Browns struggle to find offensive rhythm

The Browns couldn’t get an offensive flow going in their first game with QB Deshaun Watson at the helm of the offense, ending their opening offensive drive with a 51-yard field goal from K Dustin Hopkins.

Still, the Browns had four consecutive three-and-outs after their opening offensive drive, for a total of seven possessions in which they were forced to punt.

Watson was sacked six times and had 17 total touchdowns over the course of the game. He also threw two interceptions – one in the second quarter when his pass was tipped by LB Micah Parsons and intercepted by LC Eric Kendricks, and a second interception in the fourth quarter on a pass intended for WR Elijah Moore that was caught by CB Trevon Diggs.

Stefanski said Watson took too many hits today and they need to protect the quarterback better.

“I think there are things that I know we can do better, things that you could tell right away that it wasn’t how we wanted to do it,” Stefanski said. “But we had plenty of time to prepare, and we didn’t do it today.”

The Browns also gave the ball away during the third quarter and again early in the fourth quarter.

The Browns found the end zone twice in the second half, starting with their first touchdown of the season in the third quarter when Watson connected with WR Jerry Jeudy for a 6-yard touchdown pass. On that possession, the Browns ran 12 plays for 75 yards to set up the touchdown. It was also Jeudy’s first touchdown as a member of the Browns. They closed the game on a 2-yard touchdown run from RB Jerome Ford late in the fourth quarter.