Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 13, 2024 2:06 pm GMT
CLEVELAND — In a game marked by relentless pressure from the New York Giants, quarterback Deshaun Watson faced a fierce onslaught that led to a career-high eight sacks on Sunday. The Cleveland Browns’ 21-15 loss not only pushed them to a disappointing 1-2 record but also raised questions about Watson’s ability to lead the team.
The Giants’ defensive strategy shocked the Browns, who were unprepared for the assault. “I mean, they switched up the game plan,” Watson explained as he reflected on the grueling day at Huntington Bank Field. The defensive coordinator for the Giants, Shane Bowen, typically opts for minimal blitzing, relying instead on his defensive front to apply pressure. However, on this day, they adapted effectively.
### Giants’ Game Plan Pays Off
The Giants started the game by focusing on the Browns’ star edge players, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. As the offensive line struggled to contain the pressure, Bowen adjusted his method and sent pressure from the interior. Dexter Lawrence, who was already making an impact, dominated the middle of the field.
– Lawrence led the way with two sacks.
– In total, nine players contributed to the eight sacks recorded against Watson.
– The pressure forced Watson into quick decisions, often resulting in him holding onto the ball too long.
“I felt like he was getting ready to wind up and I just waited a little bit and aimed for his arm, got the ball out,” Burns shared about his crucial strip-sack late in the second quarter.
*The New York Giants defense dominated the field, sacking Deshaun Watson a career-high eight times during their victory over the Cleveland Browns.*
### Offensive Struggles and Fan Frustration
Despite the fierce defense from the Giants, Watson’s performance has come under scrutiny. He struggled to maintain momentum throughout the game, completing 21 of 37 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns. With a passer rating of 89.5, his stats appeared decent but highlighted a much deeper concern regarding his ability to manage pressure effectively.
Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski took responsibility for Watson’s struggles, stating, “He can’t get sacked that many times, can’t get hit that many times. That’s not good enough, and that’s on me and that’s on us to get that fixed.”
As the dust from the game settled, the frustration among Browns’ fans was palpable. Expectations were high for Watson, especially in his third season with the team. Many felt let down, questioning if he could still be the franchise quarterback they hoped he would become.
### Impact of Injuries
The game took a toll not just on Watson, as injuries plagued both teams. The Giants saw cornerback Dru Phillips leave the game early with a calf injury. Similarly, the Browns experienced challenges along their offensive line, contributing further to their woes.
– Key injuries included:
– Phillips’ calf issue limited his contribution.
– Adoree’ Jackson exited due to an injury in the second half.
– Nick McCloud was sidelined for the second consecutive game.
With several players nursing injuries, both teams faced an uphill battle to maintain their performance throughout the match.
### Rookie Breakout
Amid the turmoil, there was a bright spot for the Giants. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers had a standout performance, becoming the first player in NFL history to record 20 receptions and three touchdown receptions in his first three games. “Just hard work,” Nabers said, crediting coach Brian Daboll for his rapid development in the league.
### Looking Ahead
As the Browns prepare to regroup ahead of their matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders next Sunday, the team must address the glaring issues that have surfaced. Watson will need to adapt to pressure more effectively, and the coaching staff will have to find ways to bolster protection for their quarterback.
The loss to the Giants serves as a stark reminder of the challenges the Browns face this season. The voice of the fans is loud, echoing their desire for a more resolute performance from Watson.
The Cleveland Browns are at an important point in their season. After losing to the Giants, they are thinking about what went wrong. Fans are eager to see if Watson can step up and help the team turn things around.
