Look for a much greater role from running back Quinshon Judkins in the rookie's second game against the Packers. (Cleveland Browns)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns and NFL analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Through two games, the special teams are – for lack of a better word – killing the Browns. They have submarined the team’s chances to win in both games.
First, the Browns have trailed the opposition in both games in average drive start, which is largely, though not totally, a function of special teams.
The Bengals started each offensive possession on average at their 37-yard line. The Browns averaged the 27-yard line. The Ravens started each offensive possession on average at their 38-yard line. The Browns averaged the 31-yard line.
Beyond that, special teams have produced five negative plays that directly or indirectly cost the Browns a total of 21 points.
In Game 1, a 23-yard Bengals punt return set up a short field for Joe Burrow and led to a Cincinnati TD. Plus, Andre Szmyt’s missed PAT and missed 36-yard field goal were the difference in that 17-16 defeat.
In Game 2, a 23-yard Ravens punt return set up a short field for Lamar Jackson and led to a Baltimore field goal. And a blocked punt resulted in a Ravens TD.
“Look, it’s been a short season,” said special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, who may officially be labeled as “embattled.” “There’s been two games played, so we’re gonna look to hopefully get back on track, address the areas that we need to improve on in the next couple days.”
Ventrone has made at least two changes to his units.
* With punt returner DeAndre Carter in concussion protocol, Isaiah Bond will be the No. 1 punt returner. In an emergency role last week in Baltimore, Bond’s top priority was merely to catch Baltimore’s punts without incident. After a week of practice, Bond now is looking to rip off some returns of note.
Bond – he of the 4.39 40 speed – told me he returned only one punt in college his freshman year. But he repped punt returns a lot in practice and is ready to show his stuff.
“I think I have the skill set to be a great returner,” Bond said.
* Safety Grant Delpit will replace safety Ronnie Hickman as the protector on Cleveland punts.
Hickman was beat on the Ravens’ blocked punt.
“We just gotta execute it better, blocking technique, have a base, time our punch,” Ventrone said. “Disappointing, but, yeah, it is what it is. You gotta coach it up and move on. We made the change we felt we needed to do.”
Punter Corey Bojorquez had his right (plant) ankle shaken up on the block, but stayed in and pinned the Ravens inside their 10-yard line on his next two punts.
Bojorquez has been “limited” each day of the practice week. Ventrone said the Browns worked out punters in case Bojorquez couldn’t play against the Packers. But Bojorquez said his ankle is feeling better and it appears he won’t be sidelined.
Q is more ready
With a full week of practice for the first time, the Browns are expected to commit fully to Quinshon Judkins as their feature back against the Packers.
Judkins had 71 total yards on 13 touches in 20 offensive snaps.
“Really, [for] not having a ton of work leading up to it, we were pleased with how he went out there and performed both mentally and physically,” said offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. “And as he gets back into the flow of feeling the runs and just being integrated back with the group, and the offensive line. We expect him to continue to develop and as a young player, that’s what you’re looking for, and that’s our expectation with him right now. So, [we’re] pleased to have him back. Pleased the way he’s working. He brings a certain intensity to the group that I think is a real positive. So, happy with where he’s at.”
Judkins said the full practice week will “help a lot.”
“Just because it’s a team thing and everybody has to be on the same page and communicate well and [it] helps you have more time to prepare,” he said.
Brownie bits
Left guard Joel Bitonio was a DNP the past two days with a back injury he has battled for the past couple years. He calls it “old man’s back.” “I’m working through it,” he said. “The hardest part is you don’t know when it’s going to pops up. Hopefully it starts feeling better by Sunday.” …
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz didn’t gloss mince words when commenting on the play of cornerback Cam Mitchell in Baltimore. Pressed into extra duty after Denzel Ward suffered from cramping, Mitchell was beat for three touchdowns. “Well, when we don’t have Denzel, obviously it’s a difference for us,” Schwartz said. “But our guys that step in the game have to be trusted to execute the scheme. He had a rough day. He’s played good football for us in the past. He had a rough day in this game and needs to bounce back from that.” …
I asked Schwartz if he’s concerned that the heavy lifting of the defense through two games will take its toll over the long season unless the offense and special teams help out. “No. I mean, that’s what we’re expected to do,” he said. “You know, we’re expected to go out, and get stops, and keep the score down and set the offense up.” Expounding, he said, “We need those game-changing plays, and we don’t need to search those game-changing plays. We need to make plays that come to us. Doing it with effort, doing it with physicality, and doing it sound.”