The Cleveland Browns lost their franchise record 12th consecutive game Sunday as they got annihilated by the Dallas Cowboys 35-10.  It’s been 338 days since the Browns last win when they beat the San Francisco 49ers and Johnny Manziel was the starting quarterback. Barring a miracle turnaround, the 0-16 record is looking more likely as every week passes.

This Browns defense has to be the worst defense I’ve ever seen in my ten years of being a full time NFL fan. They have given up at least 25 points in ten consecutive games and have allowed a franchise record 34 touchdowns through nine games.

I understand the lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball but defensive coordinator Ray Horton needs to be held accountable for the way his group has played throughout the season. There’s been some bright spots (Danny Shelton, Christian Kirksey and the rookies) but there doesn’t seem to be any accountability being held to the veterans like Joe Haden, Tramon Williams and DeMario Davis.

Adding Jamie Collins will help once he gets comfortable with the playbook and the schemes but there’s still a lot of talent needed. If the Browns get the first overall pick in the draft, they absolutely need to use it on a defensive player. Whether it’s Texas A&M’s Myles Garrett (the consensus top prospect), Alabama’s Jonathan Allen, or Michigan’s Jabrill Peppers, the Browns need to add some more playmakers on the defensive side.

Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott had a field day in Cleveland. Prescott continued his impressive rookie campaign with 247 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also added 20 yards on the ground. Elliott’s first game in Ohio since leaving Ohio State didn’t disappoint the thousands of fans who donned his Buckeye or Cowboy jersey at FirstEnergy stadium. He ran for 92 yards on 18 carries (5.1 yards per carry) and two touchdowns.

Jason Witten looked like the player he was a few years ago when he was the best tight end in football. He led the Cowboys receiving attack with 8 catches for 134 yards and a touchdown. Cole Beasley tacked on 56 yards on 5 catches with a touchdown. Dez Bryant was non-existent with only one catch for 19 yards.

As for the offensive side of the Browns, they were able to move the ball down the field but just couldn’t capitalize with touchdowns. Quarterback Cody Kessler returned after sitting out last week with a concussion and looked average. He went 19-27 for 203 yards and a touchdown but was sacked four times.

Now there was some missed throws by Kessler early on as he tried to get Corey Coleman into the offense, it was Coleman’s first game back since breaking his hand six weeks ago. He had three catches for 41 yards but could’ve had more had Kessler not overthrown two passes targeting Coleman.

The running game was once again dead and was nowhere to be found on Sunday. The team ran for 45 yards on 13 carries (3.5 yards per carry). However, Isaiah Crowell was the team’s leading receiver with 63 yards on 4 catches including a 44 yard catch on the opening drive.

It didn’t help that center Cam Erving was ejected on the opening drive after throwing his helmet at a Cowboys defender after they got into a fight. Which led to the team having to shuffle the offensive line once again and just not having chemistry together which leaves Kessler and the offensive skill players in a no-win situation.

The Browns have to pick things up and refocus quickly because they play Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens. We jumped out to a 20-0 lead in Week 2 against Baltimore only to give up 25 unanswered points and lost 25-20. One thing to look forward to is Corey Coleman against the Ravens secondary. He had 105 yards and two touchdowns in his breakout performance, hopefully he can find the same success again Thursday.