As the NFL season progresses, we are beginning to gain a better understanding of how different teams are shaping up. One team that has been struggling immensely is the Cleveland Browns, whose offense has been described as a “smoldering crater” by analysts. Despite Deshaun Watson being handed the largest fully guaranteed contract in league history, his performance since joining the Browns in 2022 has been disappointing, with regression evident week after week.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs have managed to keep winning, although they have shown vulnerabilities in their gameplay. In the first two weeks, the Chiefs had to rely on Isaiah Likely to fill big shoes and Harrison Butker to make a crucial 51-yard field goal in order to fend off the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. Their victory on Sunday required a stellar defensive stand to secure a 3-0 record.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles had a challenging game against the New Orleans Saints, struggling to convert opportunities into points. However, in a crucial moment on the last drive, Jalen Hurts and Dallas Goedert connected on a game-changing play, highlighting their potential as a dynamic duo.
Taking a deeper dive into the game film from this past week, it becomes clear that each of these teams is facing unique challenges and opportunities. In a critical moment for the Browns, Watson and his team needed just three feet to keep their hopes alive. Trailing the winless New York Giants 21-15, Cleveland had a fourth-and-1 situation at their own 29-yard line with less than four minutes remaining, showcasing the high-stakes nature of NFL games.
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how these storylines unfold and which teams will rise to the occasion when it matters most.