Browns Collapse Down the Stretch in Baltimore

The Cleveland Browns suffered their second loss in a row on Sunday, 41-17, to the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns and QB Joe Flacco struggled to find much success in the first half as the defense stifled Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry to keep the game close early.

Jackson was able to make more plays down the stretch as the defense wore down, and took advantage of Cleveland's lack of depth and talent at cornerback. The following things stood out from today's lopsided defeat.

Flacco's lack of mobility is hindering the offense.

After two weeks, it's clear that defenses have decided the best way to defend the Browns is by playing back and keeping everything in front of them. The combination of the line holding up in pass protection and the receivers being able to create separation underneath wasn't good enough today.

Flacco looked old as he was unable to avoid the rush or attempt to make throws while scrambling. The team will need to sort out whether any of this is correctable and if rookie Dillon Gabriel might give them more time to create with his legs.

Offensive tackle might sink another season.

Jack Conklin was unable to play due to an elbow injury suffered in practice this week after missing most of the first game from being poked in the eye. Dawand Jones had another inconsistent performance at left tackle and came out for two stretches, being replaced by KT Leveston.

Cornelius Lucas, who made the start at right tackle, appears to be serviceable, but the decision not to draft a tackle in each of the last two drafts could cost them dearly.

Quinshon Judkins is another dynamic rookie.

Judkins played well in his first game after having only one padded practice all offseason. He seemed to gain confidence as the game wore on and had some really nice runs.

They will continue to increase his workload over the next few weeks as his conditioning improves. They will need to strike the proper balance between him and Dylan Sampson as the season moves on.

The defense is elite, but the cornerback position is currently a liability.

Denzel Ward played just 20 snaps due to injury reasons that are still unclear at this time. His status is very important moving forward, as it is becoming clear that Cameron Mitchell is unplayable.

Mitchell continues to struggle in coverage, but his mental lapses are inexcusable. The Browns need to play Jerrick Bernard-Converse as the next man up on the outside, while Myles Harden is tasked with being the primary nickel corner.

The challenge doesn't get any easier next week, as Cleveland will play Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers in Week Three at home.