CLEVELAND — The Browns were riding high heading into Sunday's game against the Chargers and came crashing back down to earth at some point during it.
Cleveland was dismantled by the Los Angeles Chargers, 38-14, in a game in which the team was overpowered and outplayed from start to finish.
The loss was the Browns' first at home and worst of the season following three overtime finishes and five games that were decided by an average of 2.6 points.
Behind veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, the Chargers scored on their opening drive and never looked back. They rolled up 449 yards of offense and came after rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield (22-of-46, 238 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 5 sacks) all day long.
Player of the game: Chargers WR Tyrell Williams: Typically a role player for the Los Angeles offense, Williams carved up the Browns' typically stout secondary on three catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Key moment: Leading 7-3 in the second quarter, Rivers hit Williams with back-to-back passes of 44 and 45 yards on a two-play scoring drive that set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
Stat of the game: 246 — The Browns were gashed time and again by Melvin Gordon and company, surrendering 246 yards rushing on 36 carries. Gordon finished with 18 carries for 132 yards and three touchdowns.
Who's next?: The Browns play the Buccaneers in Tampa next week.
The Cleveland Browns play the Los Angeles Chargers at FirstEnergy Stadium in Week 6.
DB Jabrill Peppers returns a punt in the first half.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) rushes in the first half during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) rushes in the first half during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) hands the ball off to running back Carlos Hyde (34) during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield scrambles in the first half during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) in the first half during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) scrambles under pressure from Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Desmond King (20) in the first half during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns kicker Greg Joseph watches the ball after making a 33-yard field goal in the first half during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) scrambles in the first half during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
RB Duke Johnson runs the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers.
TE David Njoku makes a catch against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) leaps to a avoid a tackle in the first half during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry (80) rushes against Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Desmond King (20) in the first half during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Damion Ratley (18) catches a pass under pressure from Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Trevor Williams (24) in the first half during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler (30) rushes against the Cleveland Browns in the second half during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
