Cleveland Browns face tough challenges after season-opening loss

The Cleveland Browns faced a disappointing start to their season with a 33-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys at home. The team struggled significantly, managing only one first down in the first half, while the Cowboys secured 13. Coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized the need for improvement across various areas, acknowledging that both the running and passing games were ineffective. The absence of two starting offensive linemen due to injuries further complicated the team's performance. Quarterback Deshaun Watson's inconsistency was a notable concern, as he missed key throws that could have altered the game's outcome. This performance was not unexpected given his limited playing time over the past two years. The Browns' decision to rest their regular players, including Watson, during the preseason raised questions about their preparedness for the season opener. Following this loss, the Browns are set to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in their next game. The team must regroup and address the issues highlighted in their performance against the Cowboys. Guard Joel Bitonio stressed the importance of self-reflection among players to improve for the upcoming match. The Browns have now been outscored 78-31 in their last two games, including a previous playoff loss to Houston. This trend raises concerns about the team's ability to compete effectively moving forward, as they seek to regain their footing in the season ahead.