Category Archives: Browns

Browns need to reset, focus on Week 2

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The Cleveland Browns were stuck in neutral in Week 1. They need to take this week to make adjustments and get ready for Week 2 against the New York Jets.

It is time to reset and get ready for Week 2. Week 1 was an absolute disaster for the Cleveland Browns. It was a penalty-fest which took a toll on the Browns. Cleveland definitely committed some stupid penalties but there were plenty of examples of lopsided officiating. 

Now it is time to focus on the New York Jets. Cleveland will face the Jets in Monday Night Football and will have the opportunity for redemption in front of a national audience. 

Many view this as a rematch of the Baker Mayfield coming out party on Thursday Night Football last year. While both teams and quarterbacks are the same, the roster construction is very different. Cleveland has a much improved roster as do the Jets. 

This is much easier said than done but Week 1’s outcome will need to be forgotten. There are two things that need to be worked on going into Week 2.

First is discipline. 

Do not commit stupid penalties and avoid anything that could remotely be called a penalty. All eyes are on the Browns and plenty will try to take them down a peg or two. Opponents will try and bait the Browns into doing something stupid. Remember, it is not who started a scuffle to be penalized but the last person to do something. They end up being caught every time and they are the one who gets the penalty whether it is fair or not. 

Second is protecting Baker Mayfield. 

There was a distinct difference in Cleveland and Tennessee’s protection schemes. Tennessee was missing key offensive lineman but were able to protect Marcus Mariota. Bunching receivers next to the line in an effort to slow down the Cleveland pass rush. Cleveland would be wise to take this strategy and copy it immediately. Considering that the Browns are taking many shots downfield, they need give Baker time in the pocket. Something that he did not have Sunday. If they opt to not do that the offense needs to adapt more of a quick strike philosophy rather than deep shot after deep shot.  

The Browns are definitely more than capable of bouncing back and defeating the Jets in New York next week. They just have to adjust to what they saw Sunday.  

NFL officials take spotlight from game they officiate

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If you want analysis of what happened when a penalty flag did not get thrown by an NFL official you will not find it here.

Yes, the Browns had issues on both sides of the ball. Greg Robinson did something completely uncalled for by kicking someone in the head. Myles Garrett has to be smart enough to not have hit an opposing player in the head after the whistle. If you want the real story it is a ridiculously awful officiating performance. This is an embarrassment to the league. The NFL needs to address this absolute terrible performance from people who can literally change the outcome of a game. There was a focus on officiating mistakes this past offseason. In an attempt to lessen the impact of the mistakes, the NFL altered some rules. Allowing a review of certain calls. Today had a lot of mistakes.

Watching this game was equivalent of you being Charlie Brown, the NFL officials being Lucy and after you miss the football you get hit in nuts as you come crashing to the ground.

This is perhaps the best description of the debacle that the officiating in today’s game was. Try and pretend that is was equal and you’ll drive yourself crazy.  If you truly believe that it was fair and even do yourself a favor. Get an eye exam and a psych eval.

Every penalty on offense stalled a drive. Every penalty on defense extended a Titans drive. Most were egregious calls and very few were legitimate. There isn’t any more analysis needed, because this wasn’t a football game. This was a three-plus hour platform for the head official to hear himself talk. You want stats and the box score click here.

One last thing about the bias of the officiating crew that was quite apparent to everyone.

Does this sound like an individual who is unbiased? Or maybe it is possible that it sounds like someone who has some sort of issue with the team that he is supposed to be officiating?

In case you are wondering, it is the latter.

If the NFL even addresses this matter it may not be to the liking of anyone. Rather than do the right thing, it will not get the attention it deserves. Any announcement will most likely be done at a time so it does not draw negative attention to the league. That is how the NFL operates. Protect the shield and the hell with everyone else.

Browns vs Titans: Week 1 predictions

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Individual player and final score predictions for the Cleveland Browns Week 1 matchup at home against the visiting Tennessee Titans.

It’s almost here. The Cleveland Browns opening game of the season against the Tennessee Titans. Here are some predictions for Week 1 

Myles Garrett gets two sacks 

Tennessee is without their starting left tackle Taylor Lewan and must rely on others to stop one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. Garrett can get the best of elite left tackles and should be in for a big day Sunday.  

Jarvis Landry catches more than 5 passes

Yes, the Browns will have Odell Beckham Jr. on Sunday and he is their primary receiver. Teams will do whatever they can to not get beat by him. That means giving him the majority of the attention in terms of pass coverage. This will leave someone like Jarvis Landry open underneath on short patterns. Baker Mayfield can just underneath them to death until over the top becomes open. 

Baker Mayfield throws two touchdown passes

Speaking of Baker Mayfield, he should get the season started off on the right foot by throwing two touchdown passes. Mayfield has a plethora of options in the passing game and is in one what is presumed to be one of the more explosive offenses in the NFL. 

Nick Chubb runs for 87 yards and a touchdown 

Perhaps a forgotten piece of the puzzle. Nick Chubb is the Browns starting running back and should get plenty of carries in Week 1. Without any competition in the backfield he will be Cleveland’s primary option in the running game. As opposing defense worry about the passing threat, it will only leave space for Chubb to do some damage. 

 Browns win their first season opener since 2004

Cleveland ended their season opener losing streak last season with the tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This year the streak without a win will end. The last time Cleveland won their season opener Jeff Garcia was their quarterback.  A 20-3 win over the Baltimore Ravens in what seems like lifetimes ago.  Cleveland is clearly a better team than Tennessee. The Browns should be able to win the game and send their fans home happy. 

No, Browns do not have more drama than Raiders

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The Associated Press NFL account posted a tweet claiming that the Cleveland Browns, not the Oakland Raiders, have the NFL’s drama crown.

With everything that is going in Oakland with Antonio Brown and the Raiders it is preposterous that some still believe that the Cleveland Browns have more drama. That is what the AP NFL account tweeted out Friday. 

Have they seen what has happened in only a matter of days? Just the past 72 hours in Oakland has provided more drama than the entire Cleveland offseason. Antonio Brown’s playing status has changed several times. Has been suspended, then not suspended.  Posts a video on YouTube of a phone call with Jon Gruden. Which Gruden apparently finds entertaining.

There is still plenty of time between now and Monday night only providing more opportunities for more nonsense. Nonsense such as the following news that broke Saturday morning.

The only drama that has surrounded Cleveland has been artificial story lines created by television personalities. Colin Cowherd does everything he can to take shots at Baker Mayfield. Others follow suit and pile on for one reason or another. Those who are in position know that players like Baker and Odell attract attention and use that to their advantage. Whether that’s Odell Beckham Jr. and his past issues or the inexperience of Freddie Kitchens as head coach. There are things worth discussing, but none are dramatic. 

It’s funny how people forget the dramatic nonsense in previous years and try to make it appear that the current Browns are more dramatic. The saga of Josh Gordon and whether he will play or not was a long going storyline that ended up with him in New England. Johnny Manziel was more focused on having a good time rather than studying a playbook. Hue Jackson was a complete embarrassment to the coaching profession on Hard Knocks. But please tell me how the 2019 Browns have more drama than the 2019 Raiders. 

They don’t. 

UPDATE

Since being posted earlier this morning Antonio Brown has been released by the Oakland Raiders.

Just more evidence that the Raiders have more drama than the Cleveland Browns.

Browns make Color Rush primary uniform

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The Cleveland Browns asked for and received permission from the NFL to use their very popular Color Rush uniforms as their primary home uniform.

The Cleveland Browns recently changed their primary uniforms for the 2019-2020 season to their color rush. However they will not be wearing them for all eight home games.

Cleveland will wear their Color Rush uniforms for six of their eight home games in 2019.

  • Tennessee Titans (9/8)
  • Los Angeles Rams (9/22)
  • Seattle Seahawks (10/13)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (11/14)
  • Cincinnati Bengals (12/8)
  • Baltimore Ravens (12/22)

Cleveland being granted permission by the NFL is a big deal. The Color Rush promotion was officially discontinued after the 2018 season. Teams can still wear them, but none were expected to wear them as a primary uniform option.

The Browns wore the popular uniforms for 3 games last year, all of which they won (Ravens, Bengals, Jets). Cleveland was actually the last NFL team to debut their Color Rush uniform, wearing it for the first time in their legendary comeback victory on Thursday Night Football against the New York Jets. Cleveland will start the season wearing their new primary uniforms against the Tennessee Titans Week 1 and look to continue their run of success wearing uniforms that have quickly become a fan favorite.

Myles Garrett could be in for big day

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Week 1 is setting up to be a favorable matchup for Myles Garrett as the Cleveland Browns take on the Tennessee Titans.

Myles Garrett could be in for quite the performance Sunday.  Tennessee is currently without their starting left tackle Taylor Lewan due to a suspension. Leaving the left side of the line open for business. 

The Titans will be starting Dennis Kelly at left tackle. Kelly has started 27 games in his six year career. Myles Garrett can give even the best left tackles a hard time. Kelly is not one of the best tackles in the NFL. Stopping Myles Garrett will not be easy and the Browns star defensive end could start this season with a bang. 

In an effort to stop Myles Garrett Tennessee could use several methods to slow him, because stopping him is impossible. The Titans might keep a tight end on the line to help out Kelly in blocking him. Running backs could chip him repeatedly. It will be important for Garrett not to get frustrated if he cannot get to the quarterback early. Eventually he will and it will be a game-changing play. 

The final part of the equation which could prove problematic is the mobility of Marcus Mariota. Mariota can evade a sack by moving around in the pocket and even taking off and running. Garrett (and others) will need to contain Mariota in order to help shut down the Titans passing attack. 

Myles Garrett is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Facing a team that is without their left tackle puts him in prime position for a dominant performance. A performance that could help catapult the Browns defense to a good start this season.

ESPN uses wrong quarterback for Browns

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ESPN tweeted a graphic featuring the only three NFL teams not to play on Wild Card Weekend since 2010. The Browns, Buccaneers and Patriots.

Maybe Colin Cowherd didn’t leave ESPN. Judging by the graphic that was used by “The Worldwide Leader”, this is an easy assumption. ESPN tweeted out the following about the Browns, Buccaneers and Patriots. The problem? Tampa Bay and New England had active quarterbacks. Cleveland did not.

Why would they use Johnny Manziel? Manziel is not the Browns quarterback. In fact the last thing Johnny Football did was appear on an insurance billboard.

https://twitter.com/ab89/status/1168484783132938245?s=20

The real problem is that ESPN did not use current Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. This is why the above comment about Colin Cowherd came form. Cowherd clearly does not like Mayfield and has an agenda against him. It may be just for attention, but throwing out digs at Baker Mayfield is like a normal bodily function for Cowherd. This seems like a scheme that Cowherd would concoct just to take yet another shot at Mayfield.

ESPN clearly is just following a path that Cowherd already cleared.

The inclusion of Tom Brady is understandable on this list. Brady routinely leads the Patriots to a first round bye and New England skips Wild Card Weekend. Jameis Winston is the current quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is yet to make the playoffs. The issue is including Manziel. There have been quite a few quarterbacks that have taken the field for the Browns since Johnny Manziel was in the NFL. The Browns are an entirely different franchise since Manziel skipped town and partied as Billy Vegas. Baker Mayfield is the current quarterback and appears poised to break this streak. Why not use the current quarterback of the Browns?

My guess? To make sure they get one last shot in while they still can in case the Browns break this streak.

Jamie Gillan is already a legend

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When waiting to find out if he made the team, Cleveland Browns punter Jamie Gillan aka “The Scottish Hammer” was at a bar in Tremont.

The Scottish Hammer is an absolute legend. On Saturday Jamie Gillan spent some time at The Flying Monkey in Tremont. During this time Gillan received a call informing him that he made the team.

https://twitter.com/ChampsInTheLand/status/1168667089701392384?s=20

John Dorsey informed The Scottish Hammer that me made the team and not surprisingly, it was time to celebrate.

Gillan immediately proceeded to attempt to buy everyone drinks. Instead, everyone at the bar bought The Scottish Hammer drinks. 

Gillan has acquired legend status without even appearing in a regular season game. Browns fans everywhere have already shown their love for The Scottish Hammer. Buying the punter for the Cleveland Browns drinks after he makes the team is the ultimate display of that. 

Let’s be honest. If there is anything more 2019 Cleveland Browns it is a punter who is known as “The Scottish Hammer” getting drinks bought for him by Browns fans at a bar named The Flying Monkey. Cleveland Browns fans know how to treat their players no matter what position they paly.

Jamie Gillan, you are a legend. 

Browns Players to Watch: Week 1 vs Titans

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The first week of every NFL Season is always high stress. Let’s take a look at five key players for the Cleveland Browns.

  • Baker Mayfield
    • The 2nd year quarterback has a lot of pressure on him, and he’s hoping to avoid the “sophomore slump”. Above all the key to his success is doing what he does best, buying time with his mobility. Considering the Browns shuffled the offensive line this may be counted on more this season than last.
  • Eric Kush
    • The projected starter at the right guard position will have many question marks for a position previously held by Kevin Zeitler, Zeitler was traded to the Giants this past offseason. Kush will need to pull his weight keep Baker upright.
  • Jarvis Landry
    • Everyone is talking about how explosive the Baker+OBJ connection is going to be. Meanwhile they forget that Jarvis Landry is going to be going up a lesser defensive back. Landry will certainly have plenty of chances to prove himself.
  • David Njoku
    • The talented pass catcher had struggles blocking last season. With the new and improved offense, David Njoku is expected to make a leap in his blocking ability in addition to improving his receiving numbers.
  • Denzel Ward
    • The 2nd year corner had tackling concerns last season. Resulting with Denzel Ward suffering concussions in his rookie campaign. We can expect him to make a jump under new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

Browns re-sign Greg Robinson

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As expected, Greg Robinson remains in a Browns uniform. Cleveland re-signed their starting left tackle Monday. Cleveland released him Sunday for apparent salary cap reasons and to accommodate placing Drew Forbes on injured reserve. This series of events did cause some fans to panic Sunday evening.

Contrary to thoughts of many, Robinson was not subject to the waiver process. This allows the Browns translations regarding Robinson to not encounter any issues.

Greg Robinson was back at practice Monday after re-signing with the team.

Greg Robinson will be eligible to play against the Titan and will ultimately help solidify the Browns offensive line for Week 1. Robinson will be tasked with protecting Baker Mayfield this season as Cleveland looks to build upon last season. Protecting Mayfield will be crucial to the Browns success in 2019.

The highly praised recruit was drafted 2nd overall by the Rams in 2014. After an unsuccessful tenure with the Rams, Robinson spent one year with Lions before landing in Cleveland last season. Greg Robinson joined the Browns through free agency and ultimately won the starting job mid-way through last season. Robinson replaced an ineffective Desmond Harrison. A move which just so happened to coincide with the Browns coaching change.