Browns Outlast Jaguars 18-13 In Wild Week 2 Battle: Game Notes

The Browns dominated the first half, the Jaguars the second. In a mess of a game, the Browns pulled out a much-needed win down in Jacksonville.

(Photo - Cleveland Browns)

Two teams with playoff expectations squared off today in Jacksonville, but the product on the field was sloppy, uneven, and full of streaky play. Ultimately the Browns outlasted the Jaguars 18-13 in a game that was as strange and unique as the final score. We will have plenty of thoughts to break down in the coming days but for now let’s recap this game with our very own Browns Film Breakdown Game Notes.

• The offense in the first half consisted of gun inside zone and under-center duo in the vertical run game that I have been hoping they could develop. They paired things well to work pin/pull sweep with their under-center looks and some RPO lateral run game from the gun. It all meshed well. The spacing felt better.

• The second half became condensed as the Jaguars played more aggressive to the line-of-scrimmage and blitzed the quarterback at a higher rate. We will break down the exact differences this week but the Browns went for 195 yards in the first half and just 102 in the second half. They tighten up.

• Overall, it was a very big step in the right direction for Deshaun Watson. His stat line doesn’t pop in this one but he was able to navigate sloppy play in front of him most of the game and play turnover free football. He also dealt with four drops — including a key one for a chunk play from Amari Cooper.

• The quarterback run game was in action as well with Watson running five times for 20 yards including a touchdown. The Browns put on display that they will use him to run the football and balance run game numbers. Again, a step in the right direction.