Browns vs. Eagles: Quick Hits
What went right: Not much, as evidenced by final score, the Eagles outgaining the Browns 403-288, winning the turnover battle 1-0 and earning a distinct advantage in time of possession (39:20 to 20:40). But if there’s a silver lining it’s that the deep ball continues to serve the offense well. Quarterback Robert Griffin III connected with wide receiver Terrelle Pryor for 44 yards and rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman for 58 yards.
What went wrong: More than can fit in this space, but here are a few things. The running game didn’t do its part. Starting running back Isaiah Crowell padded his stats with three carries for 40 yards in the final 1:12, when the outcome had already been decided. Without those runs, he had nine rushes for 22 yards (2.4 average). The offense also dropped at least three passes — two by Pro Bowl tight end Gary Barnidge and another by Coleman. It converted just 2-of-10 third downs. The defense surrendered 133 rushing yards on 34 carries (3.9 average) and failed to stop rookie quarterback Carson Wentz from thriving in his regular-season NFL debut.
The bottom line: Barring a miracle, this is going to be another long season for the Browns.
— Nate Ulrich