Washington Limps Out of Cleveland, Loses 34-20

This was a tough watch folks. Similar to last week, Washington had some chances but just couldn't capitalize on opportunities. The defense limped out of this one, and the offense couldn't wait for the game to end.

Prediction: Browns win 24-20

Actual Score: Browns win 34-20

Close, but no cigar.

Baker Mayfield looks like he's finally having fun out there. A good sign considering a couple more seasons like last year and he could be working for Progressive full-time. Good on him for taking what the defense gave him yesterday. I'd also like to thank him for covering the spread and winning outright on that -335 moneyline play.

There are a lot of Monday morning quarterbacks today. Many fans are upset Head Coach Ron RIvera didn't manage the clock better and try to come back and win. Considering the circumstances (Injuries, awful O-Line, Haskins struggling) Rivera probably felt the Team needed to just get out of Week 3 and move forward. No need to risk another injury. Rivera is a fair coach. If the Team executes throughout the game I'm sure he would feel differently. We saw some good things out of the young players on the offense but this Team needs consistency to make a push for the NFC East, a division still up for grabs.

Let's dive into it the game.

Three Keys Recap:

Protect Dwayne Haskins X

Going into this week without Pro Bowl Guard Brandon Scherff was a tall task to begin with. Cleveland's defensive line has impressed this season, and that didn't stop Sunday. The Browns had 3 sacks on Dwayne Haskins to go along with 3 interceptions and 3 QB hits. Haskins ended the day 21/37 for 223 yards 2 TDs/3 INTs, a couple of INTs in which he completely stared down receivers. Ron Rivera stated they will roll with Haskins the rest of the way..but the reaction of the fanbase seems to be mixed.

The reaction from DCXP has been pretty consistent. Give Dwayne time. Let's remember this is a season with no training camp or preseason. Odds are he'd be a lot better with a stable offensive line, another receiver, and an effective tight end. It seems like QB1 heard footsteps all day, got excited on some throws, and flat out missed some.

Ron Rivera addressed his QB's performance in his postgame presser to John Keim from ESPN:

"I am not going to pull the plug just because something like this happens. In my opinion, he is barely through a rookie year right now in terms of being out there, learning, and growing."

Dwayne's issues have never been about talent. Sometimes a player just has to feel comfortable, whether it's with the media or teammates. For any QB in Washington, the distractions and negative attention can be greater than most other places. Haskins addressed the distraction of negative media and fans to Keim in his presser:

It's really letting all of that go. It's Week 3 and we start over Monday. ... You can't worry about what someone is thinking about you. ... Find the positive and ignore the noise and whoever has something to say that's not in this building."

He sure is saying all the right things. Now he just needs to start making the right plays.

Antonio Gibson- 15 Touches X

AG had 12 combined touches on the day. 9 rushes for 49 yards to go along with 3 catches for 11 yards. We are getting closer to that magic number!

Gibson still managed 5.4 yards/carry and another touchdown on the day, proving the third round pick can handle a rotational role in the NFL. Great news for his workload moving forward. Nothing much else to say here, please get him 15 touches. Carry on..

QB Pressures on Baker Mayfield X

The defensive line took some hits to their depth on Sunday. Chase Young left the game with a groin injury in the first half and Matt Ioannidis left the game with a left arm injury. We'll know more later today, but definitely a tough scene for a team that relies on the D-Line to set the tone.

The good news is that the Line still executed well. Montez Sweat and Jonathan Allen had arguably one of their best games each, respectively. The defense managed two sacks on the day and 5 QB hits. Unfortunately Baker had a big day and the Browns scored 34 points. In the Team's defense, the Browns were given great field position most of the day via turnovers.

Still, can't give up 34 and expect to win on a weekly basis.

Summary

This season is a roller coaster for sure. I have no idea what I'm about to watch the moment the game starts. Not sure why we are surprised though, the team record is officially 604-605-28 all time. We've been on a roller coaster for like 90 years!

Say some prayers, medidate, do whatever you need to because next week the Baltimore Ravens come to Washington with the most electric player in the league in Lamar Jackson. Maybe he's a the giving mood?

Photo Cred - Jason Miller - Getty Images