Browns dominate Titans from start to finish in 27-3 win

The Cleveland Browns were in control from start to finish in Sunday afternoon’s 27-3 win over the Tennesee Titans. While there was a point where the game was tied early in the 2nd quarter, this was a case of the scoreboard being misleading. Tennesee was never truly in the game, as Cleveland was clearly the better team in the contest. The Titans did have a chance to take an early off a Browns turnover in their own territory, but Cleveland’s defense tightened up, resulting in Tennesee losing nine yards on three plays before briefly tying the game on a field goal. Cleveland would go on to score 24 unanswered points, running away in what ended up as a lopsided final score.

Deshaun Watson finally looked like Deshaun Watson

For the first time since being acquired by the Browns, their $230 million quarterback finally looked the part. Deshaun Watson completed 27 of 33 pass attempts for 289 yards and two touchdowns. This is easily Watson’s best performance in a Browns uniform and perhaps could be the beginning of him finally turning the corner.

There was one play where Watson tried to do too much that almost resulted in a turnover.

Deshaun Watson. $230 million. Fully guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/T1RT23wRgu

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 24, 2023

Watson has a tendency to try and make something out of nothing. While it can result in amazing plays from time to time, it can also lead to near-disastrous situations in cases such as this. That is if the play does not result in a turnover as this one nearly did. Watson’s decision to flip the ball needs to be something that the coaching staff discourages immediately. The understanding of living to see another down must be hammered into his brain. If Watson were to do this against a better opponent, it could result in the game being flipped in their favor, with Cleveland finding themselves up against it.

Myles Garrett leads defensive effort

Cleveland’s entire defense was impressive in the win, but it was specifically Myles Garrett who led the charge. Garrett totaled 3.5 sacks in the contest, putting together one of his trademark impact performances. This is the type of performance that is expected from a player of his caliber.

There was one sequence in particular that stood out. Garrett would motion as if he were an offensive player, with two Titans players following him. It was very clear that their assignment was slowing down Garrett as there is no stopping him. Tennesee was unable to get a snap off in time, resulting in a delay of game penalty.

You guys ever seen a defensive player motion back and fourth pre snap and TWO offensive players follow him!?! 😂😂 … caused a delay of game! @Flash_Garrett is DIFFERENT! pic.twitter.com/TZhGYAUlts

— Andrew Hawkins (@Hawk) September 24, 2023

If Garrett is able to continue playing at this level and garner this type of attention from would-be blockers, he should keep making impact plays on a weekly basis.

Amari Cooper shines for second straight game

With Nick Chubb out for the season, the Browns need someone to be their primary playmaker. That person appears to be Amari Cooper. Cooper would finish with eight receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown and could have easily gone for more if a play was not blown dead prematurely.

Ref staring right at the play said Amari Cooper was out of bounds

Great job Roger
pic.twitter.com/jimJSDS1xn

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) September 24, 2023

This was the second consecutive game that Cooper totaled seven receptions. Expect Watson to continue to keep Cooper involved early and often, as he is clearly the best pass catcher on the roster.

Now 2-1 on the season, the Browns will host the Baltimore Ravens next week before their very early bye week.