The Cleveland Browns continue to struggle this season, currently holding a disappointing record of 2-7. Special teams issues have played a significant role in this lackluster performance, leading to crucial losses that could have been avoided. As the team prepares for their upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens on November 16, 2023, the impact of these errors is becoming increasingly clear.
Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone expressed frustration over the team’s inability to capitalize on opportunities. The Browns’ most recent setback came during a 27-20 defeat to the New York Jets on November 9, where they allowed both a kick return touchdown and a punt return touchdown in the first quarter. These mistakes have contributed to the team’s current standing, where they could have been a competitive 4-5 heading into a pivotal matchup.
Ventrone acknowledged the challenges his unit has faced, stating, “We haven’t played near our capabilities. We’ve had too many issues with just dumb football, dumb mistakes.” Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the team’s potential to improve. “I expect these guys to respond. We made the corrections. It’s a new week, and we’re excited about the opportunity to play against the Ravens.”
The Browns’ special teams have consistently underperformed throughout the season. They currently rank 29th in both punt and kick coverage. Earlier in the season, a crucial blocked punt by the Ravens led to a quick touchdown, resulting in a decisive 41-17 loss for the Browns. Defensive player Trey Avery, involved in these two recent touchdowns, was cut from the team shortly after the Jets game, indicating a shift in strategy.
Coach Kevin Stefanski has publicly supported Ventrone, highlighting the need for improvement while maintaining confidence in the coaching staff. “I have a ton of faith in Bubba. We need to be better — that’s the case. We’ll continue to coach our guys hard,” he stated in a recent Zoom call. Stefanski emphasized the importance of technique and consistency, noting that the coaching staff is committed to addressing these issues.
The Browns’ season has been marred by missed opportunities, particularly in their opening game against the Cincinnati Bengals, where kicker Andre Szmyt missed a crucial extra point and field goal, contributing to a narrow 17-16 loss. Despite these early setbacks, Szmyt has improved, successfully converting 12-of-15 field goal attempts and 14-of-15 extra points since the opener.
As the Browns look to turn their season around, the upcoming clash with the Ravens represents a critical opportunity. With the AFC North standings tightly contested, improving special teams performance will be essential for any hope of playoff contention. The Browns’ ability to rectify these issues will determine their trajectory as the season progresses.
