Special teams miscues hurt Browns in loss to the Jets

Defense falters late in game

The Browns’ defense held the Jets’ offense in check for about three quarters of the game, giving up just a field goal in the second quarter. They also recorded an early turnover, as Hickman picked off QB Justin Fields in the first quarter.

The Browns limited QB Justin Fields in the pass game, allowing just five passing yards on three passes in the first half of the game. Fields finished the game completing six passes for 54 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception.

“I thought really good moments,” Stefanski said. “Obviously, we hadn’t given up much on defense, but the game script had changed with them getting those early points. I thought the guys battled throughout, but I know there’s plenty that we can probably do better.”

However, as the game progressed, the Jets utilized the run game to their advantage. DE Myles Garrett said the Jets shifted their offensive approach as to avoid turning the game into a drop-back game. New York finished the game with 167 net rushing yards, and RB Breece Hall leading the team with 83 rushing yards on 21 carries. Fields also found Hall on a screen pass, which he turned into a 42-yard reception and a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

“They were moving in the pocket, doing what they could to take the [pass] rush out of it,” Garrett said. “I think their commitment to that, trying to wear us down, they made the plays they needed to. It was a good screen [on the Breece Hall touchdown]. Credit to them, they made the plays they needed to down the stretch.”

Then, on the last offensive drive by the Jets, the Browns had two key defensive penalties that allowed the Jets to seal the game.

With 1:56 left in the game, LB Devin Bush was called for defensive holding on third-and-16. The penalty gave the Jets an automatic first down, extending their possession. Cleveland then stopped New York again on three consecutive plays bringing up fourth down. However, DE Cameron Thomas was called for a neutral zone infraction, allowing the Jets to kneel out the game.

“It’s frustrating. There are plenty of frustrating things to go around,” Garrett said. “I don’t want my guy Cam [Thomas] to lose confidence and think that he lost the game for us, that’s not the case. There were so many plays in the game, and you can’t let one hang on you and take away your confidence in who you are as a player. This is a learning moment for him. He’ll have more opportunities to make the most out of it.”