BEREA — DeShone Kizer has thrown seven interceptions in three games to start his career.
Coach Hue Jackson said decision-making isn’t the problem.
“The ball is going to the right person. The ball is just not in the right spot more so than anything,” Jackson said Monday. “It is not decision-related. It is probably accuracy more, making sure that the ball goes at the right person at the right time.”
Kizer is one of three quarterbacks in the last 25 seasons to be intercepted at least seven times and sacked at least 10 times in the first three games of his career, according to Elias. He joined Alex Smith in 2005 and Peter Tom Willis in 1993.
Kizer’s completed 52.8 percent for 646 yards with three touchdowns, seven interceptions, 10 sacks and a 53.2 rating.
“It’s my job to make sure that each day in practice that I’m out there working my butt off to become a more accurate passer, I work my butt off to run the ball a little better and have better timing with the guys who are out there with me,” he said.
A lack of time working with the receivers has led to a lack of chemistry, which has led to incompletions and interceptions. A prime example was a third-quarter red zone interception Sunday in the 31-28 loss to the Colts. Kizer expected Kasen Williams to turn outside, but he turned inside.
“It is time on task with a guy,” Jackson said. “You think he is going to be in a place, and that is what we have to fight against. We just have to continue to work in sync together so that those guys are always on the same page.”
With such a low completion percentage, Kizer admits he needs to throw it better. But a better relationship with the receivers would also help.
“Accuracy is a combination of not only the mechanics of the quarterback and the footwork and those things, but it has a lot to do with timing,” Kizer said. “And it’s going to be on us to make sure we get back out there as soon as we possibly can to work on that timing and have the chemistry needed to make sure that when I do throw a ball early that it’s exactly where he expects it to be so that he can come down with the ball.”
FLAG DAY
Jackson watched the film and still wants an explanation from the league after the Browns were called for four offensive pass interference penalties against the Colts.
“We will see,” he said when asked if the penalties were valid. “We will petition the NFL and see what they think. I think some of them were things that we need to understand better, but I will be interested to see how they saw it.”
Jackson said he talked to the officials during the game as he tried to understand what was happening.
“These are not new plays,” he said. “These are the same things we have been running since training camp, so I am not going to sit here and tell you that our players are at fault.”
The Browns have committed 25 penalties for 239 yards in the 0-3 start. Jackson said the numbers are misleading because of the offensive pass interferences and other questionable calls.
“We had another personal foul penalty that was kind of close,” he said, referring to a late hit on linebacker James Burgess. “You guys saw the late hit on the quarterback (by end Nate Orchard). I thought that was kind of different and questionable. I think our guys are trying within the rules.”
GIVE HIM THE BALL
Running back Duke Johnson had six catches for 81 yards and two rushes for 23 yards, including a 19-yarder for a touchdown. He looked like the team’s best skill player, and Jackson was asked if he needs to get more touches.
“Trust me, that is because you guys see him making a bunch of plays. ‘Let’s give him another 10 opportunities,’” Jackson said. “I get it. We are trying. I think the other team knows he is a guy who is making plays so they are going to do everything they can to take him away.
“Duke has done a good job, made some huge plays yesterday and is working at it. He will continue to make plays for us.”
EXTRA POINTS
Jackson defended cornerback Jamar Taylor, who appeared to let up on a 61-yard touchdown catch-and-run by T.Y. Hilton.
“Jamar is a captain on our team, and he is a captain for a reason,” Jackson said. “I know Jamar extremely well, and I don’t think he was trying to give up or not play hard or any of that. I think for a second there maybe somebody felt like the guy was about to be down and be out of bounds.”
** Jackson reported no new injuries. He said linebacker Jamie Collins remains in the concussion protocol and No. 1 pick Myles Garrett (high ankle sprain) is doing better.
Will Garrett practice this week for the first time since Sept. 6?
“We will see,” he said.
** Linebacker Garrett Sickels (6-foot-4, 252 pounds) was signed to the practice squad. He’s an undrafted free agent out of Penn State.
