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Overreactions and reasonable reactions to the Cleveland Browns’ Week 1 loss: Doug Lesmerises...

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Philadelphia Eagles lost to Washington. The Indianapolis Colts lost to Jacksonville. At least the Browns in their season opener against Baltimore on Sunday lost to the reigning MVP and a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The score, 38-6, was scary. None of the other 13 games so far in Week 1 were decided by more than 14 points.

But as can happen with the Browns, they’re in a game until they’re not, and then it gets away from them. By the end Sunday, it could feel like the Browns were blown off the field from the opening kickoff. But with 3:43 left in the second quarter, the Browns trailed only by 4 as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson dropped back to pass on third-and-4 from the Browns' 19-yard line. Get a stop, force a field goal try and the Browns could have hoped to maybe even be tied at the half.

Instead, defensive coordinator Joe Woods blitzed two linebackers who didn’t get home, the result was a wide-open middle of the field, and uncovered Willie Snead caught an easy throw from Jackson that set up a touchdown. Woods' calls at times Sunday were at issue -- that wasn’t the only time Sione Takitaki came after Jackson and the QB took advantage to throw to the open area -- but I wouldn’t overreact to that. Woods blitzed a lot the last time he was a defensive coordinator, in Denver in 2018, but trying to slow down Jackson can cause a coach to take even more risks.

In a 32-point loss, a lot goes wrong. A chunk on Sunday has to be attributed to the Ravens, who were 14-2 a year ago and prepped during a pandemic under veteran, winning coach John Harbaugh. They’ll make a lot of teams look bad this season. A chunk has to be attributed to the debut of new Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, who sent his team onto the field without a preseason. And another chunk is just football, and that might stick whether it’s Week 1 or Week 12.

Here’s a breakdown of some Sunday issues, and whether worrying them carrying over is a reasonable reaction or an overreaction.

Wondering what Baker Mayfield is seeing at times

Reasonable reaction

Mayfield was 21 of 39 for 178 yards, and ripped some throws in the middle of the field. He also forced some targets to Odell Beckham Jr. and locked onto some other routes that weren’t there. The Browns started early with some play calls where Mayfield could see everything unfold in his line of vision, and he converted some easy tosses. But he also didn’t recognize defensive lineman Calais Campbell dropping into coverage underneath KhaDarel Hodge on a third-down throw, and Campbell tipped the pass and created an interception to end the Browns' first drive. As was the case last season, Mayfield from play to play can look comfortable and confident, and then look hurried and forced for no obvious reason.

“I thought we got into some rhythms in little spurts during drives, but then a negative play would happen and we could not overcome those," Mayfield said. The great teams do overcome those negative plays."

Acting as if you’re ready to give up on Mayfield

Overreaction

Social media, wowza. It’s Game 1 of Year 3 and his first in Stefanski’s system. Beckham had a crucial drop, and I was critical of Beckham’s game Sunday, but let’s not act as if the receiver, the quarterback or any part of the offense is irredeemable.

Asking why Stefanski ran a fake punt on the Browns' second drive

Reasonable reaction

“That is on me," Stefanski said. "That did not work out, and you can put that right on me.”

Consider it done. He called a fake punt on fourth-and-4 from the Browns' own 31, and punter Jamie Gillan was hit six yards short of the first down. That felt a little too much like video game decision-making, as if punting was too boring. Maybe Stefanski wanted to become a head coach so he could be crazy fake punt guy. Let’s assume he’ll dial that back as he gains experience.

Believing Austin Seibert might not be the kicker for long

Reasonable reaction

Siebert missed an extra point and a 41-yard field goal. He was 25 of 29 on field goals as a rookie last year, but he also missed five extra points, giving him the second-worst extra point conversion rate in the league. Sure, the Browns spent a fifth-round pick on him in 2019, but Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry wouldn’t care about that. If he’s not the guy, he’s not the guy.

“I expect him to make those kicks," Stefanski said. "I hold him to the same standard that we hold every other player on this team. He has to make those kicks.”

Giving up on the secondary

Overreaction

The Browns were missing three injured corners Sunday and it showed. Tavierre Thomas, who got a lot of snaps with Greedy Williams, Kevin Johnson and M.J. Stewart out, is not the answer. Also, the action was limited for new safety Ronnie Harrison, who was acquired in a Sept. 3 trade, and he’ll help once he gets up to speed and on the field more. Sunday saw a lot of coverage problems, but the Browns will get healthier there and they won’t always be facing Jackson, who was on target Sunday and as in control as ever, completing 20 of 25 passes for 275 yards.

Worrying about the linebackers in coverage

Reasonable reaction

This was expected, but this won’t change a lot. If and when Mack Wilson returns, he’ll help. But Sunday showed that B.J. Goodson is no Joe Schobert in coverage. The Browns knew that and chose that. This is an area they’ll have to overcome -- with a better pass rush, by scoring more points -- but Sunday wasn’t the last time you’ll see Browns linebackers chasing tight ends who are catching passes.

Feeling like the receivers are too often imprecise

Reasonable reaction

This was an issue at times last year, and it popped up again Sunday under a new head coach and new receivers coach. The most glaring example was a sloppy false start by Hodge, who got most of the work as the Browns' third receiver. Trailing 10-6, the Browns had a first-and-10 at the Baltimore 29. Hodge was the only receiver in the game with three tight ends, for a play that would send only two players -- Hodge and tight end David Njoku -- into the route on a deep Mayfield dropback. This was potentially a showcase play for Hodge, but as he came in motion, he carelessly failed to set himself and was moving forward at the snap for a five-yard false start penalty. Beckham committed a 15-yard offense facemask on the next play, and by the end of the drive, the Browns were facing a third-and-41.

Hodge wasn’t seeking to gain an edge with his false start. He was just sloppy, on the road, in a close game, on a play potentially designed for him. It’s a little thing, but it’s hard to wrap your head around. It’s not an overreaction to fear moments like that bogging down the Browns again.

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What’s next for the Cleveland Browns? Previewing the Bengals and how they match up

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Losing to the Ravens in Baltimore amidst the most chaotic offseason in NFL history is understandable. Lamar Jackson is the reigning MVP and like the Chiefs, Baltimore leaned into its continuity and reached peak regular-season form on Sunday, crushing the Browns, 38-6.

Up next on the spectrum of two extremes is the Bengals and No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow. Dropping a second straight game and losing consecutive outings against Cincinnati sounds inexcusable.

For Burrow vs. Baker Mayfield to become a decade-long duel, the Browns must start winning games.

Though it’s only Week 2, Thursday night feels as must-win as a September game gets. Let’s preview the Browns' home opener against the Bengals.

What the Bengals do well

Like the Browns' offense, there is still so much unknown surrounding Burrow and the Bengals. His first professional touchdown was a slick designed QB keeper which gashed the Chargers defense right up the middle.

At first glance, this could appear fluky, but it isn’t. Burrow (like most young quarterbacks) tries running often when he cannot find his first one or two options. On Sunday, he ran eight times for 46 yards.

Some were designed draws like his touchdown, and others were keepers off a read-option play. Either way, the Browns must be ready for Burrow’s feet.

Defensively, the Bengals allowed 362 total yards to a new-look Chargers offense. Tyrod Taylor went 16 of 30 for 208 yards but didn’t complete enough chunk plays to threaten a suspect Bengals secondary. Six of the Chargers' 12 possessions went six plays or less, ending in punts or turnovers all but once.

Four times the Chargers went three-and-out, meaning the Bengals did well defensively on third down. But had Taylor been able to extend a few more drives, the Chargers likely beat Cincinnati by more than three.

Why is that? Check out the Chargers' individual player averages, both per carry and per reception.

Though the box score says the Bengals allowed a mere 155 yards rushing on 39 Chargers attempts (4.0-yard average), Los Angeles' two primary backs, Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley, played well against the Bengals front.

Despite it appearing the Bengals played a strong defensive game Sunday, that isn’t the case.

Keys to the game

For Mayfield to best Burrow Thursday, it’ll come down to the Browns defense stopping the run, Mayfield connecting on a few deep shots and the offense playing through Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.

First, the Chargers found success containing Bengals star running back Joe Mixon. He ran 19 times for just 69 yards and fumbled once. The Bengals offensive line isn’t a strength (more on that soon), and that should allow Larry Ogunjobi and Sheldon Richardson to control the interior.

By limiting Mixon and forcing third-down throws, the Bengals struggled protecting Burrow. He was sacked three times and hit six.

Edge rusher Joey Bosa had one sack and three QB hits. That should be Myles Garrett’s Thursday floor as the Bengals tackles (Jonah Williams and Bobby Hart) are no match.

Stopping Mixon should lead to beating up Burrow. Regardless, the Browns defensive front should eat Thursday.

One way the Bengals may try to neutralize Cleveland’s four-man rush will be with the deep ball. Burrow left two 40-plus yard touchdowns at Paul Brown Stadium. On back-to-back third-quarter plays, the rookie overthrew first John Ross and then A.J. Green on would’ve-been touchdowns.

A player of Burrow’s talents won’t make those mistakes again. The Browns must be ready for the Bengals' vertical passing game though (on paper) it didn’t show up Sunday.

Thursday night should provide some deep tries from both teams. Bengals cornerbacks William Jackson and Darius Phillips were overmatched by Chargers receiver Mike Williams. He had two long first-half catches, which forced the Bengals into more looks with two high safeties.

If Odell Beckham Jr. draws one-on-one coverage with either corner in a one-safety-high shell, then Mayfield and Stefanski must give Beckham some shots.

Last but most importantly, Stefanski and the Browns must dictate tempo and control the clock by running Hunt and Chubb. That was probably the game plan against Baltimore, but falling behind early makes running difficult.

Hunt looked spectacular and Chubb will bounce back from his fumble against a soft Bengals run defense. Both backs averaged 6 yards per carry, and Stefanski knows he needs them to do more and Mayfield to throw less.

Check out this heavy formation the Chargers used to score in the red zone. The Browns should be able to run all game.

Betting the line

Each Friday, myself, Dan Labbe and Doug Lesmerises pick three spreads we like, plus the Browns game on the Orange and Brown Talk podcast. We were all on Ravens -8.5, so I’m 1-0. Going forward, I’ll track how I do picking Browns' games ATS (against the spread) here.

Laying six is a lot of points for an offense that has scored exactly that many this season. But I’ll take the Browns -6 because the Browns have the better running game, offensive line and defensive front.

Plus, both teams have question marks at kicker. I’d be surprised if Austin Seibert kicks Thursday, and the Bengals' Randy Bullock injured himself on his game-tying miss.

Fantasy players to watch

Thursday night features two bottom-half defenses and lots of big-name offensive talent, which should equal lots of fantasy points. I think Chubb and Hunt are both must starts, along with Mixon.

Jarvis Landry feels like a safe play but I’d stay away from any tight ends, on both sides. Austin Hooper wasn’t involved and David Njoku shouldn’t be trusted yet. Also, against the Browns defense, I can’t make a case against starting Tyler Boyd or Green.

As for Beckham, read this tweet, consider the Bengals cornerbacks, and then decide.

I’m going to start him. But if Beckham doesn’t perform this week, let the “OBJ trade talks” begin.

New Browns face masks for sale: Here’s where you can buy Cleveland Browns-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection for adults and youth, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All NFL proceeds donated to CDC Foundation.

Browns Winners and Losers: Odell Beckham Jr.’s struggles, defensive troubles and a TE surprise..

© John Kuntz, cleveland.com/John Kuntz, cleveland.com/cleveland.com/TNS Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson and cornerback Terrance Mitchell sit on the bench in the fourth quarter, September 13, 2020, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Browns lost to the Ravens on Sunday, 38-6. But that’s just what the scoreboard said.

Here are the real winners and losers:

LOSER: Browns defense

The Browns defense has been in the loser category all training camp. Sunday was just one more whack to endure.

From losing Mack Wilson and Grant Delpit during camp to going without injured Greedy Williams and Kevin Johnson on Sunday to having newcomer Ronnie Harrison limited to just a few plays, defensive coordinator Joe Woods is running out of fingers to plug holes.

You can say next man up all you want, but the Browns defense was not in position to have success against the Ravens. Or, more specifically, Lamar Jackson.

The Browns held the Ravens to just 3.6 yards per carry, but Jackson averaged 6.4 on seven carries. He was more dangerous through the air, completing 20 of 25 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns.

The lowlight came in the second quarter. The Ravens led 10-6 but were backed up at their 1-yard line. Didn’t matter. They went 99 yards in 10 plays to not only score, but make sure the Browns understood what they were up against.

Now the Browns have to quickly regroup for Thursday’s home opener, where a poor showing against the Bengals will be tougher to explain away.

WINNER: Running game

Kevin Stefanski said after the game he didn’t think the Browns won offense, defense or special teams. And he’s right, they didn’t.

But they did have success running the ball. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt combined for 132 yards on 23 carries, an average of 5.7 yards per attempt.

In the first half, when the game was still in doubt, the duo had 12 carries for 79 yards (6.5 yards/carry). Chubb got 29 of his 60 yards on one play, but the Browns can at least come away from the loss knowing their run game is headed in the right direction.

And it’s headed for a Bengals team that gave up the most rushing yards in the NFL last season.

LOSER: Odell Beckham Jr.

As I wrote after the game, it seems that Kevin Stefanski has found himself in the same predicament as Freddie Kitchens when it comes to Beckham.

The receiver didn’t get a pass thrown his way until late in the first half. Then the Browns seemed to over-correct in the third quarter, targeting Beckham on six of the 10 plays in their opening drive (all were incomplete).

He finished with three catches for 22 yards. It’s not the kind of production you want out of a guy making $14 million this season.

WINNER: David Njoku

Who could’ve predicted that Njoku would make big plays for the Browns in Week 1.

Seriously. Who could’ve predicted that?

Njoku had three catches for 50 yards and touchdown against the Ravens. He was uncovered on his touchdown, but made a leaping 28-yard catch for in the second quarter.

After having just five catches in four games last season, it was a positive start for a guy who had fallen behind rookie Harrison Bryant on the depth chart (Bryant started Sunday with Austin Hooper).

But Hooper had just two catches for 15 yards Sunday, and Bryant had one for five yards. Don’t write off Njoku just yet.

LOSER: Opportunity

There was a point early in the second quarter when the Browns, trailing 10-6, faced first-and-10 at the Ravens 29-yard line. Instead of leading to a potential go-ahead score, the play kickstarted a contest to see which moment was truly the beginning of the end for the Browns.

Was it KhaDarel Hodge’s false start on the first-down play?

Was it Beckham’s face mask penalty on the next play, which almost pushed them back to midfield?

Was it the 99-yard scoring drive the Ravens put together after the Browns punted, extending their lead to 17-6?

Was it Beckham’s third-and-2 drop at the Ravens 23 on the next Browns drive?

Was it Austin Seibert’s miss from 41 yards after OBJ’s drop?

Maybe it was when the Browns got off the plane.

LOSER: Special Teams

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer reflected earlier this week on last season’s opener against the Titans, and how he felt with a rookie punter and rookie kicker.

“Talk about anxiety,” he said. “I do not think I slept much that week.”

This week might not be great, either. Preifer’s unit struggled through a disastrous fake punt, which resulted in a lost fumble, a missed extra point, a missed field goal, and gave up a 38-yard kickoff return.

WINNER: COVID-19 testing

Let’s end on a positive note. The Browns contributed to a successful and healthy start to the season for the NFL.

New Browns face masks for sale: Here’s where you can buy Cleveland Browns-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection for adults and youth, including a single mask ($14.99) and a 3-pack ($24.99). All NFL proceeds donated to CDC Foundation.