A boring game of just bad offense, not good defense, ended with the Cleveland Browns falling to 3-2 in 2026, with the New York Jets pulling off the 17-12 Week 5 victory to move to 2-3 on the year. The rain and two key injuries contributed to the Browns failures on offense. OT Tytus Howard was injured, returned, and then was replaced by OT Dawand Jones in the second half.
The bigger story was another dirty hit by S Minkah Fitzpatrick, this time to the head of rookie WR KC Concepcion, taking away one
of Cleveland’s best weapons. His replacement, WR Isaiah Bond, may have cost the Browns the game with multiple drops against the Jets.
A few key takeaways from Cleveland’s Week 5 loss to New York:
Ronnie Hickman missed tackles on first drive lead to score
Has been a problem for most of the year, including late in the 2nd quarter, but Hickman’s missed tackles directly led to the Jets first score of the game. Could see more Emmanuel McNeil-Warren if the issue continues. None are true free safeties, but missing one-on-one tackles continues to be an issue for Hickman.
Coverage giving time for pressure
Teamwork is key on defense, with most of Cleveland’s pressure coming due to the secondary and linebackers keeping QB Geno Smith from having open receivers. The Browns still cannot get quick pressure on the outside, but the interior of the line is doing their job, with a little help from the backside of the defense.
Run game needs adjustments
Something has to give as RB Quinshon Judkins continues to struggle to have holes to run through, finding holes, and getting anywhere with the rushing attack. Cleveland’s line is more suited for under center, zone-based blocking, but this game required more downhill-style attack. The shotgun offense is a different, also concerning, takeaway.
Minkah Fitzpatrick’s dirty hit moves him up the CLE hate list
After injuring RB Nick Chubb a couple of years ago, a play that probably led to the star back’s early retirement, Fitzpatrick was at it again in Week 5 versus the Browns:
Not sure where this lands him on the Cleveland hate list, but it is at least Top 10 and maybe Top 5?
Field conditions, adjustments to it big
Rain is not an excuse, but something worth noting. The wet turf, versus grass, was very slick and made things more difficult for anyone trying to change direction. The problem is that the Browns run game is movement-based, and the Jets used more power-based schemes in the game. Cleveland offensive players struggled with traction, while Browns defenders were easily pushed around.
Shotgun offense has positives, negatives
It is clear that QB Deshaun Watson is more comfortable in the shotgun, and has had some success, but the run game is impacted by everything being back so far. Play-action looks very different, fewer outside zone runs, and defenses have a very specific mesh point to attack. The Browns have had the most success when they move the pocket for Watson, something they could do more of under center with play-action boots, waggles, etc. Instead, the shotgun helps Watson, but limits the run and pass game.
2nd-and-long runs are rarely good
Not sure why, but analytics-loving Todd Monken loves a good second-and-long run, something analytics believes is a terrible call for a variety of reasons. It is especially bad when the run game isn’t working. Often, Monken has Watson turning to hand the ball off on an up-the-middle run on second and nine, second and 10, with the play gaining three or fewer yards.
Monken has to get out of that habit.
Michael Burton, Teven Jenkins wasting roster spots
Jenkins has not been healthy all year, but instead of putting him on injured reserve, he’s now taken up a roster spot for five straight weeks despite not being able to play, and only a few practices. Burton might be the bigger surprise, but doesn’t fit the shotgun scheme. In four games, prior to Week 4, Burton played one more snap on special teams than on offense (41 to 40).
Seems like poor roster management work between GM Andrew Berry and Monken.
Todd Monken struggling with time management things
While it didn’t lead to anything horrific, Monken’s strategy, or lack thereof, at the end of the first half is concerning. Left two timeouts on the board and then gave the Jets a chance to get points by having 10 seconds left when they had to punt. Thankfully, the punt return took the rest of the time off the clock.
Quincy Williams played well against his former team
Big forced fumble in the third quarter with Jets inside the 10-yard line was his third forced of the game. Solid tackling overall, and speed all over the field.
Williams had a huge pass breakup on a 4th quarter 3rd and 1 play that led to a punt.
Denzel Boston, Harold Fannin were not involved enough early
Until the touchdown pass below, Boston and Fannin had just three targets in the game. Then this happened, showing how important getting the ball to their playmakers (especially with Concepcion out):
In the end, Boston ended up with seven targets, tying Jerry Jeudy and Bond for the team lead, while Fannin had four. While teams might be looking to take away Boston, especially with Concepcion out, it is up to Monken and Watson to get him the ball as often as possible.
More zone likely due to weather concerns
Most of the game, Cleveland seemed to play everything safe not wanting to give up big plays on defense or make big mistakes on offense. Given the footing issues, zone coverage is a safer call, despite the Browns defense being much better in man coverage.
Offense’s drive falls apart after big Isaiah Bond gain in 4th
One of Bond’s good plays, a 30-yard catch and run out of bounds, was followed by:
- Illegal formation on Dawand Jones, 10-yard penalty
- Watson sacked for a 10-yard loss
- Delay of game penalty
- Incomplete pass
- Watson sacked for an 8-yard loss
From almost in field goal range to punting from their own 27-yard line is an impressive failure while down four points.
Deshaun Watson’s legs key multiple games this year
Key 20-yard scramble in the 4th quarter was big; a number of times Watson was able to extend plays with his legs instead of taking a loss. Far from perfect, as seen late in the game, but Watson’s scramble ability was key to any success the Browns had on offense. Monken noted after the game that the offense was basically just Watson running around trying to make plays.
Special teams makes things difficult late times two
A missed extra point made the lead just two, then they gave up a 36-yard return.
A high snap and P Corey Bojorquez can’t corral, giving the Jets the ball in scoring position and leading to the game-winning touchdown.
Defense keeps being big time
LB Carson Schwesinger was in the blue tent and limping just before forcing the fumble that DT Adin Huntington recovered. Hard to be perfect on defense with the way the league’s rules are, but Cleveland’s defense has been darn good overall.
Lack of run game leads to terrible possession after turnover
Following up on the last two points, the Browns defense gives the offense the ball with a chance to build on their two-point lead with just over four minutes left in the contest. Then Judkins ran out of bounds for no gain. Then two incomplete passes led to the punt that was fumbled.
Three plays, nine seconds off the clock. Not good enough.
Multiple Isaiah Bond drops
Late 4th quarter drop was huge. Had a big play earlier in the game, but a few drops by the youngster were a problem throughout the game when he got a chance after Concepcion’s absence.
Dawand Jones is not a Tytus Howard upgrade
Oftentimes, fans want the backup more than the starter. That is usually reserved for the quarterback position, but Howard’s early struggles led to many wanting Jones to replace him. In the second half, Jones was beaten regularly in pass protection and was clearly not an upgrade over Howard.
Monken, Watson have few answers, options
Extra protection or more men in the route? Either way, it didn’t work out late in the game as the offense lost Week 5 for the Browns. As Monken noted after the game, “We have not played a complete game” this year, with the offense being the problem this week. Cleveland’s offense just wasn’t able to do enough throughout the game, and Watson’s inconsistencies, along with the run game struggles, continue to make things more difficult for the team’s ability to score.
What are your takeaways from the Browns loss to the Jets in Week 5?
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