The Cleveland Browns’ season reached a dismal low on Sunday after a 27-10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite flashes of brilliance from Myles Garrett, who logged three sacks in just four plays during the first half, Cleveland’s breakdowns—particularly in the secondary—allowed Justin Herbert and the Chargers to capitalize on major defensive lapses. Coming off an inspiring upset over the Ravens, this loss sent the Browns into their bye week with a 2-7 record and more questions than answers.
Communication Issues in Secondary Lead to Chargers’ Easy Scores
The game saw the Browns’ secondary unravel under the Chargers’ offense. Two major communication breakdowns led to wide-open touchdown passes for Los Angeles, each exposing Cleveland’s vulnerability in coverage. Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward, who was cleared from concussion protocol only a day before the game, and safety Juan Thornhill were at the center of these mishaps. Ward accepted responsibility, calling them “gimmes,” but Thornhill pointed out that the problems extended beyond just a misalignment between the two defenders.
“It’s not all on Denzel,” Thornhill remarked, highlighting the broader issues in the Browns’ defensive scheme. These breakdowns left Cleveland in a 17-point deficit at halftime, a situation they couldn’t claw their way out of.
While Garrett’s explosive performance in the first half gave fans something to cheer for, it wasn’t enough to stifle the Chargers. His frustration was evident after the game. “We beat ourselves a lot of the game,” Garrett said. “They made the plays they were supposed to make… We’ve just got to be better. We’ve got to be smarter.”
Offensive Woes and Winston’s Setbacks Compound the Loss
Cleveland’s offense stumbled from the outset, managing a mere 57 yards in the first half. Quarterback Jameis Winston, who had shown promise with 334 passing yards and three touchdowns in last week’s upset over Baltimore, couldn’t replicate that success. Winston threw three interceptions in the second half and endured six sacks, with the Chargers’ defense exerting relentless pressure. His turnovers compounded the Browns’ troubles, repeatedly stalling any chance at a comeback.
After the game, head coach Kevin Stefanski reiterated his commitment to Winston as the starting quarterback despite the rough outing. “Those are the type of things that we just have to play better as a team,” Stefanski said when asked about potential QB changes. Winston also remained optimistic, acknowledging that the bye week offers a critical opportunity to regroup. “I still believe,” he said, although he noted the team’s need to eliminate self-inflicted mistakes, adding, “The biggest thing is we have to eliminate plays that beat us. I had three of them.”
Trade Rumors and Future Uncertainty Loom Over Cleveland
As the Browns approach the midseason trade deadline, there’s speculation that general manager Andrew Berry may start eyeing the 2025 season and consider offloading some key players. Edge rusher Za’Darius Smith has been rumored as a potential trade target for the Detroit Lions, who are in need of reinforcements after Aidan Hutchinson’s season-ending leg injury.
Myles Garrett, who has been a cornerstone for the Browns amid their struggles, dismissed any speculation about potential trades, particularly surrounding Smith. “I don’t look into the rumor mill or trade rumors,” Garrett said. “I focus on my job here and getting this team out of the hole we’re in and keeping these guys together.” His own commitment to the team is clear, even as he expressed frustration over the season’s direction. “I’d rather have no sacks at every game than to continue losing like we are,” Garrett added. His sentiment reflects a growing impatience among the team’s veterans who envisioned a playoff run but are now bracing for an uncertain future.
Bye Week Comes at a Crucial Time for Browns to Reassess
With eight games left, the Browns are facing an unexpected early reckoning. A team that started the season with Super Bowl hopes now seems poised for a rebuild. The bye week offers a momentary reprieve, allowing Cleveland’s players and coaches to reflect on what’s gone wrong and how they can salvage the rest of the season.
For Winston, the week off couldn’t come at a better time. “Having a week to really digest how we can get better is required,” he stated, signaling his intent to lead a turnaround. Yet the Browns have much work to do, particularly on offense, where the lack of cohesion has been glaring. Cleveland has struggled to establish any consistency in their passing game, and the absence of a reliable connection between Winston and his receivers has kept them from mounting a competitive attack.
The bye also offers Stefanski and his staff a chance to iron out the defensive communication issues that plagued the team against the Chargers. Ward and Thornhill’s blown coverages underscored a persistent lack of clarity and discipline in the secondary—problems that have repeatedly hurt the Browns this season.
Stats Highlight Browns’ Season of Struggles
The Browns’ loss to the Chargers is emblematic of a season that has fallen far short of expectations. Here’s a look at some of the key statistics that have defined their year so far:
| Category | Browns’ Ranking | Stat/Value |
|---|---|---|
| Record | – | 2-7 |
| Points Allowed (Avg) | 27th | 27.5 per game |
| Turnovers by Winston | – | 12 (8 INT, 4 FUM) |
| Defensive Breakdowns | – | 7 blown coverages over 9 games |
This table highlights a few of the most glaring issues: high points allowed, frequent turnovers from Winston, and a secondary plagued by blown coverages. These factors have coalesced into a season where the Browns have rarely been able to find a rhythm, despite Garrett’s individual success and occasional flashes of potential.
Looking Ahead: Browns Face Saints Next in Search of Redemption
The Browns will return from their bye week to face the New Orleans Saints on November 17. The question remains whether Cleveland can find a way to fix its flaws in time to make a meaningful run in the second half of the season. With a record of 2-7, even a perfect second half may not be enough to push them into playoff contention, but a few wins could at least restore some pride and give fans a reason to hope.
For now, Cleveland faces a crossroads. The next few weeks will reveal whether the team has any fight left or if the focus will shift entirely toward next season. And for players like Garrett, the frustration of another lost season will continue to mount unless the Browns can find a way to turn things around.
