CLEVELAND -- Observed and heard in the locker room after the Cleveland Browns' 30-0 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals:
Deflated, deflated, deflated: The Browns' locker room had been upbeat all season, even after losses -- until now, after they suffered their first blowout. The Browns looked devastated, a little confused. "We just got whupped," right guard John Greco said. The Browns were searching for answers but did acknowledge, according to Josh Gordon, "[the Bengals] were just getting off the ball a lot quicker" on both sides.
Johnny Letdown: The Browns tried to support Johnny Manziel and said no quarteback will be successful when plays are not executed correctly. But obviously he struggled mightily. Coach Mike Pettine recognized that Manziel looked indecisive at times but said "we didn't play well around him at all." Pettine also said the same thing about Brian Hoyer the past few weeks.
Injuries galore: A team hampered by injuries all season adds more names to the list. Cornerbacks Joe Haden (shoulder) and Justin Gilbert (concussion) both left the game early with injuries. Wide receiver/kick returner Marlon Moore has a knee injury. Nose tackle Ishmaa'ily Kitchen limped out of the locker room with his left knee wrapped. Pettine acknowledged that a bunch of players will need MRIs on Monday.
