Ravens vs. Browns: Cleveland Plagued by Inconsistent Play in Loss To Baltimore

Consistency. That is something the Cleveland Browns have been looking for the entire 2010 season. 

On more than a couple of occasions this year they have looked consistent in all phases of the game, with the culmination of that effort being back-to-back decisive wins against the defending Super Bowl champions, the New Orleans Saints, and another team perennially considered to be a Super Bowl contender, the New England Patriots.

Yet today in Cleveland Browns Stadium, the Browns failed to put together a consistent effort on either side of the ball, and the result was a third straight loss, this time to the Baltimore Ravens.

After scoring the game's first touchdown, the Browns offense struggled mightily.  Colt McCoy threw three interceptions, the first time he's thrown multiple interceptions in a single game since his NFL debut at Pittsburgh in Week 6.  Running back Peyton Hillis, who ran for 144 yards and a score the first time these two teams met, found the sledding much tougher this time, as he failed to gain over 60 yards for the second consecutive game.  That Cleveland's wide receivers had several drops in key situations certainly didn't help matters, either.

Defensively, the Browns were once again pushed around the field, as Ravens running back Ray Rice found plenty of room to run all day.  The Browns pass rush also failed to get to quarterback Joe Flacco, as he was able to throw for two touchdown passes.

There were some bright spots in the loss today, however.  Brian Robiskie continues to progress as a receiver, as he caught his second touchdown pass in as many weeks, a 29-yard reception from fellow receiver Mohamed Massaquoi on a trick play.  The Browns also seemed to have success running gadget plays, with not only the aforementioned pass from Massaquoi to Robiskie going for a touchdown, but Joshua Cribbs gaining a couple of first downs out of the wildcat.  And Joe Haden recorded his team-leading sixth interception of the season, as well.

At the end of the day, however, the performance of the Browns as a whole has mirrored a season of inconsistent play for the team that has left many looking for answers. 

Some people believe the path to consistency begins by firing head coach Eric Mangini and bringing in someone like Jon Gruden, who they feel would better use the current and future talent of the team.  They argue that while Mangini has made the Browns more competitive, some of the in-game decisions he has made do not translate into long-term success.

Then there are others who clamor for the Browns to stay the course and retain the services of Eric Mangini for at least one more season. 

They argue that firing Mangini is not the answer for a couple of reasons.  The first is that the Browns have struggled since they returned to the league in 1999 in part because instability in the coaching staff has meant the franchise has to go through rebuilding pains every two or three years.  The next is that the team's struggles this season are due to inferior talent, not necessarily Mangini's coaching.

One thing is for certain, however.  Unless the Browns can take steps to become more consistent in all phases of the game, losses like today will only continue to pile up.  Whether that means changes in personnel and coaching staff or just changes in personnel remains to be seen.