The World Cup is a time when the spotlight shines brightly on international football, and teams in particular. The host nation Russia met that standard in this year’s tournament by reaching the knockout stages for only the third time ever. Bringing home an unexpected gold medal from their matches against Spain and Croatia, they have been hailed as heroes of global sport. But what do Russians think about their team’s performance?
The Week 10 clash between the Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots was crucial for both teams. The winner would earn a critical game in the AFC playoff race while also gaining a possible head-to-head tiebreaker advantage over their opponent.
With both teams having a 5-4 record into the game, it was a true test to determine who was better equipped for playoff football at this point in the season. It had all the makings of a great battle. That is, until the game started.
The Browns were thrashed 45-7 by the Patriots.
Despite the global buzz surrounding the game, the Browns’ Week 10 matchup with the Patriots turned out to be a lopsided affair. The Patriots swept to a 45-7 win, clearly establishing themselves as the best AFC club right now.
Mac Jones, the Patriots’ rookie quarterback, had his greatest game as a member of the team to date, throwing for three touchdowns and 198 yards. On the day, he went 19-for-23 for an incredible 82.6 percent completion percentage.
The Patriots’ rushing offense was just as effective. Rhamondre Stevenson, a rookie running back, carried for 100 yards on 20 runs (two touchdowns), while the Patriots as a whole rushed for 184 yards.
In Foxborough, the Patriots outclassed the Browns at every step. Baker Mayfield and the rest of the Browns’ offense had no answer for Bill Belichick’s always deadly defense, and the Browns’ defense couldn’t stop Jones and the New England offense for the life of them. In Cleveland, blame began to be thrown about after the humiliating defeat.
DC Joe Woods, according to Myles Garrett, is to responsible for the defeat.
“We need to go back to the drawing board and figure out how to improve. Examine how we may improve our planning and make modifications on the go. We never had a chance because we didn’t adapt on the sidelines or when we got the opportunity.”
November 14, 2021 — Camryn Justice (@camijustice)
Following the defeat, Myles Garrett, a contender for Defensive Player of the Year, was questioned about the Browns’ defense. He swiftly called attention to a lack of adjustment.
“We need to go back to the drawing board and figure out how we can improve, how we can plan better, and how we can make changes on the fly,” Garrett added. “We never had a chance since we didn’t make any modifications on the sidelines or when we had the opportunity to do so.”
Garrett reaffirmed his viewpoint when pressed for further information on the absence of revisions.
“We didn’t make any changes, in the sense that they continued scoring and we didn’t respond.” I mean, we have to improve.”
Garrett is clearly unhappy with Joe Woods, the team’s defensive coordinator.
Should the Browns consider switching to a different DC?
Dylan Buell/Getty Images/Myles Garrett
The Browns have a slew of issues that need to be addressed. Baker Mayfield, the team’s starting quarterback, is dealing with a partial shoulder tear and had to exit the Patriots game due to a lower-body ailment. On Sundays, it’s clear that he’s not 100 percent.
The Browns, on the other hand, can’t overlook their defensive woes. Despite having one of the top pass rushers in the game in Garrett, the Browns’ defense presently ranks 24th in projected points contributed. That’s not a good sign.
With an injured quarterback, the Browns’ offense will have to rely on their defense to carry them forward. If Joe Woods does not place his players in a position to succeed, there will very certainly be a legitimate discussion about replacing him in Cleveland.
In the NFL, a team’s top player criticizing a lack of adjustment is almost usually considered a death sentence. Woods’ seat should be fairly toasty at this point.
Pro Football Reference provided all stats.
Following the Cowboys’ massive Week 10 triumph, Dak Prescott sent a fiery and arrogant message to the rest of the NFL.
