3-14. It also would've been huge because of the schedule the Browns face. On the road against the Baltimoe Ravens, hosting the Green Bay Packers who just added Micah Parsons. They face the Detroit Lions on the road before going over to Europe to 'host' the Minnesota Vikings. They come back to the states to travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers on the road.
It's a brutal slate. 1-0 would've been a valuable cushion and provided the Browns some excitement. Some life even if they would have to take their share of lumps over the next several weeks. The Browns might be built to fight like hell, but no one would blink if they are 1-5 after that stretch. Giving away a victory hurts.
Even as the Browns have plenty of work to do, work that's going to extend beyond this season, there is plenty to like about what the Browns have going for them this year. But it needs to translate to the standings and for the next several weeks, the Browns will be punching above their weight.
We're going to learn what the Cleveland Browns are made of, as well as who will be doing their place kicking the rest of this year.