Browns 4th quarter struggles may be team’s biggest problem or highlights them

The Cleveland Browns have a load of issues to deal with. The list is not short with these few issues topping it:

• Injuries

• Passing game/Baker Mayfield problems

• Everything on defense outside of Myles Garrett

• Why can’t Jarvis Landry be more involved?

• Joe Woods schemes

• Offensive play calling especially on fourth downs and in the red zone

There is also the lingering wonder if owner Jimmy Haslam will get an itch to make more major changes, as he has done time and time again since owning the team, if struggles continue.

As either the team’s biggest problem or simply highlighting all of the above concerns, the Browns fourth quarter struggles are quite problematic. To put them in context, Cleveland would be tied for the best record in the NFL if every game ended after the third quarter:

Obviously, games do not end after three quarters but the 8 – 2 mark is incredible given their 5 – 5 record and overall struggles this season.

The only games that the Browns were trailing after three quarters are their two blowout losses to the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots.

The inability to finish games can have multiple factors including coaching and the team’s diminished roster due to injuries. (The talent and coaching on the other teams is a factor as well.)

Whatever the problem is, Cleveland will need to start closing games out in the fourth quarter if they want to turn their season around.