Well, we knew that anyway, with the worst defense in the NFL and a 1-3 record, but most of us have some hope that things can turn around, and a wild card is still a remote possibility. Well, abandon that hope, because the season is over.
WILD CARD:
At 1-3 in the AFC, the Browns have dug themselves into an insurmountable hole. Let's make a few, rather safe, assumptions. Your division winners are NE, CIN, DEN, and IND. Taking a look at the Wild Card, the top contenders are (Based on NFL.Com power rankings and current record) NYJ, SD, OAK, and BUF. PIT is ranked 13, but without Big Ben…I am not confident they make it. So, out of the 4 top contenders, we have a head-to-head loss to 3 of them!!! If two of these four end up with the same record as us, season over. If one makes it, we have to somehow overcome the 1-3 start in the AFC, or pray for a head to head win over buffalo as the tie breaker. If it comes to a Conference tie breaker, we’re out. The Bottom line is, if you want to compete for the wild card, you have to beat the other wild card contenders. We are 0-3 against them. The Browns must go 10-2 down the stretch to win the wild card, most likely. Not happening.
DIVISION:
The Browns are 3 games back of Cinci already, and the Bengals are 4-0 in the AFC, and 1-0 in the division. They are currently projected by Vegas to reach 11.2 wins. Let’s say they only go 7-5 down the stretch, and finish 11-5. Again, that leaves the Browns having to go 10-2 down the stretch, and sweep the Bengals to avoid other tie breakers. Of course, they could also go 11-1 or 12-0 and not have to worry about tie breakers, if the Bengals don’t win 12 or 13 themselves.
At 1-3, teams are still playing for a wild card spot in most respects. For the Browns, however, the fact their 3 losses are in the AFC against other wild card contenders, and the Bengals are 4-0 with conference wins, the playoffs are a pipe dream.
So it's going just as many of us thought it would.
Some of us, not sure about "many." I saw a lot of predictions on this board with us in the playoffs, winning 10+ games, top 10 elite defense, and so on.
I can't remember if I predicted 3 or 4 wins this year, but now I think that was pretty optimistic.
They actually did a fantastic job of retooling their offense. They've realized their weak points, and adjusted to minimize them (complete opposite of our defense).
Basically, it all comes down to Andy Dalton. For all of his flaws, he is one of the best 3 step drop QBs in the league. Does a great job when he can utilize instincts and reaction vs. thinking and processing. He also can get the ball out quick.
The problem comes when the Bengals hit adversity early on, and when Dalton starts having to make more progressions. It's strange, because I think he can actually read coverages fine, but it's almost like he just gets real nervous if he has to give up on his first read.
Their newer strategy of throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, at the other team early on in the game gets him into a good rhythm and takes the pressure off of him. It's probably the biggest reason they're 4-0.
Anybody who thought this was a playoff team before the season started should have known better. I never expect the Browns to make the playoffs since they don't improve enough during the off-season. I watch to see if they can grow and improve over time every season. It sucks, but it's unfortunately a realistic expectation year in and year out. WISHING they'd make the playoffs? Yes. EXPECTING it? No, never.
having Dalton on my fantasy team and Eifert also I have to pay close attention to his play this year. It looks like to me Dalton is just doing a better job of getting in and out of the huddle faster. He making all the right protection calls when he sees blitzes etc. and what stands out he's getting perfect pass protection. Houston and Hali the best tandem in the NFL didn't even touch him last week. Dalton is taking more shots 25 yards plus downfield with less throws at the end of the day. plus the Bengals have playmakers all over.you can't double Green anymore.
I think the Browns just need to forget they are 1-3 and forge ahead. The problem is this 1-3 start is what Its "leaders" and I say that lightly like Haden and Thomas are used to. 1-3 starts and 5-11 finishes. one game at a time. starts with the Ravens who need a win as bad as the Browns.
The problem hits them when they play a tough Defense.... Not a one among them there, Ravens D is not what it use to be...not even close.
Opener with Raiders...I know we lost to them. Just saying as someone else said. The FAT lady has not sang yet.
I don't understand the almost ANGER towards the fans who wish not to recognize the end of our season as many are claiming...how easy it is to do so of course with us at 1-3.
Quite Frankly its time for HASLAM TO STAND UP...not to the media. But closed doors and tell the team. Look NOBODY IS GETTING FIRED.
Every guy on our team...every one! has not seen a HC for more than 2 seasons.
Is Joe our senior player on this team? 07 08 RAC...09 10 Mangini...11 12 Shurmur...13 Chud....and now.
We can lose the season cause our players are like...THERE IT IS THESE GUYS ARE GONE...and the drepression kicks in and sure enough they lose the team cause the players give up as in a Why bother these guys are gone.
Haslam can reignite life in this team by having a closed door meeting and tell them all...we are sticking with this and we are in it to win it. Let start playing hard and don't worry about change is coming cause we are going to carry on!!!!
Well, I guess we shouldn't even bother to play the games then.. I mean, after all the Season is Over. Great, My Sundays are free.. YEE HAA
We'll just send the Bengals to the playoffs and watch as Dalton blows up again.
No sense in the Browns even getting out of bed. Just think of the money in travel costs that Haslam will save.., I think you should let him know that the Seasons over so that he can cut staff and save major green.
I'm not sure what a lot of fans expected. I'm fairly positive that I predicted a 6-10 to 7-9 season.
The Bengals are 4-0 because they run a good ship down in Cincinnati. They've been patient with the coaching staff, and they've drafted well.
While I hope Haslam sticks to his word and keeps Farmer/Pettine for another year, I have a bad feeling we'll be hiring our 4th head coach and 3rd GM since 2010 once this season ends.
