The Cleveland Browns went into a huge rivalry game Thursday night with their team needing a win.
While Deshaun Watson was out, Jacoby Brissett was leading the team’s offense.
However, the veteran QB did all the right things to get his team a tremendous victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
So, what was he doing right and can he continue playing well for the Browns?
Brissett Made No Mistakes With The Ball
While the running game did its job, the veteran QB also did his part by making no mistakes.
He finished the game 21-for-31, passing for 220 yards and two touchdowns.
Don't 😴 on Jacoby Brissett 🦾
🔸 21/31 completions/attempts
🔸 220 passing yards
🔸 2 TDs
🔸109.6 QB rating pic.twitter.com/RjU3Xb2NYS— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@sportingnews) September 23, 2022
However, him throwing zero interceptions was his way of protecting the ball.
The passing yards were also solid, as he posted his second 200+ yard game of the 2022 season.
With him making no mistakes passing, he helped lead his team to a hard-fought victory.
While Nick Chubb had a great night on the ground, it was Brissett who provided some critical rushing yards and first downs.
He did all this while allowing no turnovers in the game, leading to a clean game by the offense.
However, there are some other interesting facts from Thursday night’s game pertaining to Brissett and the Browns’ offense.
Brissett Was Solid On Fourth Downs
The Browns took plenty of risks on fourth downs in Thursday night’s game.
However, most of them paid off as Brissett and the offense converted on three out of four fourth-down situations.
The only failed fourth-down conversion came on a drop by Amari Cooper.
Amari Cooper doesn't control fourth down pass from Brissett. #Steelers take over with 30 seconds left first half. Pittsburgh 14, #Browns 13.
— Jeff Schudel (@jsproinsider) September 23, 2022
Had he maintained possession, the Browns could have scored on that drive and might have been 4-4 for the night on fourth downs.
But even with the one failed conversion, Brissett was still 75% on fourth downs.
While his success in those clutch moments is great, they need him to do better on third downs.
Browns Can’t Regress With On Third Downs
Converting on fourth downs is rare, but getting to that point isn’t something the Browns want to continue doing.
This requires the team and Brissett perform better on pivotal third downs.
During the Thursday night match, the Browns only converted 6 of their 16 third-down attempts.
The 37.5% efficiency rate from that game is considered the middle point among all teams for the 2022 season.
However, the good news is that the Browns’ average this season on third downs is 47.83%, ranking them ninth.
2021 through 3 games:
42% on third down
57% on fourth down2022 through 3 games:
48% on third down
67% on fourth down— Browns/Cavs/Guardians (@2016ChampsCLE) September 23, 2022
While the team is doing better over their 2021 season start, they can’t allow for any sort of regression.
Brissett and the Browns’ offense need better play-calling in these key moments.
But with Brissett’s history of being a short-yardage passer, it puts pressure on the running game.
It also might force the veteran QB to take more shots downfield.
If he can improve his long-yardage plays, then the Browns’ efficiency on third downs will continue to do well.
However, with the Browns winning games, they might be content with the gameplay they are currently getting from Brissett.
NEXT: Josh Rosen Has A Job To Start The 2022 Season