CLEVELAND — Even at 2-6, the Browns appeared to have a hint of momentum following last Sunday's upset win over the Baltimore Ravens. The offense finally looked competent, and with a favorable schedule ahead, there was hope that Cleveland could just maybe climb back into the AFC playoff picture.
All those hopes were shattered on this Sunday, however, with the Browns falling at home to the Los Angeles Chargers 27-10. The offense under quarterback Jameis Winston came crashing back to Earth, and Jim Schwartz's defense got burned for several big plays from Justin Herbert and LA.
Making his second start since Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles injury, Winston followed up his AFC Offensive Player of the Week performance with a sour lemon. The 30-year-old former Pro Bowler threw three interceptions in the second half, including a crucial one in the end zone that stifled an opportunity to get back into the game.
For as bad as Cleveland's offense has been for most of the year, Week 9 marked a season-low total for points, with the only touchdown coming on a 17-yard grab from Cedric Tillman in garbage time. Winston was also sacked six times, and Nick Chubb managed a mere 39 yards on 15 carries.
On defense, the Browns managed to sack Herbert six times (including three from Myles Garrett alone), but it wasn't nearly enough. Several "miscommunications," in Kevin Stefanski's words, led to Charger TD passes — a 28-yarder to Joshua Palmer in the first quarter and a 66-yarder to Quentin Johnston in the second that made it 13-3. Johnston finished with a game-high 118 receiving yards.
Herbert finished with 282 yards as Los Angeles improved to 5-3. J.K. Dobbins added 105 total yards and a pair of rushing scores, and on defense, Tuli Tuipulotu and Morgan Fox finished with 2 1/2 and two sacks each, respectively.
During the game, Pro Football Talk reported that Browns defensive Za'Darius Smith could be traded to the Detroit Lions as soon as tonight, a rumor Stefanski declined to comment on following the final whistle. Smith, currently in his second year with the team, finished Sunday with a tackle for loss.
Adding to the misery, Cleveland's struggling special teams reached a new nadir, notably with allowing a 60-yard punt return by Derius Davis that set up the game's first touchdown. A 51-yard field goal attempt by Dustin Hopkins was also blocked late in the fourth quarter, putting away any realistic chance of a comeback.
Now 2-7, the Browns are dead last in the AFC North and tied for the worst record in the league, with already more losses than they suffered all of last season. A playoff repeat seams inconceivable, especially with teams like the Steelers and Chiefs still remaining on the schedule.
Cleveland will be off in Week 10 before heading to New Orleans to play the 2-7 Saints on Nov. 17.