Browns Pecked to Pieces by Baltimore, 24-10

Ugh.  Losing to the Baltimore Ravens is one of the worst things that the Cleveland Browns can do. Art Modell is long gone, but truthfully I still harbor resentment for the way that our team was stolen from us.  I'm not going to feel better until we can beat these guys, but today's game showed we are far from that point.   DeShone Kizer threw three INTS and coughed up the ball on a costly fumble, and Kevin Hogan contributed another pick.  

Kizer was also sacked three times, and the rookie tendency to hold onto the ball too long didn't help.  All in all, the offensive line was bad, but not as bad as last week's game. 

Some good news:  Hollywood Higgins finally started to live up to his name after being cut, then signed to the Practice Squad and then coming up to the big team on Saturday. Higgins led the Browns seven catches for 95 yards today. That's more than he had caught in his entire career up to this point!  Last year he had 6 grabs total, for only 77 yards. 

On the other hand, Baltimore held our name brand receivers in check, as Cory Coleman and Kenny Britt combined for 2 catches, 9 yards out of 9 attempted catches.  That is beyond bad.  

If you're going to play a 21 year old rookie, and he plays like a 21 year old rookie, it's to be expected.  No complaints.

The Browns defense had a good game, holding Joe Flacco to 217 yards on 25 of 34.  In today's NFL, if you can hold the other guy to 217 yards you have a chance to win some games.  Chris Kirksey had a nice sack, Jamie Collins came through after a slow slart last week, and Joe Schobert continues to impress at Mike Linebacker.  Jamar Taylor Jason MCourtney,  had good games at db.  However the Ravens' tight ends had good games against Derrick Kindred and Jabrill Peppers.  

Isaiah Crowell must be off his feed, with 37 yards in 10 carries, but it was better than last week.  

So, are we going to beat the Indianapolis Colts?  They are certainly capable, but the Colts will be at home.  The Colts have a second year quarterback, but one who is new to the team, whereas we are going to go with the rookie DeShone Kizer.  It's tough to see a Browns win at this point.