The Atlanta Falcons' 28-16 loss to the Browns certainly qualifies as a 'drubbing' ... but it's far from an embarrassing setback.
Why is that?
Unlike the previous two seasons, when Cleveland aimlessly waded through an unforgivable 1-31 stretch, the current Browns are loaded with premium young talent--namely rookies Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb.
Mayfield and Chubb were at their absolute best on Sunday, accounting for 430-plus scrimmage yards and five touchdowns against the beleaguered Falcons defense.
As such, Atlanta (4-5 overall, 3rd place in the NFC South) must quickly regain its bearings and prepare for a brutal stretch of the Cowboys (home), Saints (road), Ravens (home) and Packers (road) over the next four weekends.
UGLY START
The Falcons were behind the proverbial 8-ball from the get-go, allowing Mayfield and Co. to collect 88 yards on the opening drive, culminating with Rashard Higgins' 28-yard touchdown reception.
In the second quarter, Atlanta's brief lead (10-7) was quickly absorbed by Cleveland's versatile offense, featuring the former UGA star Chubb.
The Cedartown native's ascension began with a 13-yard touchdown catch, off a perfectly executed screen play. Chubb then went viral in the third quarter, reeling off a 92-yard touchdown run–the longest scoring jaunt of the NFL season.
In all, Chubb accounted for 209 total yards (176 rushing) and two touchdowns, the ideal complement to Mayfield (three TD passes) and his 85-percent completion rate for the day.
From a stats perspective, the Falcons led the way in first downs, total plays, passing yards and time of possession; but it didn't mean much on Sunday.
There are two explanations for the above rationale:
a) The Chubb-focused Browns averaged 8.5 yards per play.
b) Cleveland won the turnover battle, 2-1.
c) The Falcons were awful around the goal line, failing to convert from the 1-yard line early in the fourth quarter.
Roughly six minutes later, the offense nearly squandered another possession inside the 5 ... before tight end Austin Hooper (10 catches, 56 yards, 1 TD) momentarily saved the day with a touchdown catch.
Unfortunately for the Falcons, it was a case of too little, too late.
