Where was the "new look" Cleveland Browns offense we were promised all training camp?

The Cleveland Browns offense struggles in season opener loss | 3 Big Takeaways. The Browns dropped their season opener 33-17 to the Cowboys in a disappointing fashion, one filled with penalties and struggles to create a flow on offense. Cleveland also gave up a touchdown on a punt return and dealt with some inconsistency defensively.

"That's not good enough to win in this game versus a good football team," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Really disappointed in our performance, too sloppy. Minus two in the turnover battle, gave up a punt return. Offensively, felt like we were behind the chains the vast majority of the game, which is, again, not good enough and not how we need to play in order to win football games."

Here are three main takeaways from the season opener.

Browns struggle to find offensive rhythm

The Browns could not create an offensive flow throughout their first game with QB Deshaun Watson at the helm of the offense. They ended their opening offensive drive with a 51-yard field goal from K Dustin Hopkins.

Yet, after their opening offensive drive, the Browns had four straight three-and-outs. They had seven total possessions where they were forced to punt.

Watson was sacked six times and hit a total of 17 times over the course of the game. He also threw two interceptions – one in the second quarter when his pass was tipped by LB Micah Parsons and intercepted by LC Eric Kendricks, and a second interception in the fourth quarter on a pass intended for WR Elijah Moore but was caught by CB Trevon Diggs.

Watson finished the game completing 24 of 45 passing attempts for 169 passing yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Stefanski said that Watson took too many hits today and they have to do a better job of protecting the quarterback.

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