CLEVELAND — "Mixed emotions" is certainly the theme right now.
The Browns lost to the Las Vegas Raiders Monday evening by a final of 16-14, fighting to take the lead late only to have victory snatched away by a last-second field goal. Considering the week the team had had, it was a courageous effort. However, it was also a defeat they could ill-afford to stomach.
JIMMY'S TAKE: 'Time is running out' for Cleveland Browns following last-second loss to Las Vegas Raiders
As we all know, head coach Kevin Stefanski and 18 players and were forced to miss the game due to the NFL's COVID-19 protocols, with several of them key members of Cleveland's lineup. With a third-string quarterback and a slew of backups on the offensive and defensive lines, no one will doubt the Browns did the best they could, under the circumstances.
But they also ran into many of the same problems that have kept them down all year: questionable play-calling, inconsistent defense, and now a kicking game that has utterly collapsed. The Browns could've climbed to the top of the AFC North standings with a win, but instead sit 7-7, and their margin for error is virtually zero if they want to get back to the playoffs.
All of those emotions were prevalent among fans as soon as Daniel Carlson's 48-yard boot sailed through the uprights. Some are trying to stay optimistic (after all, they are far from eliminated from postseason contention), while others seem content to chalk this season up as a disappointment and move on to 2022.
Here are some of the notable reactions we found on social media after the game: