CLEVELAND — It's likely that the frustration that Browns fans have been feeling since Sunday's 47-42 loss to the Chargers hasn't gone away yet, and probably won't disappear anytime soon.
As the "Voice of the Browns," Jim Donovan, pointed out to Jay Crawford during Monday's edition of What's New, the Browns had a 14-point lead, three seven-point leads, and a one-point lead late in the fourth quarter against Los Angeles. But they couldn't put it away.
"There's something missing with the Browns," Jimmy told Jay. "There's an 'it factor' that's missing. They want to be in these big games and they're in them. They're classics, just like last year's Monday night game with Baltimore (the Browns also lost that game, 47-42) that people still talk about. These are classics. But you have to win those."
Jimmy also looked at two other issues from Sunday during his chat with Jay. The Browns defense had come into the Chargers game ranked second in the NFL, but Justin Herbert had his way all afternoon. What made it worse were communication breakdowns in the secondary involving veterans like Ronnie Harrison and John Johnson III.
And of course, there were the penalties. The Chargers were set up by the defensive pass interference penalty that was called on a fourth down, when wide receiver Mike Williams had grabbed a hold of Browns defensive back A.J. Green's jersey. Jimmy also put a spotlight on interference calls that were not made as the Browns were trying to drive down the field late.
"It's a heartbreaker. There's no doubt about it," Jimmy added. "There were four points in the game when it looked like it was over and the Browns were going to win."
Next up are the undefeated Arizona Cardinals with another "hotshot" quarterback, as Jimmy referred to Kyler Murray, this Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium.
More Browns coverage:
- Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski discusses play-calling, officiating in loss to Chargers: Transcript
- 3News' Jay Crawford is frustrated over the Browns' loss; Watch as he and Dave 'Dino' DeNatale break down the game on #3Browns: 'The 5th Quarter'
- Browns' Kevin Stefanski on 4th quarter play-calling vs. Chargers: 'I'm sick about it'
- 'Just forward the fine letter': Baker Mayfield rips officials following Cleveland Browns' loss to Los Angeles Chargers
- Hollywood Heartbreak: Cleveland Browns lose to Los Angeles Chargers 47-42 in offensive shootout
- JIMMY'S TAKE: Cleveland Browns 'couldn't close the game out' against Los Angeles Chargers