If one word could describe the Cleveland Browns 27-20 loss to the Jets, it would be 'embarrassing'!
The Jets came into the game after the Jets clearly made moves earlier in the week that could not be described any other way than with the intention of 'tanking' their season by trading their two best defensive players for a haul of draft picks in the next two year's NFL Draft, including acquiring three, first-round picks. Meanwhile, the Browns lost their 12th-straight road game to drop to 2-7 and will return home to face the Ravens next Sunday.
Statistically, the Browns dominated in virtually, every statistical category, but still found a way to lose. The historical two returns for touchdowns in the kicking game in the first quarter, was the difference in the game.
Special Teams is Anything but Special
After the Browns had an impressive 95-yard touchdown drive to take a 7-0 lead, the ensuing kickoff was returned for a 99-yard touchdown by Kene Nwangwu to tie the game up, 13 seconds after the Browns great drive.
After the Browns had a quick three-and-out, the Browns punted to the Jets and promptly Isaiah Williams returned the punt 74 yards for a touchdown and the Jets were up 14-7. The Jets scored on back-to-back returns in 36 seconds.
It was the first time in team history for the Jets to have back-to-back returns for touchdowns.
After those two returns, the Browns could not get anything going, as happens so many times after something goes awry until Ronnie Hickman intercepted a pass and returned it to the Jets 22 to set up a touchdown.
One positive was at the end of the first half when Dillon Gabriel gave up a sack with no timeouts and less than 10 seconds left on a running clock, kicker Andre Szmyt hit a 45-yard field goal as time expired to tie the game at halftime.
The special teams has contributed heavily in at least two other losses as two missed kicks lost the Browns the season opener and a blocked punt contributed in another loss.