After a game that seemed to be well in hand turned pear-shaped on the Cleveland Browns in Week 2, fans took to Twitter to take out their frustrations on the team’s fourth-quarter collapse. It took a herculean effort for the Browns to lose to the New York Jets in this matchup, and though the defense wasn’t the only factor in the loss, it was certainly the most obvious.
Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco led the Jets downfield for a touchdown on New York’s final drive, initially tying the game at 30 before kicker Greg Zuerlein nailed the extra point to go up by one with just 25 seconds remaining. The Browns looked like they might make a comeback on the strength of a long Jacoby Brissett run on the ensuing drive that had them within striking distance of field goal range, but a late interception doomed their chances at the win.
Here were the best reactions from Browns’ Twitter following the last-minute drama against the Jets:
Joe Woods might have to lose his job tomorrow.
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) September 18, 2022
Nobody gives up 2nd/3rd and longs like a Joe Woods defense
— Jordan (@Legend0fZeus) September 18, 2022
This #Browns defense is back to not stopping anyone. Especially when it matters the most.
Joe Woods doesn’t belong coaching a defense in this league. He has all the talent over there, but can’t get a decent scheme to work against a below average offense.
Massive concern.
— Russell Williams (@Russ_Will_) September 18, 2022
This is why Joe Woods catches heat! Because he picks 5-6 games a year where he lets no name washed up QB’s walk down the field with no sort of pressure to speak of! 10 yard cushions and zone coverage. Flacco should be getting pressure every play period! Make them earn it #Browns
— Garrett Bush (@Gbush91) September 18, 2022
Would it be an exaggeration if Joe Woods was unemployed tomorrow?
His time here has been a rollercoaster but it feels like the defensive gameplan in the 2nd half was decided by a drunk guy in the Dawg Pound.
Today was inexcusable #Browns
— MoreForYouCleveland (@MoreForYou_CLE) September 18, 2022
This is basically unforgivable from Joe Woods https://t.co/oBAZSdXGBV
— Orange and Brown Rpt (@TheOBR) September 18, 2022
Matt #CanadasOffense…Joe Woods Defense…#Steelers at #Browns THUUUURRRRSSSSDAYYYYY…on Prime!!!!
— Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) September 18, 2022
Ok, this is now a Joe Woods problem.
No pressure, blitzing four. Garrett Wilson is open every play. #Browns
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) September 18, 2022
Jacoby Brissett plays lights out, Chubb and Hunt hammer the defense down with less than two minutes left.
Joe Woods and Jeff Howard are on the hot seat. Unbelievably terrible performance.
— Cory (@realcorykinnan) September 18, 2022
Clearly, the Browns’ defensive coordinator is in for a tough week of press conferences in the wake of this monumental defeat. The team might not be as quick to part ways with Woods as some fans seem to hope, but after losing so spectacularly to a husk of a football team like the Jets, one certainly can’t blame the Cleveland faithful for their frustration.
The schedule doesn’t let up for the Browns at all, either. Their next game is just four days away on Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which will be an interesting matchup after Cleveland’s Jekkel and Hyde start to the season.
Woods could do a lot for his long-term job security by putting together a cohesive gameplan for Pittsburgh that doesn’t involve leaving top receiving targets open on nearly every play. If he manages to do that, Cleveland might have a shot at getting back above .500 heading into the meat of their schedule.
