The Cleveland Browns have developed a knack for losing in the most unimaginable ways.
Dwayne Rudd’s helmet toss. Tim Couch’s overtime pick-six. The kick-six against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football.
On Sunday, the Browns return to the scene of one of those unbelievable defeats when they take on the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
One year ago, the Browns were coming off their bye week and prepared to face the Jets.
New York’s offense was a mess, especially in the passing game with quarterback
Justin Fields, so the game plan seemed straightforward:
- Don’t worry about Fields, who finished with 54 passing yards.
- Keep the Jets out of the end zone – only one touchdown and two field goals
- Score enough on offense – Cleveland put up 20 points
- Enjoy a Victory Monday
The problem was, no one apparently told the special teams that the Jets were dangerous in the return game, so it was not a good time to take the day off. And the Jets took full advantage.
Following an opening touchdown from the Browns, New York’s Kene Nwangwu returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. A quick three-and-out by the Browns resulted in a punt, which Isaiah Williams returned 74 yards for a touchdown.
Even though there were still three quarters to play, the game was essentially over at that point.
Cleveland’s special teams unit gets a chance at redemption today, and special teams coordinator Byron Storer said he has been working on today’s game since being hired earlier this year:
“I think everybody understands that the Jets last year were a top 10 unit; I think maybe a top five unit (on special teams). They were one of the best in the league for sure. They’ve got good returners; they’ve got good coaching. And so, when we talk about handling a team like the Jets, their special teams, their returners, again, it goes back to the spring. It’s the way that, when I took this job, looking at the things that we need to focus on the most, that’s how you build your install and make sure that you’re addressing some of the issues that occurred last year so that they don’t recur this year.
“So, I just think that we’re ready to handle this situation. We’re prepared. It’s going to be a challenge. They’re a good unit, and it’s an opportunity for us to go out there just like any other week and execute.”
The Browns have been one of the league’s surprising teams through the first four games of the season, and the special teams unit has been part of that, especially in the kicking game.
Today’s game presents another challenge, along with an opportunity to erase the memory of what happened the last time the Browns lined up against the Jets on special teams.
