DETROIT – As the Browns faced a tough road environment in the 3-1 Lions, they struggled to find offensive success following their opening drive.
Turnovers and dropped passes not only kept points off the board for the Browns but also put the defense in difficult situations to defend – as the Lions used at most six plays to score on each of their scoring drives.
"Obviously didn't do the things necessary to beat a good team on the road and that's the frustrating part for me, for our players and everybody," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "It's tough. […] Can't do those things and expect to be a good team on the road."
Here are three takeaways from the Browns' 34-10 loss to the Lions.
Offensive turnovers and miscues hurt drives
After a strong opening drive in which the Browns scored their lone touchdown of the day, they struggled on the offensive side of the ball – only scoring once more on a field goal from K Andre Szmyt in the third quarter.
The Browns particularly struggled in the pass game, as QB Joe Flacco completed 16 of 34 passing attempts and threw two interceptions. His first interception occurred in the first quarter on a third-and-8, as Flacco looked for WR Cedric Tillman on the pass, it was intercepted by S Kerby Joseph. His second happened towards the end of the first half as Flacco looked for WR Jerry Jeudy, but the pass was picked off by CB D.J. Reed.
Flacco also turned the ball over in the fourth quarter on a fumble after he was sacked by DE Aidan Hutchinson, who recorded the strip sack, and the fumble was recovered by LB Trevor Nowaske.
"We made mistakes," Flacco said. "The first pick was on me, and anytime you give a chance to give this team a little bit of momentum and play from the lead, that makes them that much better. That's part of the reason why they're a good football team. So, when you turn the ball over like that and you give them good position and you don't really allow our defense to pin their ears back and do their thing, then you're going to struggle as a whole. I don't know about that second one. I really didn't - you know that set them up too. I really didn't think that they came up with that, but in the box score, they did, and it hurt us."
Multiple pass catchers also had dropped passes at key moments – including Jeudy who caught three of his nine targets, WR Isaiah Bond who caught three of six targets and TE Harold Fannin Jr. who completed two of his six targets. Flacco said on their first drive, they were able to win their one-on-one-matchups and get after their assignments better. However, as the game continued – while they were able to take shots down the field – they couldn't sustain drives.
Stefanski acknowledged the puzzling nature of the dropped passes, as he is not seeing those types of drops in practice. However, because of the developing trend of dropped passes in games, he knows it's an area of focus to fix moving forward.
"Part of being good in the pass game is having precision," Stefanski said. "That includes everything and everything you do, and we obviously have to clean that up."
Browse action photos from the Browns' 2025 Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions, featuring top plays and moments.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas (71) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter (2) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Running back Dylan Sampson (22) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (90) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver DeAndre Carter (2) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Dom Jones (37) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Tre Avery (28) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Tre Avery (28) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Tre Avery (28) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) and Cornerback Tre Avery (28) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21), Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5),Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0), and Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Quarterback Joe Flacco (15) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Alex Wright (91) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) and Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Cornerback Greg Newsome II (0) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) and Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (96) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42), Linebacker Jerome Baker (17), and Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions on September 28, 2025 at Ford Field.
Browns' defense forced to defend difficult field positions
Following the turnovers, the Browns' defense took the field to try and stop the Lions, who were set up with good field position. However, the Lions scored on their ensuing offensive drive following the turnovers.
"Put them in some really tough spots there, after turnovers," Stefanski said. "Outside of those, I thought they competed. Outside of those scores, which was putting them at a disadvantage where the ball is. I thought we competed like crazy. We made enough plays. We just have to come through as a football team."
Outside of those situations, however, the Browns' defense had positive moments that highlighted the type of defense they have been early on in the season. Heading into Week 4, the Lions had converted on 7-of-8 fourth down attempts this season. Against the Browns, the Lions only went for a fourth down attempt once, and did not convert, turning the ball over on downs.
CB Denzel Ward also recorded their only takeaway of the day as he picked off QB Jared Goff in the third quarter on a deep pass intended for WR Jameson Williams. Ward ran for 13 yards to set the Browns' offense for another offensive drive that led to the 33-yard field goal by Szmyt.
"Was just trying to disguise and give them a different look. Coach got us in a great call and was able to get back and get my hands on the ball and take it away," Ward said. "We're just getting started, I think they are going to start rolling in like you've seen, but definitely still more out there."
Quinshon Judkins acts as bright spot in run game
As the Browns continue to search for their offensive rhythm, they have a building block in the run game with RB Quinshon Judkins. Of the Browns' 27 carries in Week 4, Judkins totaled 21 carries. He ran for 82 yards and one touchdown, with his longest run of the day for 11 yards and averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
"I think he continues to get better weekly," Stefanski said. "I think every time he gets a new gameplan and a new understanding of what we're doing and some different runs and those types of things, I just think he's going to keep getting better."
The Browns finished the game with 79 net rushing yards, with Judkins leading all rushers for Cleveland both in carries and yards. He also scored the Browns' one touchdown of the day on a 1-yard touchdown run on their opening offensive drive.
G Joel Bitonio believes that Judkins is going to be a solid running back for the Browns and will continue to play an important role in their run game. Judkins is leading the Browns this season with 237 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
"He's already shown the flashes," Bitonio said. "Just get him the ball as many times as possible I think is a good strategy. He runs the ball well; he finds a hole. He pushes the pile – if it's a three-yard run, he usually gets four. So, it's something who we want to keep giving the ball to."
