Since the Browns have returned in "99, they have made the playoffs only once. So many of us fans in north east Ohio and around the globe have always held onto something good that came from that past season in hopes that the following year would be they year that the stars aligned and everything came together.
In a drunken stupor (which is what I am calling it now), I predicted that the Browns this season would be the team which exceeded expectations around the league and came out of the shadows of oblivion to maybe make a quick playoff appearance this season. But alass, the Tampa Bay Bucs seem to have taken that spot this year.
However...............
Take a look at some of the stories from the NFL that plague sports talk radio and ESPN currently.
The Dallas Cowboys. Outside of there offensive line, this team isn't all that bad. But Jerry Jones, Wade Phillips, a 1.5 billion dollar stadium, and a 1-6 record put this team on the threat level "red" mark.
The Vikings. Brett Farve and father time. The Randy Moss 4 game experiment. Brad Childress and his complete inept ability to manage. This team reminds me of the Browns a few years back when at week 6 we traded the Cowboys for a troubled WR only to let him go at season end.
Both of these teams have more talent at nearly every position but left tackle. But its very hard to deny that those teams are better off than the Browns are. "How the hell did you come up with that?!" you ask.
Both our #1 and #2 QB's went down to ankle injuries leaving baby faced Colt McCoy to make his first professional start against the Steelers. The Browns weren't able to pull off that magical win, but you did watch the game against the Saints right?
OK, some of you may not agree with me on this but here I go.....(deep breath)
At seasons end and if Head Coach Eric Mangini gets a meeting with the Browns front office for either a job extension or just to keep his job, all he needs to say is, "Mr. Lerner, did you see what we did against the reigning NFL champs?" and just leave it at that. That was the most complete game I have seen this team play since 1999. The entire Browns coaching staff (yes even the offensive cord) out coached Sean Peyton and his Saints. Can anything happen on any given Sunday? You bet, and the Browns laid it on thick two weeks ago.
With last Aprils draft picks playing well, some great scheming by our defensive coordinator, and Mr. Holmgren, I feel pretty good about what has transpired at the halfway point this season. What say you?
Anyhow, the Browns will host the wretched New England Gillette Razors. Mr.Bill should get a nice warm welcome. He will from me at least. Lets face it, without him, his play calling on 3rd and longs would not have spawned the domain name for this site.
Can Colt and our inept wide receivers move the chains against Gerard Warren and New England's def line? Or will Peyton Hillis once again be a beast with the rock and run for his 6th TD of the season?
Comments
Post a Comment