Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Browns WR Elijah Moore goes the wrong way

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 10/1/23

Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore lost his sense of direction.

During the first quarter against Baltimore, the WR ran backward for a 15-yard loss when it was first-and-10, and the Browns were on the Ravens 19-yard line. Ultimately, it was a costly play as Cleveland had to settle for a Dustin Hopkins field goal.

Browns WR Elijah Moore running backwards for a loss of 15. pic.twitter.com/kscXDvC37Q
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) October 1, 2023

Cleveland's starting QB Deshaun Watson is out with a right shoulder injury, so rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson is filling in. Since the Browns have a QB disadvantage, they can't afford more poor offensive execution, which costs them points.

Through three games, the Cleveland defense has been excellent, allowing the fewest yards in the league (491). However, the offense has struggled with inconsistency, tying for second-to-last in turnover differential and ranking 13th in points scored (73).

Nonetheless, the Browns hold a decent chance to win their first division title since 1989 after a solid 2-1 start. Yet Cleveland needs an offensive uptick to become a playoff team. And it must avoid negative plays like this one.

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