The Good, The Bad, The Ugly: Falcons vs. Browns Takeaways

The Browns blew another opportunity against an inferior oppenent and fall to 2-2 on the season. Let's take a look at what happened.

The Good: Nick Chubb

If it seems like Cleveland's offensive identity is, "Hope Nick Chubb Does Something Heroic To Save The Game," that's because it is.

Chubb had his best game of the season yesterday. He rushed for 118 yards with ease, averaging 6.2 yards per carry with a touchdown.

If only his head coach and play caller used him in crunch time, Chubb could have had a historic day. He is currently the NFL's leading rusher, which is super cool.

The Bad: The Defense

Nothing new here. The defense that was supposed to carry the Browns through 11 weeks is officially overrated.

Now, they were without Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, but they still could not find a way to stop the run. 14. Straight. Times. 

They started a practice squad player and rookie at defensive end, but the Falcons won the game with two backup running backs and some guy named Olamide Zaccheaus.

Arthur Smith imposed his will on the Browns. He beat Kevin Stefanski at his own game. Blame Joe Woods. Blame the players. The defense needs to be better as the strength of schedule gets harder.

The Ugly: Kevin Stefanski

Let's not get caught up in the details, Stefanski should take a chunk of blame for this game. And he did. Now, let's all move on.

Regardless of personal beliefs on coaching philosophies and aggressiveness on fourth downs, that was another inexcusable loss against an inferior opponent. The Browns left way too many points on the board, especially in the red zone.

The Browns are 2-2 against Baker Mayfield, Joe Flacco, Mitch Trubisky (benched), and Marcus Mariota. Coming up, they have Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and potentially Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa. That's all before Deshaun Watson returns.

Here's the thing, though. Stefanski isn't going anywhere right now and he shouldn't. Neither should his playcalling. Incoming quarterback Deshaun Watson will be back in the building next week. Watson hand-picked Stefanski's offense, which is notorious for getting offensive players open.

There's no way his seat is hot in Week 4, or anytime until he gets his QB.

If these noted, repeated struggles continue, and Watson doesn't look elite in six games of what could be an already sunken season, this is a different conversation.