The roller-coaster ride continued on Sunday.
Now an uninspiring 5-5, the clock is ticking on the Browns to rediscover a groove — to finally string together a series of consistent performances to make a postseason push.
I wish I did,” said Bitonio, when asked to explain Cleveland’s drastic week-to-week inconsistency.
Last season, Cleveland surged into its first playoff appearance since 2002 after developing into one of the league’s most reliable teams. The Browns didn’t win every game the final two-thirds of the season.
By his own admission, Mayfield has been banged up since Week 2, when he tore the labrum in his non-throwing shoulder.
Last season, when he ranked No.
Mayfield has had similar sterling moments this season, most notably last weekend when he torched Cincinnati in a 41-16 rout following days of drama surrounding Odell Beckham Jr.’s eventual release.
“We’ve talked about a certain standard that you set for yourself, and you have to live up to it every day,” said Mayfield, who doomed the Browns with an interception on Cleveland’s second drive, igniting the Patriots’ rout.
He signed four new starters in safety John Johnson III, nickelback Troy Hill, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and linebacker Anthony Walker.
At times, the talented Browns defense has been smothering.
And, like so often this year, they couldn’t force a turnover that might have changed the game — just the way Mayfield’s interception did against New England.
“I’ve seen some good moments from our offense, from our defense and from special teams. We just have to put it all together.