The Browns have 266 more yards than their opponents, but the wins column doesn't reflect that

Billy Heyen

The Browns have 266 more yards than their opponents, but the wins column doesn't reflect that image

The Cleveland Browns' defense has played very well, on the high majority of its plays.

Even the Browns' offense hasn't been miserable.

The simple way to reflect that is in yardage. Through two weeks, the Browns have gained 649 yards and have allowed 383 yards.

That's a 266-yard advantage through two weeks of the NFL season.

But the Browns are 0-2.

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They lost a narrow one in Week 1, 17-16 to the Bengals, needing better kicking from Andre Szmyt to potentially win it.

Sunday in Week 2 wasn't as close. The Ravens smoked Cleveland, 41-17.

But the Browns continue to get some yardage. It's turnovers and special teams mistakes that have cost them.

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In just the general reality of moving the football, Cleveland does a solid job while also using its talented defense to slow down the opposition.

But in the bigger picture, the Browns just don't seem ready for the major plays that can decide football games.

If Cleveland keeps outgaining its opponents, it might win a few games sooner rather than later.

But sometimes, mistakes can outweigh the gains. And that's what's happening for the Browns right now.

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Billy Heyen

Billy Heyen is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He is a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University who has written about many sports and fantasy sports for The Sporting News. Sports reporting work has also appeared in a number of newspapers, including the Sandusky Register and Rochester Democrat & Chronicle