NEW ORLEANS, La. — You could feel it coming.

The sense of doom in the Superdome…or on your television sets.

The rapid pulse and the sinking heart of a team that should win a game…but still doesn’t know how.

Browns fans, didn’t you sense it even before the Browns lost, 21-18, in New Orleans?

Your team had a 12-3 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Your defense had been sensational. Your offense even put together a 69-yard touchdown drive.

“I think we’re starting to show we can be a good ball-control offense,” Browns guard Joel Bitonio said.

They did that. The Browns offense chewed up a lot of the clock. They kept quarterback Drew Brees and the high-powered Saints offense off the field for a long time.

It was a good game plan.

And the Browns defense was close to sensational. It forced two turnovers. It held the Saints to just 62 yards rushing.

“The Browns are a different team,” Brees insisted. “I look at the tape and that’s a team that’s going to win some games.”

Brees is telling the truth.

The Browns are better. The talent has improved.

But will they ever win?

That’s the problem when a team hasn’t won a game since December 24, 2016.

Brees kept talking about how his team “needed someone to make a play…just give us a chance.”

The Browns did.

The Saints made some key plays — and kicks.

And the Browns?

They missed two extra points. They missed two field goals.

They threw one interception at a very bad time. They had a defensive breakdown when it hurt the most.

But they still played a pretty good game.

And lost.

This is just depressing.

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN

“That was an unbelievable play near the end of the game,” Brees said.

The Saints quarterback was talking about the eye-popping, 47-yard touchdown pass from Tyrod Taylor to Antonio Callaway. It was a clutch fourth-down throw and catch.

“A big, big-time play,” Browns receiver Jarvis Landry said.

It could have been a game-winning play.

It tied the score, 18-18, with 1:16 left.

Then Zane Gonzalez prepared to kick the extra point.

Here’s what I said to no one in particular right before the kick: “I have a feeling he’ll miss it.”

That’s because Gonzalez had already missed an extra point…and a 44-yard field goal…and he had a field goal blocked near the end of last week’s 21-21 tie with Pittsburgh.

He probably felt like Charlie Brown kicking, waiting for someone to pull the ball away at the last second.

This game was in the Superdome. No wind. Artificial surface.

Ideal kicking conditions.

No reason to think he’d miss…other than the Browns don’t know how to win and their special teams are an embarrassment.

“It was rough,” said Gonzalez, almost in a whisper.

He also missed a 52-yard field goal with eight seconds left to tie the game.

“If we just make a field goal,” said a discouraged Landry, shaking his head.

NOW WHAT?

Don’t you want me to scream about special teams…again?

OK, I will.

ARRGH!!!

They’ve been awful from the start of training camp. While Gonzalez is the worst offender, he’s not alone.

I can tell you how the Browns went from four pre-snap penalties in the Pittsburgh game to none in the noisy dome.

I can tell you Todd Haley put together a smart, run-based game plan for the offense and how the line did a much better job protecting Taylor.

I can tell you Gregg Williams coordinates an impact defense that has forced eight turnovers in two games.

I can tell you Larry Ogunjobi is turning into a monster in the middle of the defensive line.

I can tell you about Damarious Randall emerging as a play-maker at free safety.

I can tell you a lot of good things about the Browns.

But I can’t tell you when they’ll win.

“There’s a good football team in that room,” Browns coach Hue Jackson said.

Because the problem right now is, they can’t win because they haven’t won…and the only way to change that is to win.

I’d start with changes on the special teams.

NEW ORLEANS, La. — Scribbles in by Browns notebook as they lead the Saints, 6-3, at the half.

1. Love the way Terrance Mitchell hit Michael Thomas, forcing the Saints receiver to fumble. Then safety Damarious Randall came up and recovered it. Randall is a major upgrade at free safety from Jabrill Peppers, who never was comfortable in that position. Randall also made a great play on a deep pass to Ted Ginn Jr., breaking up a possible touchdown throw from Drew Brees.

2. After Randall made that excellent pass break up, Mitchell forced another fumble — and recovered it. Randall left the game in the second quarter because of injury. Briean Boddy-Calhoun took over a free stafety.

3. The Browns defense forced just 13 turnovers last season. They had eight in the first six quarters of 2018.

4. It appears Gregg Williams has his guys ready this season in terms of finding ways to force turnovers. They are aggressive and quick. It’s his second year as defensive coordinator, and you can see how the players are now comfortable with his defensive schemes.

5. Larry Ogunjobi is strong against the run and had a terrific sack of Brees. Ogunjobi was outstanding against Pittsburgh in the opener, and the defensive tackle continues to impress.

6. The Browns offense only was able to turn those two turnovers into three points. The Browns have not been able to run the ball well, New Orleans putting lots of defenders on the line of scrimmage. Tyrod Taylor has to hit some medium- and longer-range passes to create some room to run.

7. Todd Haley came out with a variety of short passes and running plays to open the game, the best way to approach the Saints in the Superdome early in the game. The Browns stayed away from false-start penalties and dealt well with the crowd noise.

8. Special teams scare me. Britton Colquitt had a 29-yard punt on his first kick of the game. The good news was a strong 39-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez. He then kicked another 39-yarder.

9. The Browns had the worst red-zone defense in the NFL this season. The Saints had the ball in the 3-yard line and a first down. A pass interference penalty by T.J. Carrie set up New Orleans for a TD. But the Browns defense shut down the Saints, forcing a field goal. On the defensive line, Trevon Coley and Chris Smith did a good job against the run.

10. The Browns held the Saints to 14 yards rushing in eight attempts.

11. Carlos Hyde carried the ball 10 times for 23 yards. The Browns had only 106 yards on offense. Taylor was 10-of-11 passing for 66 yards, but he couldn’t put together any extensive drives.

MISSING A BIG POINT

A lot of the media discussion after the Pittsburgh game was about how Todd Haley and Hue Jackson failed to communicate about the starting lineup.

Browns Head Coach Jackson said Josh Gordon would not start.

Browns offensive coordinator Haley had Gordon on the field for the first play.

How easily that could have been avoided. Each team writes out the first 6-12 plays it plans to use in a game. There was a list somewhere.

Haley’s opening play featured one wide receiver (Gordon) and three tight ends. Beats me how Jackson didn’t see that.

Anyway, it’s hardly something that will change Western Civilization. It had zero impact on the 21-21 tie with the Steelers.

But something did bother me early in the game…and it has to be fixed.

The play calling.

1. The first two plays were passes, although quarterback Tyrod Taylor ran on one of those when he couldn’t find an open receiver.

2. Next, the Browns had back-to-back false start penalties. Then Taylor ran for a first down.

3. Of the Browns first 10 plays, nine were some type of passing play. Taylor ran a few times. But only once in the first 10 plays did running back Carlos Hyde carry the ball.

Far more than the starting lineup, I’m more concerned with why Haley was throwing the ball so often — especially early in the game on a rain-drenched Sunday afternoon in Cleveland.

General Manager John Dorsey built the Browns to be able to run the ball.

It’s why he signed Hyde and drafted Nick Chubb in the second round. Both are bullish running backs.

It’s part of the reason the Browns decided to return Joel Bitonio back to his more comfortable left guard spot. The Browns wanted Bitonio (who had spent some time at left tackle) teaming up with center JC Tretter and guard Kevin Zeitler to block inside for that running game.

The Browns can’t be Air Tyrod. They are supposed to be a physical running team capable of breaking off some big passing plays. But the heartbeat of the offense is supposed to be running the ball.

You can argue the Browns did run the ball, having nearly a 50-50 run/pass split.

1. They ran it 39 times.

2. They threw it 40 times.

3. But eight of those runs were by Taylor, when he was originally supposed to pass. He also was sacked seven times. That’s like adding 15 more passing plays to the total — even though passes weren’t thrown.

4. Hyde, Chubb and Duke Johnson had 30 total carries.

5. I know this is not 1936 and teams in the NFL can’t live on the ground. But in poor weather conditions with a team built to run, why was there so much emphasis on throwing the ball?

Jackson was correct when he said the rushing stats (177 yards on the ground) “are a little inflated” because Taylor rushed for 77 yards in eight carries.

Hyde, Chubb and Johnson had 100 yards rushing in 30 carries. The Browns need to improve on that.

ABOUT BAKER MAYFIELD

A few fans emailed about Baker Mayfield not playing in the opener.

How smart is it to put a rookie quarterback into his first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers…

In the unrelenting rain…

With an offensive line that had never played a single preseason game snap together…

With a rookie left tackle who wasn’t drafted and played last season at West Georgia…

On a team that has a 4-44 record in the last three years…

The reason Dorsey acquired so many veteran players at key spots is so the Browns don’t have to rush their rookies into action.

He doesn’t want Mayfield to be another Tim Couch or another young quarterback rushed into action before the team was ready to help him.

Perhaps Mayfield is one of those rare players who can go right from college to immediately starting in the pros for a team with the NFL’s worst record over the last three seasons.

When I interviewed Dorsey a few weeks ago, he stressed how young quarterbacks are “never hurt by having to wait to play.” But they could take a real beating (physically and emotionally) when rushed into action.

ABOUT JOSH GORDON

Todd Haley told the truth when he said this about the Browns receiver: “It’s a process. … We have a guy who missed an extended amount of time when he was not here practicing. That not only slows his process, but the process of our entire offense.”

Gordon has not always known all the plays in the past. The best way to learn them is muscle-memory — practicing. He didn’t play in a single preseason game.

“You can’t just snap your fingers and say, ‘Put him in there,'” said Haley.

Yet Haley had Gordon on the field for 69 of 89 snaps. That’s Haley’s fault.

The Browns have known for a while something was wrong with Gordon … again. He didn’t know all the plays. He didn’t practice much. And then he had more personal problems this weekend, leading to his release.

While not many will say so publicly, it was hard for coaches and players (especially on offense) to deal with Gordon. They didn’t know when he’d be there, how long he’d stay with the team … or if he knew the playbook.

Gordon has only played 11 games since 2013. The Browns have tried everything to help Gordon with his addiction issues. Now, it’s solely on him to be responsible for his recovery.

ABOUT THE BROWNS

1. One of the quiet moves by the front office that could pay off is the trade for Damarious Randall, who is a natural deep safety. He plays the “angel” in the Greg Williams defense, the last line of defense. He made a terrific interception against the Steelers.

2. The Browns traded DeShone Kizer to Green Bay for Randall. Kizer played briefly for Green Bay when Aaron Rodgers was hurt in the opener. He was 4-of-7 passing. But he lost a fumble. He also threw an interception that was run back for a TD.

3. Randall had 10 interceptions in three seasons with the Packers. He played a lot of cornerback. The Browns believe he is best suited for safety, his primary position at Arizona State.

4. The Browns coaches were pleased with the play of center JC Tretter, who did a good job against some rugged interior defenders.

5. A lot of the attention went to Browns defenders Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward. They deserved it. Ward was named the NFL’s Rookie of the Week. But the coaches were very happy with defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who had seven tackles and a sack.

6. Ogunjobi was facing Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey, making his performance all the more impressive. The third-rounder from North Carolina-Charlotte could become an impact player.

7. It’s not something that makes headlines, but the Browns have had very few soft tissue injuries (muscle pulls, etc.). V.P. of Player Health and Development Joe Sheehan has developed a plan, and the coaching staff bought into it to cut down on these injuries.

8. The debate between Jackson and Haley on “Hard Knocks” about some players not practicing dealt with Jackson following the program to avoid those injuries. Gordon has a hamstring injury, but he showed up in camp with a hamstring problem.

NEW ORLEANS — Scribbles in my Browns notebook as they prepare to play in New Orleans:

1. Can the Browns win this game? I’d feel better if the game was in Cleveland – in a monsoon or blizzard. While all the rain helped frustrate Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor last Sunday, it had an even bigger impact on Ben Roethlisberger. The Pittsburgh quarterback threw three interceptions and fumbled twice. Five turnovers from a future Hall of Fame quarterback. The Steelers had a total of six turnovers.

2. The Browns defense deserves credit for several of those. Browns defensive coordinator Gregg Williams insisted his team could have had three more turnovers. Williams is programming a defense to force turnovers, and poor weather conditions help that.

3. Playing New Orleans in a dome with veteran quarterback Drew Brees presents an enormous challenge for the defense. Brees threw only eight interceptions in 16 games last season. He doesn’t make a lot of bad throws. He also gets rid of the ball quickly to avoid sacks and fumbles. Last season, Brees threw only eight interceptions in 16 games, completing 72 percent of his passes.

4. Williams on Brees: “He not only is an intelligent quarterback, he out-works everybody…He is at the office before everybody else gets there…4:30 or 5 (a.m.). ..when other people are going home at the end of the week to see their families, he’s there at 11…even midnight.”

5. Williams was with Brees in New Orleans. Williams was defensive coordinator for Head Coach Sean Peyton. Williams said when he was the head coach in Buffalo, he pushed the Bills to draft Brees.

6. I do believe Brees was sincere when he said this about Browns rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield: “I think he can be a lot better than me. He’s got all the tools. He’s more athletic. He probably can run around better. He’s got a stronger arm.”

7. But I also don’t think this does Mayfield any favors. It raises the already high expectations. Brees didn’t start as a rookie. He played only one game with the San Diego Chargers in 2001. The starter on that 5-11 team was 39-year-old Doug Flutie. In his next two seasons, Brees started 27 games… a 19-17 record…throwing 28 TD passes compared to 31 interceptions…completing only 58 percent of his passes.

8. It wasn’t until his fourth year in the NFL…and third as a starter…that Brees began to show the form of a franchise quarterback. That’s the point about patience and why it often pays off.

9. Mayfield has a lot of the attributes you want in an NFL quarterback, starting with being an accurate passer with a quick release. But let’s not jump to all the Drew Brees comparisons, even when Brees makes them himself.

10. Tampa Bay upset New Orleans 48-40 last week. Journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 417 yards, including four TDs. The 36-year-old Fitzpatrick entered that game with a career 48-70 record as a starter. Can the Saints’ defense be that bad? It seems this is a good chance for Tyrod Taylor and the Browns offense to find some rhythm.

11. Crowd noise will be a factor, especially for the Browns offensive line. The Browns had four false start penalties in the opener, and that’s when the home crowd knew to be quiet before the ball was snapped. Let’s see how rookie left tackle Desmond Harrison handles the crowd noise. He was flagged twice for false starts and once for an illegal formation in his first pro game.

12. Todd Haley said the Browns made “28 mental errors” on offense. I’d love to see that list. He said 10 is a winning performance, so he’s probably a tough grader. This team is destined for mental errors because the offensive line never played a snap in a game together until last Sunday. And the same with Tyrod Taylor and Josh Gordon. And Haley’s offense is much different than what the Browns ran a year ago, with Hue Jackson also serving as his own offensive coordinator.

13. Here is how Browns special teams coach Amos Jones explained why Jabrill Peppers was returning punts: “Coach (Hue Jackson) made that decision. Obviously, we are going to stick behind it as coaches. We are going to do what the hell we are told.”

14. Yes, that’s what Jones said at his weekly press conference. The other possible punt returner is rookie Antonio Callaway. Jones did explain: “The biggest thing is the learning curve. You are talking about a guy that is still a year out of football…”

15. Callaway didn’t play at Florida last season because he was suspended. Why didn’t Jones say that, rather than get into the “going to do what the hell we are told” comment? Even if Jackson overruled him, shouldn’t the new coordinator at least act as if he’s OK with it? It’s just odd.

16. I suggest Jones pull his special teams together. They have been generally terrible since training camp opened. In his last five years as special teams coach in Arizona, his unit ranked in the bottom of the NFL in several key categories most seasons.

17. While the Browns want to find their passing game, they have no real chance to pull an upset unless they can consistently run the ball effectively. And that means making a commitment to the running game.

18. Now that Josh Gordon is done with the Browns, I hope they work Rashard Higgins more into the offense. He can help in the short and medium passing game.

19. I’m very interested to see how the Browns look without Gordon. Can Callaway make a big play? Or someone else running a deep pattern. I do expect a huge game from Jarvis Landry.

20: Prediction: Saints 27, Browns 20. Too much Drew Brees for New Orleans and not enough offense for the Browns.

NEW ORLEANS, La. — If you’re a Browns fan, maybe you feel a sense of sadness. Or anger. Or relief.

But please, no more excuses as the Browns plan to release Josh Gordon Monday.

For several weeks, I was hearing from some fans how Gordon skipped most of training camp because he was dealing with anxiety — due to the presence of the cameras for the “Hard Knocks” special.

And I have heard for years, Gordon just likes to smoke weed. It’s legal in some states, what’s the problem?

The problem is Gordon’s issues are so much deeper than marijuana.

That’s part of the reason I wrote a column a few weeks ago, stating the Browns should view Gordon as a lottery ticket. He was a long shot to make it because he has failed in so many opportunities.

And he has so many problems.

In 2013, he was suspended for the first two games of the season because he tested positive for codeine. He claimed it came from cough syrup.

In 2017, he gave an interview to The Uninterrupted where he said: “I’ve used alcohol on many, many occasions. Xanax on many occasions. Cocaine on several occasions. Marijuana most of my life. Codeine cough syrup…methazine is very prevalent where I’m from.”

Those are Gordon’s words.

The scope and depth of his addiction issues are why he has played only 11 games since his Pro Bowl 2013 season.

It’s why he’s been suspended so many times, dating back to college.

It’s why he didn’t show up in time for training camp and missed all four preseason games — something had gone wrong again.

And it’s why the Browns had every right to let him go.

BEING REALISTIC

The Browns have tried to help Gordon ever since drafting him in 2012.

I repeat, this is not about marijuana.

It is about a player who seemed to be bragging in a GQ story last November about how he was high on something before every game.

I happen to doubt that.

In my 18 years of weekly jail ministry, some addicts love to brag about all the things they did while high…as if it’s a badge of honor.

Gordon came off that way in several interviews he did with national media outlets last year.

There was very little regret about the damage done to himself or others.

Addicts can be very selfish, and that behavior impacts others. One of the big lies some addicts tell themselves is: “I’m only hurting myself.”

That’s simply not true. Anyone who has an addict in their life knows better.

NO MORE EXCUSES

Gordon came from a very difficult background.

But he also is in a sport where many players have the same type of family mess as Gordon – some even worse.

Yet, they find a way to overcome it.

Virtually every type of recovery program has been made available to Gordon. The NFL and the Browns have access to the best, so this is not about Gordon being unable to find help.

Too bad most addicts do not have a chance at all these resources.

If anything, he’s had too many enablers.

Maybe this is what he needs. Or maybe another team will give him a chance and the same pattern will continue.

But the fact is the Browns, his teammates and the fans couldn’t count on Gordon. And it was time for the Browns to let him go.

TALKING TO MYSELF ABOUT THE PLAYOFFS

QUESTION: Will the Josh Donaldson move work?

ANSWER: If Donaldson stays healthy — and it’s a huge if — it can be a game changer for the Indians in the playoffs. That’s why the Tribe traded with Toronto for the 2015 MVP.

Q: But doesn’t disrupting the infield cause other problems?

A: Let’s operate on the assumption that Donaldson’s cranky calf muscles cooperate. You put a guy who has averaged 29 HR between 2013-17 at third base. He’s a near-Gold Glove fielder. You saw a hint of that on a play in Tampa in his first start.

Q: Didn’t Jose Ramirez want to stay at third base?

A: My guess is Ramirez wanted to stay there unless switching to second base meant a dramatic upgrade to the infield. Adding Donaldson does that.

Q: How so?

A: A healthy Donaldson is at least the equal of Ramirez defensively at third. Ramirez is a much better second baseman than Jason Kipnis.

Q: But what about Kipnis in center?

A: Had the Indians not obtained Donaldson and Kipnis remained at second base, they would have had rookie Greg Allen and veteran Rajai Davis in center. Now, they can add Kipnis to that mix.

Q: Who is the best center fielder for the playoffs?

A: The Indians are wrestling with that question. Kipnis will receive the first shot to play center field. Allen will replace him in late innings for defense.

Q: Will Kipnis hit?

A: Davis and Allen both were hitting exactly .238 heading into the weekend. In 425 at bats, they’ve combined for three HR and 24 RBI. Allen has shown some life at bat after the All-Star break, even a slumping Kipnis is likely to add more to the lineup. Kipnis entered the weekend batting .228 (.691 OPS) with 15 HR and 64 RBI.

Q: Explain the big picture.

A: Donaldson is a slight defensive improvement at third base over Ramirez. And Ramirez is a significant upgrade at second over Kipnis. And Kipnis gives the Tribe a better option in center at the plate. It’s hard to know how Allen or Davis will hit in the post-season. Meanwhile, the Indians added Donaldson’s bat to the lineup — and didn’t subtract anyone.

Q: What about the rest of the outfield?

A: The Indians re-signed Michael Brantley and he stayed healthy. The left fielder is hitting .307 (.831 OPS) with 15 HR and 72 RBI. He hit .308 before the All-Star break, .305 after. He’s been remarkably consistent and healthy.

Q: What about right field?

A: Since the All-Star break, Melky Cabrera is batting .299 (.849 OPS) with six HR and 21 RBI. The switch hitter will start. The problem is an outfield of Brantley/Kipnis/Cabrera doesn’t have much range. The Indians may end up using defensive replacements for Kipnis and Cabrera. That’s not ideal.

Q: What if Donaldson gets hurt?

A: The Indians are back where they started before the August 31 trade. Donaldson has tremendous motivation to play well. He loves the post-season (.292 career hitter) and is a free agent heading into 2019. This is a chance for him to show other teams he can still be an excellent third baseman.

ABOUT MIKE CLEVINGER

Mike Clevinger may be the most underrated starting pitcher in the American League.

In the last two seasons, Clevinger has a 23-14 record with a 3.13 ERA. He’s consistent and probably would be at least a No. 2 starter on most teams.

But with the Indians, Clevinger is behind two-time Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer and Carlos Carrasco.

The Indians are hopeful Bauer will be recovered enough from his ankle injury to pitch in the playoffs.

But if he’s not, a rotation of Kluber, Carrasco and Clevinger remains one of the best top three in baseball. Add in Shane Bieber at No. 4, and you still have to respect the Tribe in the post-season even without Bauer.

I’m not going to bury you with stats, but lets look at where the Tribe’s first four starters rank in the American League in ERA:

3rd: Bauer, 2.22 ERA.

6th: Kluber, 2.91 ERA.

8th: Clevinger, 3.16 ERA.

11th: Carrasco, 3.43 ERA.

The Indians have four of the top 11 starters in the American League.

Overall, Tribe starters have a 3.41 ERA, only Houston (3.21 ERA) is better in the American League.

And quietly, Clevinger has become a big part of that rotation.

ABOUT LONNIE CHISENHALL

Lonnie Chisenhall probably has played his last game for the Tribe. He has been out since July 1 with a calf injury. He is a free agent at the end of the season. When Chisenhall did play this season, he hit .321 (.894 OPS) with one HR and nine RBI in 84 at bats. He has played only 47 games since the 2017 All-Star game because of calf muscle injuries.

In the last few years, the Indians found a valuable role for Chisenhall as a right fielder who played against right-handed pitching. But the calf injuries are a very serious matter. That’s why many teams backed away from trading for Donaldson, who was out from the end of May until September with that type of injury.

ABOUT THE PROSPECTS

1. Ryan Merritt will soon become a minor league free agent. The lefty had a variety of injuries. He had a 3-3 record and 3.76 ERA in limited duty at Class AAA Columbus. His fastball was only in the 84-86 mph range.

2. The Indians are happy with first-round pick Noah Naylor, who batted .274 (.783 OPS) with a pair of homers in the Arizona Summer League. It was the first time the 18-year-old was away from home. The Indians believe he can become a very good hitter.

3. The Tribe’s second-round pick was Lenny Torres, who had a 1.76 ERA with 22 strikeouts in 15 1/3 innings in Arizona. He is 17.

4. Third-round pick Richard Palacios went from two rookie league teams to Class A Lake County this season, batting a combined .361 (.960 OPS) with six HR and 30 RBI. The 21-year-old second baseman came from Towson University.

5. The Tribe took a pair of pitchers near the top of their draft. Third-rounder Nick Sandlin (Southern Mississippi) had a 2-0 record and 3.00 ERA as he advanced all the way from rookie ball to Class AA Akron. Fourth-round Adam Scott (Wofford) had a 3-1 record and 1.85 ERA as he went from rookie ball to Class A Lynchburg. Both of these relievers could make a huge jump next season.

6. The Tribe’ s 2015 first-rounder, Brady Aiken, was drafted as he was coming off major elbow reconstruction surgery. In 2017, the lefty was 5-13 with a 4.77 ERA in Lake County. The Indians kept him in Goodyear this summer, trying to rebuild his arm strength. He didn’t pitch in a game. He’s only 22, so his career is not over. But it looks like there is a very long road ahead of him.

7. Tyler Freeman was the 71st pick in the 2017 draft, and the 19-year-old shortstop batted .352 (.916 OPS) with two HR and 30 RBI for Mahoning Valley.

8. One more name: Nolan Jones (second round, 2016) batted .283 (.871 OPS) with 16 HR and 66 RBI splitting the year between Class A teams Lake County and Lynchburg. Several scouts have told me the 20-year-old has a chance to be an elite hitter.

9. On the same day the Indians traded for Leonys Martin, they also made a minor league deal for Oscar Mercado. Acquired from St. Louis, Mercado is a speedy center fielder. Splitting the year between Class AAA Memphis and Columbus, Mercado batted .278 (.738 OPS) with eight HR, 47 RBI and 37 steals. The 23-year-old is a prospect to watch while the Indians look for outfielders next season.

• Coming Sunday: Terry is Talkin’ Browns.

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio — If Tyrod Taylor continues to play as he did Sunday, he won’t be the Browns starting quarterback for long.

But odds are, that won’t happen.

That’s because in his previous 42 NFL starts, Taylor never had a game where he completed only 37 percent (15-of-40) of his passes.

Never even had a regular season game where he completed less than 50 percent of his passes in his three seasons with Buffalo.

His worst performance was probably 17-of-37 passing (46 percent) in a playoff loss to Jacksonville, a game where he threw for only 134 yards.

This is not to excuse Taylor from all blame. The veteran quarterback will probably be in pain as he watches video from the 21-21 tie with Pittsburgh.

Too often, he left the pocket early.

Too often, he missed some open wide receivers.

This one of the worst games of Taylor’s career. But it also was a miserable soggy Sunday for both quarterbacks.

Ben Roethlisberger nearly gave the game to the Browns. The future Hall of Famer threw three interceptions. He lost two fumbles.

That’s right, Pittsburgh’s quarterback made five turnovers in the game.

Taylor had one.

It was a costly interception on a poorly underthrown pass near the end of the game intended for Josh Gordon.

“Got to throw it further,” Coach Hue Jackson said. “Got to give him a chance to get the ball.”

But that was it. Even in the midst of his frustrating, disjointed offensive performance Taylor stayed away from turnovers.

That did give the Browns a chance to win.

REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS

If fans are expecting an electric quarterback with a sensational arm who fires the ball all over the stadium, that’s not Taylor.

He was brought to Cleveland to bring stability to an erratic, immature offense that led the NFL in turnovers.

The Browns are set up to be a power running team with Taylor completing passes here and there to keep the offense moving.

He has to do better than failing to record even a single first down on four possessions in the overtime.

And it’s disheartening that the Browns scored only six points after the defense forced six Pittsburgh turnovers. Those points came when the Browns were handed the ball on the Steeler 1-yard line.

The offense wasted a chance to pull a major upset.

In general, Taylor is a cautious quarterback. I believe he was even more guarded because of the lousy weather and seeing Roethlisberger having a hard time throwing the ball where he intended.

As Jackson said, the problem was well beyond the Browns quarterback.

NEW FACES AN ISSUE

Taylor also knew he was being protected by an offensive line that never played a single preseason snap together.

That’s significant, and it led to some of the pressure the Steelers were able to apply when Taylor did try to stay in the pocket.

The offensive line and Taylor clearly had problems knowing what exactly the protection was going to look like.

Nor did Taylor play a preseason game with Gordon. He was on the field for 69 snaps, but Taylor threw to him only three times.

The two men seemed clueless when it came to football chemistry.

No surprise there, either,

In so many ways, the offense was set up to sputter Sunday because of the lack of familiarity.

The Browns seemed to be unsure of what to do with Duke Johnson, who had only one catch.

Offensive coordinator Todd Haley and Jackson were not in synch on the first play of the game when Gordon started. He was not supposed to start, according to Jackson.

I’m not going to dwell on Taylor’s first game i terms of it being a sign of doom — or him being a bad fit for the Browns.

It was one game in lousy weather against an excellent team with an offense not really prepared to open the season.

Let’s see if things improve when the Browns play Sunday in a dome in New Orleans.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — I wonder how many teams will be complaining about the Indians adding Josh Donaldson if the third baseman pulls another calf muscle.

That can happen.

If any team knows the danger of a player who has significant problems with his calf muscles, it’s the Tribe.

Think Lonnie Chisenhall.

Chisenhall has dealt with calf muscle problems for more than two years. He has played only 47 games since the 2017 All-Star break. He last played this season on July 1.

Set to be the Tribe’s starting right fielder, Chisenhall has batted only 84 times this season. He is a free agent at the end of the year, so he has had millions of reasons to return to the field.

But he can’t stay healthy.

Donaldson hasn’t played in a big league game since May 28. He had some shoulder problems in the spring, then came the cranky calf muscles.

The Indians obtained the 2015 American League MVP from Toronto on a waiver-deadline deal of August 31.

According to the Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Boston and the New York Yankees are unhappy with Donaldson ending up with the Tribe. Those teams believe Donaldson should not have been allowed to go on the disabled list after the Indians traded for him…

Or something.

I have read Rosenthal’s story and some other accounts of why teams have privately objected to the trade between the Indians and Toronto — and I don’t understand it.

If they wanted Donaldson, they could have claimed him on waivers — and paid the $3.7 million remaining on his salary.

Or they could have worked out a better deal with Toronto for Donaldson.

The Indians traded minor-league pitcher Julian Merryweather and agreed to pay $1 million in Donaldson’s salary to make the deal work. Merryweather opened the 2018 season as the Tribe’s No. 17 prospect (Baseball America), but he has since had Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery.

TRIBE & TORONTO

When I first heard of the objection, I thought the issu was the close relationship between the Tribe and Blue Jays. Toronto President Mark Shapiro and General Manager Ross Atkins worked with the Tribe until 2016.

But no one is claiming inside baseball trading.

Executives who know each other often make deals. Teams know that.

In 2017, the Indians obtained reliever Joe Smith from the Blue Jays for a prospect.

Who was that pitcher?

Thomas Pannone, who beat the Indians Sunday. He allowed only two runs in 6 1/3 innings. He is 2-1 with a 4.13 ERA since coming up from the minors.

That a good return on Smith, who left the Tribe for Houston via free agency after the 2017 season.

The Blue Jays believe Merryweather is a promising long-term prospect if they are patient as he recovers.

The point of contention has nothing to do with the Tribe and Toronto.

It has to do with Major League Baseball approving the trade.

THE REAL DEAL

Here’s the real deal about the trade — the Indians know a lot can go wrong.

And they are correct when saying they did nothing wrong.

Donaldson is coming off the disabled list Tuesday. They know he can pull a muscle the first time he runs down to first base or chases a pop up in foul territory as he plays third base.

And they know that could end his season.

They have seen it with Chisenhall.

The uncertain status of Donaldson’s calf muscles are why a star of his caliber was traded for a prospect recovering from elbow surgery.

The Tribe is moving Jose Ramirez from third to second base. And Jason Kipnis is going from second to the outfield.

All to make room for Donaldson.

I’ve written a lot about this deal, including an inside look at how it took place. I highlighted how the Indians know it could go wrong, but they also hope Donaldson stays healthy and pays off big in October.

They are taking the risk.

Other teams could have done the same, but they decided against it.

End of story.

CLEVELAND, Ohio –Scribbles in my Browns notebook while looking back at the 21-21 tie with Pittsburgh:

1. One of the most surprising things about Hue Jackson’s press conference was the coach saying he was “surprised” about the struggles of his offense. Really? He couldn’t see that coming? The offensive line didn’t play a single preseason snap together. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor played zero snaps with Josh Gordon, who missed all the preseason games.

2. On a windy, rain-soaked day against the Pittsburgh Steelers with Todd Haley calling plays for the first time in the regular season, the offense was destined for problems. These guys don’t know each other in terms of how they perform on the field.

3. Jackson said rookie Desmond Harrison “is the left tackle.” That’s wise. He went from D-2 West Georgia to starting in the NFL. He missed part of training camp with an injury. This was his first game with the starting offensive line. Last thing the Browns need is more change with that unit.

4. Taylor was sacked seven times. He probably caused three of them by either holding the ball too long, or running out of the pocket. But he also was under a lot of pressure at times. The offensive line had communication and assignment problems because they have not played together. This stuff is basic. It’s partly a product of waiting until a week before the opener to settle on Harrison at left tackle.

5. Glad Jackson backed off his claim about the Steelers being off-sides on the blocked field goal late in the overtime period. The coach now says the Browns needed to block better. He also thought the kick was low. That’s what I saw on the replay.

6. Just like the first string offense struggled most of the preseason, the special teams often were a mess. Guess what happened in the game? The special teams were a mess. They had three penalties. They missed a possible game-winning field goal. Return coverage was shaky. I’m sure you can find other issues.

7. I feel as if the Browns stopped taking special teams seriously from the day they decided not to re-sign Phil Dawson before the 2013 season. The idea was not over-paying for a kicker. They have been through five kickers since then, some better than others. The 43-year-old Dawson is with Arizona. I’d have loved to see him on that final kick Sunday.

8. You need a couple of key veterans on special teams. John Dorsey consistently had top 10 special teams when general manager of the Chiefs, according to Football Outsiders. In the last two years, the Browns ranked 27th and 26th. It looks like another dismal year unless some personnel changes are made.

9. How hard is it for Jackson and Haley to be on the same page about not starting Josh Gordon? I tend to support Haley on most matters of wanting freedom for play calling, etc. But the offensive coordinator has to respect the word of the head coach when the head coach says not to start a player. For weeks, Jackson said publicly Gordon would not start — but he’d play.

10. Gordon played 69 of a possible 89 snaps. He was targeted only three times by Taylor, his lone catch being the 17-yarder for a TD. Among receivers, only Jarvis Landry (81 snaps) played more. Landry caught seven passes, and a few were superb plays on his part.

11. Rashard Higgins was on the field for 53 snaps. He caught only one pass — a 38-yarder. In general, the Browns had problems working their receivers into the offense — at least those not named Jarvis Landry. Antonio Callaway played only 15 snaps and didn’t catch a pass. So the Browns receivers (other than Landry) had two  receptions.

12. It was a tough day for Taylor, who was 15-of-40 passing (37 percent). Much of this goes back to the lack of continuity on offense.

13. Defense was the opposite story. Gregg Williams is in his second season as coordinator. His starting defense didn’t allow a TD in the preseason. He had his guys prepared and seven starters returned from a year ago. They weren’t perfect, but they harassed Pittsburgh and Ben Roethlisberger into six turnovers.

14. From Profootball focus on Browns rookie defensive back Denzel Ward: “He was targeted 10 times by Ben Roethlisberger, allowing just six receptions for 50 yards — only 16 after the catch.”  Ward gave up a TD pass from Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown. That was a great throw and catch over good coverage by Ward. Overall, Ward had an impressive debut with two interceptions and several strong tackles.

15. Ward played all 84 snaps for the defense, as did Joe Schobert and Myles Garrett. I would not play Garrett every single snap. Get him some rest, keep him going 100 percent. Emmanuel Ogbah injured his ankle, so the Browns were down a defensive end. But I still want a little time off for Garrett.