Hue Jackson's had few complaints with how his team has responded to adjustments and deficits in the second halves of games this season.
It's the first 30 minutes that's been troublesome, particularly in the past two games, as the Browns have faced 14-point deficits to start the past two third quarters. Cleveland rallied in both games to produce a competitive finish but came away on the wrong side of the scoreboard each time.
In an ideal scenario, Jackson hopes that storyline washes away after Sunday's game against the Bengals.
"It is adjustments," Jackson said. "We see what offenses are trying to do to us, and we are able to make those adjustments to slow that down. It is no different on offense. It is the same thing. We start slow and then all of a sudden, we pick it up in the second half. We make the adjustments. We have to start faster on both sides of the ball. Hopefully, that will help us attain the goal that we are chasing, and that is winning."
The Browns have yet to hold a lead through three games this season and have surrendered touchdowns in all three first quarters. The past two second halves, though, have seen the Browns defense limit the opposition to a combined six points while putting together plenty of offensive scoring chances.
It's been too little, too late, and the Browns would certainly prefer to play with a lead.
"It is a mentality," quarterback DeShone Kizer said. "It is a mindset. You have to be focused in on that all week. We know that we have to start every practice fast. We have to start every rep of a drill fast. That hopefully will carry over into the game so that we can go out and execute our gameplan the best we can in that first quarter."
-- Browns defensive stalwarts Myles Garrett (ankle) and Jamie Collins Sr. (concussion) remained away from practice Wednesday.
Jackson said Garrett could practice this week and wouldn't rule him out for Sunday's game.
"He just needs to practice," Jackson said. "I mean, if he is able to play we might not play him the whole game, so we will see how that unfolds if he is able to go. We will find out more as we go through the week."
Kizer said he's seen Garrett "working his butt off" to get back on the field and prepare for what would be his NFL debut -- whenever it happens to be.
"Can't wait," Kizer said. "I have seen him since rookie minicamp and OTAs. He is a freak of an athlete and I can't wait for him to come out and make some plays for us."
