This is a place to keep tabs on the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals during the season since they have a "special" place in our hearts.
It will be interesting to see how the Ravens handle the loss of Dobbins. Rumors flying that they've brought in L'Eveon Bell and DeSean McCoy for tryouts.
CLEVELAND BROWNS SCHEDULE 2021 (all times Eastern)
Week 1: 9/12 at Chiefs, 4:25 PM, CBS Week 2: 9/19 vs. Houston, 1 PM, CBS Week 3: 9/26 vs. Bears, 1 PM, Fox Week 4: 10/3 at Vikings, 1 PM, CBS Week 5: 10/10 at Chargers, 4:05 PM, CBS Week 6: 10/17 vs. Cardinals, 4:05 PM, Fox Week 7: 10/21 vs. Broncos, 8:20 PM, Fox/NFL Network/ Amazon Week 8: 10/31 vs. Steelers, 1 PM, CBS Week 9: 11/7 at Bengals, 1 PM, CBS Week 10: 11/14 at Patriots, 1 PM, CBS Week 11: 11/21 vs. Lions, 1 PM, Fox Week 12: 11/28 at Ravens, 8:20 PM, NBC Week 13: BYE Week 14: 12/12 vs. Ravens, 1 PM, CBS Week 15: 12/19 vs. Raiders, time & TV TBD Week 16: 12/25 at Packers, 4:30 PM, Fox/NFL Network/Amazon Week 17: 1/3 at Steelers, 8:15 PM, ESPN Week 18: 1/9 vs. Bengals, 1 PM, CBS
Prime-time games Sunday Night Football: Week 12 at Ravens Monday Night Football: Week 17 at Steelers Thursday Night Football: Week 7 vs. Broncos Christmas Day: Week 16 vs. Packers
BALTIMORE RAVENS SCHEDULE 2021 (all times Eastern)
Week 1: 9/13 at Raiders, 8:15 PM, ESPN/ABC Week 2: 9/19 vs. Chiefs 8:20 PM, NBC Week 3: 9/26 at Lions, 1 PM, CBS Week 4: 10/3 at Broncos, 4:25 PM, CBS Week 5: 10/11 vs. Colts, 8:15 PM, ESPN Week 6: 10/17 vs. Chargers, 1 PM, CBS Week 7: 10/24 vs. Bengals, 1 PM, CBS Week 8: BYE Week 9: 11/7 vs. Vikings, 1 PM, Fox Week 10: 11/11 at Dolphins, 8:20 PM, Fox/NFL Network/Amazon Week 11: 11/21 at Bears, 1 PM, CBS Week 12: 11/28 vs. Browns, 8:20 PM, NBC Week 13: 12/5 at Steelers, 4:25 PM, CBS Week 14: 12/12 at Browns, 1 PM, CBS Week 15: 12/19 vs. Packers, 1 PM, Fox Week 16: 12/26 at Bengals, 1 PM, CBS Week 17: 1/2 vs. Rams, 4:25 PM, Fox Week 18: 1/9 vs. Steelers, 1 PM, CBS
Prime-time games Sunday Night Football: Week 2 vs. Chiefs, Week 12. vs. Browns Monday Night Football: Week 1 at Raiders, Week 5 vs. Colts, Thursday Night Football: Week 10 at Dolphins
PITTSBURGH STEELERS SCHEDULE 2021 (all times Eastern)
Week 1: 9/12 at Bills, 1 PM, CBS Week 2: 9/19 vs. Raiders 1 PM, CBS Week 3: 9/26 vs. Bengals, 1 PM, CBS Week 4: 10/3 at Packers, 4:25 PM CBS Week 5: 10/10 vs. Broncos, 1 PM, Fox Week 6: 10/17 vs. Seahawks, 8:20 PM, NBC Week 7: BYE Week 8: 10/31 at Browns, 1 PM, CBS Week 9: 11/8 vs. Bears, 8:15 PM, ESPN Week 10: 11/14 vs. Lions, 1 PM, Fox Week 11: 11/21 at Chargers, 8:20 PM, NBC Week 12: 11/28 at Bengals, 1 PM, CBS Week 13: 12/5 vs. Ravens, 4:25 PM, CBS Week 14: 12/9 at Vikings, 8:20 PM Fox/NFL Network/ Amazon Week 15: 12/19 vs. Titans, 1 PM, CBS Week 16: 12/26 at Chiefs, 4:25 PM, CBS Week 17: 1/3 vs. Browns, 8:15 PM, ESPN Week 18: 1/9 at Ravens, 1 PM, CBS
Prime-time games Sunday Night Football: Week 6 vs. Seahawks, Week 11 at Chargers Monday Night Football: Week 9 vs. Bears, Week 17 vs. Browns Thursday Night Football: Week 14 at Vikings
CINCINNATI BENGALS SCHEDULE 2021 (all times Eastern)
Week 1: 9/12 vs. Vikings, 1 PM, Fox Week 2: 9/19 at Bears, 1 PM, Fox Week 3: 9/26 at Steelers, 1 PM, CBS Week 4: 9/30 vs. Jaguars, 8:20 PM, NFL Week 5: 10/10 vs. Packers, 1 PM, Fox Week 6: 10/17 at Lions,1 PM, Fox Week 7: 10/24 at Ravens, 1 PM, CBS Week 8: 10/31 at Jets, 1 PM, CBS Week 9: 11/7 vs. Browns, 1 PM, CBS Week 10: BYE Week 11: 11/21 at Raiders, 4:05 PM, CBS Week 12: 11/28 vs. Steelers, 1 PM, CBS Week 13: 12/5 vs. Chargers, 1 PM, Fox Week 14: 12/12 vs. 49ers, 1 PM, CBS Week 15: 12/19 at Broncos, 4:05 PM, CBS Week 16: 12/26 vs. Ravens, 1 PM, CBS Week 17: 1/2 vs. Chiefs, 1 PM, CBS Week 18: 1/9 at Browns, 1 PM, CBS
Prime-time games Thursday Night Football: Week 4 vs. Jaguars
A few comments, with 1st quarter record predictions:
Ravens - Lamar is going to be playing superman again, at least early in the season. Their wideouts have been injured all throughout pre-season, plus we know Lamar was out with COVID. Result was they didn't get the passing game work in that they wanted. And despite the loss of JK, Gus is plenty good enough to run that option offense with Lamar. Defense is always solid. I hate to say it, but I think the Chiefs have a let-down game on the road after beating us week 1. Ravens go 4-0 to start.
Bengals - I would say that they're regretting the Jamar Chase pick, but from the sounds of things in Detroit, Sewell is struggling as well. That offense will still be really good once Burrow trusts his knee and his protection...sounds like they aren't there yet, so I think they lose the opener against that Vikings that they could otherwise win playing with confidence. They get off the schnide against Jax to go 1-3.
Steelers - Reports of their demise always seem to fall flat. I don't have a lot of belief in their longevity across the (even longer) season, but their defense is just sooo good. Loss of Tuitt early won't make a big difference. That OL, though, is in shambles. Both tackles are off-the-street guys, plus other new starters aren't great. Najee and Ben will earn every cent this season if they can produce behind that pile of garbage. The mystique is still enough to beat middle tier Bengals and Raiders, so they go 2-2.
Browns - I have some serious concerns about this defense. Has our starting back 7 played a single snap together, even in practice? Unless somehow the DL is dominant (like Clowney and Takk recapture their best + McDowell emerges), this D is gonna be just as bad as last year early on. The offense will be fine, and will carry us through 3 games, however, they aren't good enough to keep up with the Chiefs until proven otherwise. Browns lose another opener, but rise up to 3-1.
Browns - I have some serious concerns about this defense. Has our starting back 7 played a single snap together, even in practice? Unless somehow the DL is dominant (like Clowney and Takk recapture their best + McDowell emerges), this D is gonna be just as bad as last year early on.
I get your point, but I disagree. The single replacement of Andrew Sendejo with JJ3 makes this defense better than last year's. Add Walker in the middle, and I think the starting point for this year's D is last year's at it's best.
Browns - I have some serious concerns about this defense. Has our starting back 7 played a single snap together, even in practice? Unless somehow the DL is dominant (like Clowney and Takk recapture their best + McDowell emerges), this D is gonna be just as bad as last year early on.
I get your point, but I disagree. The single replacement of Andrew Sendejo with JJ3 makes this defense better than last year's. Add Walker in the middle, and I think the starting point for this year's D is last year's at it's best.
That actually probably the most reasonable and valid direct comparison to last year that there is. Literally, just the replacing Sendejo with JJ3 part makes us at least one score per game better. With just that one move, the giant gaping hole in our defense that gave up a 1st down anytime an opponent needed it has been effectively closed and opponents will have to actually work a little against us. I think perhaps folks forget just how much of a problem Sendejo and the Safety position was for us last year. Harrison & JJ3 is far and away better than Sendejo & Redwine/Joseph, and that is still not counting anything from Delpit. Edit to add that I just realized that not one of the starting Safeties from last year is even on the roster this year, and the guy that was our #2 CB has been replaced as well.
LB corps... at the very least, it is no worse than it was, and in terms of talent and intelligence/knowledge brought in, it is largely upgraded on paper.
The interior DLine is still worrisome until they show us something, but I do like the upside potential that is there.... I just need to see it be stout before I can trust that it isn't still a problem.
Woods was hamstrung last year. He accepted it and had to play with what he had.
All true that this defense has not been able to play the indended starters because of soft tissue injuries and management being justifiably cautious.
However, there is still a boatload of preparation work that is done.
Key veterans at every level will help. Myles, Clowney, and Malik Jackson. Anthony Walker midlevel. JJ3, Harrison, and Ward on the back end.
Last year the secondary was a mess.
If we can get consistent pressure from the front. IMO we will be fine early on.
When things start to tighten after Thanksgiving. We should be hitting full stride.
I would not be surprised to see McDowell, play very early for Billings, I have concerns about Billings, for as large of a person, he was rag-dolled numerous times. McDowell on the other hand was rag dolling OL.....
Although the offense is much the same, DPJ and Felton will be adding something to the mix. You can tell that the Browns really like Felton.
It will ultimately come down to injuries. The teams that stay healthy finish well.
Billing made the team based on past experience over anything he showed in camp, and I get that to a degree.
We have to hope the guy continues to progress as the season unfolds because it is pretty obvious his season off turned him to to a ton of blubber.
The NT position has a history of big guys who look more fat than anything else, but they remained strong as an ox and could still move to some degree.
Let's just say that Billings hasn't found his sweet spot. My guess is the team has the guy on some weight targets and if he doesn't start to come close to meeting those targets he could get released 3-4-5 weeks in to the season.
It's interesting that the Ravens didn't make a move to upgrade their running back situation with the loss of Dobbins, so far. How will this affect Lamar? We'll see.
It's interesting that the Ravens didn't make a move to upgrade their running back situation with the loss of Dobbins, so far. How will this affect Lamar? We'll see.
They will just let Lamar take Dobbins carries.
One day Lamar is going to get hit and not recover or it will be death by 1000 tackles.
It's interesting that the Ravens didn't make a move to upgrade their running back situation with the loss of Dobbins, so far. How will this affect Lamar? We'll see.
To my eyes, JK was only slightly better than Gus Edwards. And they really like their now-2nd string Ty'son Williams. I don't see any change at all in their effectiveness running the ball
It's interesting that the Ravens didn't make a move to upgrade their running back situation with the loss of Dobbins, so far. How will this affect Lamar? We'll see.
To my eyes, JK was only slightly better than Gus Edwards. And they really like their now-2nd string Ty'son Williams. I don't see any change at all in their effectiveness running the ball
I was thinking more along the lines of protection. They're probably all good runners but I don't have any idea of their blocking ability.
It's interesting that the Ravens didn't make a move to upgrade their running back situation with the loss of Dobbins, so far. How will this affect Lamar? We'll see.
They will just let Lamar take Dobbins carries.
One day Lamar is going to get hit and not recover or it will be death by 1000 tackles.
No they won't. Gus Edwards is a good back. He will get a ton of carries this year.
The place where the Browns have a clear advantage over all the other teams in the AFCN is the offensive line.
The Steelers line will struggle again this year, and I have serious doubts Ben makes it through the season unscathed. They have no depth on the OL.
I think Baltimore's line will struggle this year as well, even though they tried to fix it this offseason. I think Villanueva will struggle at RT, and their OL depth is not very good.
I also think both those teams lack the depth of the Browns. This is very important, with a 17th game added this year.
Everytime Troy Aikman or Joe Buck or whatever dumb one sits next to them makes another call about Gus Edwards and his 1 yard outside carry, I'm going to Break my TV! "They hopped on the bust guts."
When I first heard that the Ravens' had Bell in for a visit I added him to my fantasy squad. I didn't like RB depth. So I guessed that between Bell and Freeman they would sign Bell. The fact that they signed him to the PS only gives them and Bell time to get him up to speed. Then he will be moved to the 53. This seems inevitable since they only have Gus Edwards and a guy named Ty'Son Williams on their current 53 man roster.
Well, the other side to that equation is that they have to have a good defense to enable him to run as much as he does. Peters going down won't help that cause.
The playing surface at their training facility is something to look at. But I have to wonder if there is something about the way they are choosing to practice that is contributing to these injuries?
If they don't do an in-depth examination of all of their process, shame on them.
Holy cow! I just tuned in to this thread today, and the Ravens are being decimated IN PRACTICE. Could you imagine Chubb, Hunt, Johnson, and Ward going down in one week, for the year? Lamar's risk rate just skyrocketed I would think.
One of the most important factors for any team in the championship conversation is injury luck. It’s going to take a lot of depth luck to overcome their losses.
So now Devonta Freeman has joined L'eveon Bell on the Ravens practice squad. That's a heck of a practice squad, lol.
The deal is that someone is going to get the rock. To me, 99% of being a good back is getting the carries.
If all of Chubb, Hunt, and Johnson got hurt today, Felton could gain around 1300 yards if given the carries. That is only 76 yards a game.
I think you forget how long it took us to get a 1,000 yard rusher after The Return and just how big of a deal that was and how we thought we had finally 'arrived' as a team when it happened.
I think they'll be fine at RB. Lamar stirs that drink. In fact, I would say that in a normal offense, Bell, Freeman, and Murray are all meh at this point, but with all eyes on Lamar, they have the opportunity to produce well above what they would elsewhere.
Peters hurts them, though. ANY loss that forces them to play from behind more often hurts that team quite a bit, and losing an elite corner definitely ups those chances of falling behind.
Does Leveon Bell still have anything left in the tank? I remember both Freeman and Murray looking pretty used up in previous stops.
I'd say he was pretty much done when he left the Steelers, but he keeps hanging around.
When even the Jets cast you off mid-season, that's a sign. The Chiefs picked him up only as depth and wouldn't keep him even at the paltry $1 million they got him for in 2020. He's playing for the Ravens at $252k (and the Jets are still carrying dead money for his last contract).
Edit: the $252k is his practice squad contract. As a veteran with 7 years, as soon as he is signed to the 53, he will get a minimum of $1.075 million.
Does Leveon Bell still have anything left in the tank? I remember both Freeman and Murray looking pretty used up in previous stops.
Once he left the Steelers "charmed" OLine, we saw that his "patience" behind the OLine was really hesitation.
The Jets OLine did not get the "look-the-other-way" treatment that the Steelers OLine got/gets with the OLine holding the opponent like they were their lover until a hole magically appeared for Bell to trot on through.
Burrow was already limping at one point in the game. I was watching the game a little bit, and from the plays I saw the Bengals might've managed to put an even worse Oline out there than last year.
Steelers defense is very good .. couple that with their short passing game and our defense … that means two tough games with them.
And Cincy looks much better as long as the OL holds up
I saw some of that game. Cincy's OL was squat! absolute excercomont, very bad, a water filled paper bag to stop a leak, their OL was autrocious. But it didn't matter because their dumb qb could place the ball faster than for it to matter.
From what I saw half the sacks was attributed to not the oline but the blocking back missed some blocks and Hunter blew past the edge blocker Drew Simple. Even Mixon ran for 122 yds so how bad was The oline?
It seemed like whenever I looked Burrow was getting smashed. He was limping at one point (didn't seem to affect him, though). I don't see how that performance translates to when they go up against a team that can really rush the passer without Burrow basically leaving in a body bag.
I watched Burrow for a bit yesterday... this kid reminds me of a young John Elway. I think if he survives Cinci's FO moves, he has potential to be incredibly good to great.
I watched Burrow for a bit yesterday... this kid reminds me of a young John Elway. I think if he survives Cinci's FO moves, he has potential to be incredibly good to great.
I watched Burrow for a bit yesterday... this kid reminds me of a young John Elway. I think if he survives Cinci's FO moves, he has potential to be incredibly good to great.
Burrow has about 1/2 the arm of Elway...if that.
Remind me of that when he becomes a thorn in our side.
I watched Burrow for a bit yesterday... this kid reminds me of a young John Elway. I think if he survives Cinci's FO moves, he has potential to be incredibly good to great.
Burrow has about 1/2 the arm of Elway...if that.
Remind me of that when he becomes a thorn in our side.
If he ever does become a thorn in our side, it won't be anywhere near because he looks like Elway doing so. He can't scramble like Elway and doesn't have the arm of Elway...not even close.
If you say so, he reminds me of a YOUNG Elway. Maybe go back and watch some of his rookie highlights. And you could be right about his arm, but I think he has the arm.
I watched Burrow for a bit yesterday... this kid reminds me of a young John Elway. I think if he survives Cinci's FO moves, he has potential to be incredibly good to great.
Burrow has about 1/2 the arm of Elway...if that.
Remind me of that when he becomes a thorn in our side.
If he ever does become a thorn in our side, it won't be anywhere near because he looks like Elway doing so. He can't scramble like Elway and doesn't have the arm of Elway...not even close.
Mahomes is the thorn in our side. We came a minute away from playing the bills last year. I think he is our 2020's Elway.
I think the Bengals will beat the bears - yes. I think the Raiders will give the Steelers a game. I think they have a chance. I think we beat Texans. I think the Ravens will give KC a game. That'll be a great game to watch.
I think the Bears D won't let the Bengals do what they did vs Vikings. I've been harping on it a little too much, but I'm not getting on the Bengals bandwagon, so to speak. I think the Vikings played really really poorly (and Burrow is still the real deal when he's upright).
I think Burrows is outstanding. I love the Cinci WR core, and Mixon is very good especially when fresh like this early season game. But I agree to the thinking their OL is going to get Burrows hurt... just think for one game early in the season, they have a solid chance.
I definitely think Burrow is the real deal. He has a ton of poise and definitely has the "It" factor. I think their biggest challenge against the Bears will be keeping him upright against Khalil Mack.
I imagine they'll run a lot and try to get some quick passes in to nullify his pass-rush set, but the couple of long drop backs I presume they will have will expose Burrow and their OL to one hell of a relentless pass-rusher.
Mixon is a really good back, but he can't do it on his own. Against a tough D like the Bears have the Oline will have to pull their weight and I think they'll come crashing back to Earth.
I dont see anything special about the Bears D. They have Mack and who else? The Rams had their way with Bears D. I can see Cincy putting up 27 or more In a win Plus Andy Dalton will get sacked 5-times
The Browns should beat the Texans easily On talent alone.but dont be surprised if its close through 3 q. But Hunt needs more touches
The Ravens are in real trouble. No pass rush and their best cover corner Is out to allow the pass rush to get home KC will put 35 on them easy. Plus their RG got hurt.
Steelers should take care of the Raiders But Carr has the talents to look like Bert Jones at times.
The Steeler defense is legit, as expected, but their offense is as trash as expected, too. They aren't going to score off of blocked punts every week. I think the Raiders win.
Bengals-Bears: that's a coin flip. I don't really know either team well enough to gauge it. Who knows what the Bengals are when they're actually healthy.
Raven-Chiefs: I'll be SHOCKED if this is anything other than a Ravens loss. I don't see their defense as being good enough to contain the Chiefs, and that offense is going nowhere.
Us v Texans: I'll simply say that if this isn't a 'W', heads should roll.
When will they say that about the Browns in my lifetime?
I listened to their podcast for the first time, they kept 10-12 linebackers... .. (but how are they able to play Pre-vent with 12 linebackers on their roster?)
No. They don't play great, they sit around. They wait around. They do nothing, for 3/4th of the game. then. In One 90. second stretch, they make a game changing touchdown on defense, Then force another 3 and out, Then score on offense. a 14 point swing. They have done it for years, it's their recipe.
Absorb what the other team does, for 30 minutes, stay within 12-17 points, no more than 17, then, when the time comes. SNAP, make your move and it's over you win. They have nothing left in the tank.
Bengals-Bears: that's a coin flip. I don't really know either team well enough to gauge it.
You know this. Bears win, it's the bengals, and they are on the road. Fields should be starting, they win either way, if Fields is playing, the Bears win by a dozen.
Quote:
Raven-Chiefs: I'll be SHOCKED if this is anything other than a Ravens loss.
If Lamar Jackson is healthy, No win they get will shock me.
Quote:
Browns v Texans:
Browns are already under pressure to get back to 500. They'll have to play smart, and dominate. And the Browns shouldn't let it come down to one possession either way, not even an onside kick. The Browns are better period.
The Steeler defense is legit, as expected, but their offense is as trash as expected, too. They aren't going to score off of blocked punts every week. I think the Raiders win.
Bengals-Bears: that's a coin flip. I don't really know either team well enough to gauge it. Who knows what the Bengals are when they're actually healthy.
Raven-Chiefs: I'll be SHOCKED if this is anything other than a Ravens loss. I don't see their defense as being good enough to contain the Chiefs, and that offense is going nowhere.
Us v Texans: I'll simply say that if this isn't a 'W', heads should roll.
idk, the Texans have a better record than us and they beat the mighty Urban Meyer and his Jags. Oh and the newly anointed GOAT Trevor Larwence.
Steelers vs Raiders Bengals at Bears Browns vs Texans Ravens vs Chiefs
Bengals 1-1 Browns 1-1 Ravens 1-1 Steelers 2-0. (seems obvious) Do I think the Ravens will beat the chiefs? I think the Ravens will go 16-0 (15-1 now), as long as Lamar is playing and healthy, so, of course.
(you know they play the Browns twice TL?, Cuss! don't remind me, it's going to StinK! if they sweep us. CuSS!) s o $%$gun. dang with a bye, son of, 'it's what I think will happen though. ahhhh!!!! million frowns. son of a gunnn.... !!!! @%^#$$% ravens. Done w/ this
I dont see anything special about the Bears D. They have Mack and who else? The Rams had their way with Bears D. I can see Cincy putting up 27 or more In a win Plus Andy Dalton will get sacked 5-times
Justin Fields should be starting, Dalton was clearly done 2 years ago., I don't see HOW Justin Fields isn't starting and playing all the time there, good or bad play he has more tools at this point.
Quote:
The Browns should beat the Texans easily On talent alone.but dont be surprised if its close through 3 q. But Hunt needs more touches,
Chubb does too.
Originally Posted By: Iluvmyxstripper
The Ravens are in real trouble.
Oh MY have I heard that one before.Ravens' are in real trouble, Again! They are about to implode, the Ravens can't keep this charade going, on and on, heard it since 2019, Who is going to beat them.
As long as that dum-<><><<. quarterback, is running around like a pinball machine, bouncing off of tackles like I don't know what. Who can beat them.
Let's hope so. If the Ravens somehow win this week, I just give up on the existence of any kind of balance to the universe.
And speaking of, as the Browns and Ravens fight to get back even, the Steelers just quietly are going to rack up 2 Ws to start the year. No way the Raiders go on the road and win that game. The zombie franchise lives.
I saw that Ben had a horrible rating for Sunday's game, but then some people online (social media) are disputing that. I didn't actually see the game. Can someone give an accurate description as to whether Roethsliberger did well or not, based on watching the game?
I'll take a low risk, high reward (like Takk, McD) signing if it means upgrading from those two players and their snap counts based on their performance up to this point.
Because we have Takitaki and Wilson playing a significant amount of snaps we could benefit greatly from an upgrade.
This. Reuben's issues are largely his off-field conduct. We seem to be willing to check out 'project' talents that meet team needs. We seem confident that our locker room can handle these types of additions.
I just hope that we are looking HARD at his past and present conduct.
Tough, Smart Accountable:
Wonderlic of 9 and a history of conduct issues..... I trust Berry, but still question whether this one may be dipping a little too deeply into the Risk Well. It doesn't hurt to take a look, though. We do need to get better at LB, and a cheap infusion of talent with the right mindset would be golden. With a Wonderlic of 9, though, I wonder how quickly he can learn a defense.
The great thing about the FA scrap heap is that it's easy to cut bait if things start going sour.
The flip side of that is that now we have enough talent that we can’t pick anyone up without cutting someone else who probably has a fairly high street value and might themselves get snatched up quickly. I love taking a look but who would you cut to make room for a super high risk guy that hasn’t played since 2018? Maybe just stick him on the PS I guess.
The great thing about the FA scrap heap is that it's easy to cut bait if things start going sour.
The flip side of that is that now we have enough talent that we can’t pick anyone up without cutting someone else who probably has a fairly high street value and might themselves get snatched up quickly. I love taking a look but who would you cut to make room for a super high risk guy that hasn’t played since 2018? Maybe just stick him on the PS I guess.
any of the LB outside of JOK and maybe takitaki would be pretty easy to cut. But Foster is a bum, no idea why we are even looking at that trash
The great thing about the FA scrap heap is that it's easy to cut bait if things start going sour.
The flip side of that is that now we have enough talent that we can’t pick anyone up without cutting someone else who probably has a fairly high street value and might themselves get snatched up quickly. I love taking a look but who would you cut to make room for a super high risk guy that hasn’t played since 2018? Maybe just stick him on the PS I guess.
any of the LB outside of JOK and maybe takitaki would be pretty easy to cut. But Foster is a bum, no idea why we are even looking at that trash
Being "tied for first place" used to mean something.
_________
If this team is being built to outplay teams like KC and BAL, we're still a work in progress. Tonight's SNF game showed me that:
1. We couldn't beat KC last week 2. KC couldn't beat BAL this week.
I foresee BAL giving us the same trouble they always do. That team had more injured #1's on the sidelines than any other NFL team- and they managed to do what CLE couldn't.
As stacked as this team looks on paper, it is not yet a lock for a deep playoff run. It's still the NFL- every given Sunday. Today's win would feel a lot better if the rest of the AFCN was playing the way they look on paper. The game's still played on grass- not paper.
We're going to finish the triangle and beat Baltimore.
Kc beats Us Baltimore beats KC We beat the Ravens Triangle complete, who has tie breaker advantage there? Would rather have it over Baltimore than KC if not both.
I'm looking for your 5-6 game "gelling period" for this D, but Dawg- I've now spent 2 consecutive games feeling underwhelmed. Usually, I can see flashes of what might be, but so far, I'm just seeing alotta mediocrity.
We need better from the D. If today's CLE defense met tonight's BAL offense, I'm not confident CLE'd have an answer.
Nope, we'd lose that one. We could really lose any Sunday. But I think we'll be good by the end of games 5 or 6. If we don't see real improvement by then, Woods needs to answer for that.
We're going to finish the triangle and beat Baltimore.
Kc beats Us Baltimore beats KC We beat the Ravens Triangle complete, who has tie breaker advantage there? Would rather have it over Baltimore than KC if not both.
I wish I had your confidence, basically your forecast is predicated on belief ... at this moment we've seen no improvement in 2 games and not seen anything that would indicate that players are gelling or a light bulb is going to switch on. My concern is that our D woes are as much scheme and coaching as it is new players gelling.
Baltimore at Detroit (90% chance Baltimore wins) Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (66% chance Pittsburgh wins) Chicago at Cleveland (70% chance Cleveland wins)
I still think we have a lot of work to do to catch Baltimore, and last night proved it
Underwhelmed 2.0 here as well. The Rats looked more dialed in when it counted. They survived last night with a stupid blind luck mistake (seen it before repeatedly). We couldn't stop them IMO with our soft play.
But how many folks did we put out? Body count was high.
Big issue with our team: we don’t have play makers outside of Chubb when it counts. Our defense literally can’t get off the field against Houston, let alone the Chiefs when it counts
Big issue with our team: we don’t have play makers outside of Chubb when it counts. Our defense literally can’t get off the field against Houston, let alone the Chiefs when it counts
Joe. Woods.
You have all pro talent in Ward and Garrett who were both terrible yesterday.
You had a third string rookie QB in his first game action and decided not to do anything to make his like harder. You actually created a comfortable environment for him to succeed.
Not to make excuses, but this defense has only been together for 2 weeks, and even then there have been changes.
I was frustrated with the defense yesterday. I am not ready to call for anyone's head just yet, though. We lost the green dot after week 1. We just got Delpit back. JOK is playing his 2nd game as a pro, as is Newsome. 3/4 of our starting DL is new. (actually, most of it, including depth, is new) Our starting FS and Nickel were on the Rams last year. It does take some time to get all on the same page, and playing instinctually.
If we haven't found our footing after week 5 or 6, then I will not stand in the way of those calling for Woods's head. At this early point in the season, though, it's still way too early.
I understand the frustration. I share it, and would like to add...
In both KC games now, the road team was winning and gave up 2 4th quarter TOs (1 fumble and 1 falling-down pick) to let the home team off the hook. Of course, God hating the Browns and all, we came down on the losing side of both road losses.
Bright spot for me is that as poorly as our defense played yesterday, we have ABSOLUTELY been a much better run D so far this year. That doesn't guarantee that we hold Lamar & Co. completely in check, but it is step 1 in that process.
Not to make excuses, but this defense has only been together for 2 weeks, and even then there have been changes.
I was frustrated with the defense yesterday. I am not ready to call for anyone's head just yet, though. We lost the green dot after week 1. We just got Delpit back. JOK is playing his 2nd game as a pro, as is Newsome. 3/4 of our starting DL is new. (actually, most of it, including depth, is new) Our starting FS and Nickel were on the Rams last year. It does take some time to get all on the same page, and playing instinctually.
If we haven't found our footing after week 5 or 6, then I will not stand in the way of those calling for Woods's head. At this early point in the season, though, it's still way too early.
They've only played real games for two weeks; they've been together for about 12 weeks.
"The Browns' biggest weakness is still at the second level of their defense. Cleveland allowed Houston to convert seven of 13 third-down attempts largely because they repeatedly failed to tackle the ball carrier in the open field. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods also has some explaining to do, directing a largely vanilla defense that didn't show any significant creativity until a key sequence late in which he sent Grant Delpit on a blitz (resulting in the Browns' lone sack of the day) and then dialed up a well-timed stunt on the defensive line, leading to a quarterback pressure that produced an incompletion. The Browns weren't able to get too aggressive last season because of personnel deficiencies; That's no longer a valid excuse, and they need to be better going forward."
Also watched the Steelers for a while and Ben is not the Ben of old. Not sure how they won so big other than Josh Allen playing like a poser.
How did Steelers win? Same way they always win. Defense + Refs.
Look up their long pass plays and the fake PIs.
they also blocked a punt for a TD.. those plays help. It's very hard to win in this league if you have to score every point starting 80 yards away.
OK, fair enough, I was counting blocking a punt as defense, but I guess technically it's special teams.
I will also say "fair enough".. any play not made by the offense that can change a game.. a turnover, a safety, a blocked kick, a big return, heck pinning a team back inside the 5 and keeping them there and getting possession in + territory is like a turnover...
We're going to finish the triangle and beat Baltimore.
Kc beats Us Baltimore beats KC We beat the Ravens Triangle complete, who has tie breaker advantage there? Would rather have it over Baltimore than KC if not both.
NFL tie breaking procedures are available at NFL.com. let me try from memory. In a 3 way tie, compare any two teams to eliminate one and then go back to the two way tie breaker. ONE Paramount in the tie breaking process is an individuals quest in achieving winning 'it's own' division, closest to being 1st place in it's own div. so standing out right away is KC is tied for 2nd place, the Browns and Ravens are tied for first 4 way with Cincy holding the tie breaker, because it's loss to Chicago was a loss to a non afc team, meaning their wnning percentage vs the afc is better but, that puts KC out, (in consideration for the first spot) and today the two way tie breaker would revert to Cleveland vs Baltimore, clubs in the same division tie breaker, until they get one winning club to award the playoff spot to, and then start all over with the teams still trying to gain a spot. ( At this point I forgot you have a hypothetical Browns over Ravens win, .. I'm throwing that out.) 3 way tie, today, comes down to Ravens over us. Wait, we didn't lose head to head, A we = 0-0 in div record B. we = 1-1 in afc record c. The spirit of rule #4(D) is common opponents 3 or more, would probably say the Kc loss vs win gives the tie break to Baltimore, but if it throws out, the Browns may find a way ahead of Baltimore in strength opponent, which would also be thrown out for not enough, until total touchdowns which I bet Baltimore still has. So. Baltimore 1st in. Then start over Cleveland and KC tie break. - Is head to head #1? yes. If that didn't exist Cleveland would win on the fact they're in a first place div. tie and kc is in a 2nd place div. tie. But, head to head exists, so I think it's Baltimore, then KC, then Cleveland in the tie breaks today. Off my head.
Wait, I thought of something, Strenght of victory is ahead of TDs, which the 10 point win, vs. the 1 point win, would put Cleveland in spot #1 ahead of Baltimore. So if you don't have the strength of victory: it's Baltimore, KC, then Cleveland. If you DO have the strength of victory, it's Cleveland, Baltimore, then KC. (because Baltimore has the head to head over Kc. Very easy just one step at a time. (but, playing only one game, so many of those may be thrown out, or not thrown out.)
We're going to finish the triangle and beat Baltimore.
Kc beats Us Baltimore beats KC We beat the Ravens Triangle complete, who has tie breaker advantage there? Would rather have it over Baltimore than KC if not both.
I wish I had your confidence, basically your forecast is predicated on belief ... at this moment we've seen no improvement in 2 games and not seen anything that would indicate that players are gelling or a light bulb is going to switch on. My concern is that our D woes are as much scheme and coaching as it is new players gelling.
And all of that is fixable. Coaches need to adapt to players as much as players to the scheme. On paper, Woods knows what they should be able to do, now he is trying to bring that all together, but coaches and players are still learning each other and tweaking the defensive schemes. Like Purp said, the D is an unfinished product.
And yes, much of my confidence comes from what 'should' happen under normal circumstances. If Woods is going to dominate with his D here, we will know by mid-season or around games 10-11 at the latest. But marked improvements should start showing weekly after the next game or two. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if they start showing that next week. The reason I say that is that week 1 did not give Woods a good sample of the D's current capabilities because they were playing Mahomes and the Chiefs... They beat everybody, so a loss to them might make you think you still have work to do but the extent of that work needing to be done showed up this week, IMHO.
To me it’s clear that the lynch pin for our defense is the assumption we’re going to create a lot of pressure on the QB and we’re simply not doing that for whatever reason. Maybe Garrett is still dealing with Covid lungs (my formerly very fit brother in law struggles to run a mile a year after almost being hospitalized twice for covid). Maybe Clowney isn’t totally right. Maybe it is a “gelling” thing. I don’t know but we’re not scaring QBs up front. I think we’re built on the backend to thrive on rushed passes and quick check downs. But the QBs are just sitting back there, waiting for guys to get open.
I think we split with Baltimore... we win at home and lose at their place... we play them at their place in primetime which will be tough.... then they play steelers and we get a bye.... don't think we'll beat them at their place in primetime but should be able to bounce back to win after a bye at home...
Has anybody watched the Bears thus far? I haven’t really. All i know is that their OL has typically been bad and that Dalton has a low ceiling. I’m hoping he plays instead of Fields, but I think we’ll see the latter
All I really know is that they are 1-1 and their win was against Cincy.
Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee tore them up in Week 1. Stafford went 20/26 for 321 with 3TD. I saw some of the highlights, and Kupp got behind their Safeties more than once. If Schwartz or OBJ get to play, either one should be able to do the same.
They don't appear to give up much in the Run game, but that may be their ability to stop it, but it also may be more a factor of how they are in the pass game. Hard to say at this point without watching them.
I think Dalton was hurt against Cinci, so we will likely see Fields. However, their coach says Dalton is the starter if healthy, and he did NOT tear his ACL.
A coworker is a Bears fan and he said their OL is swiss cheese.. even if Dalton starts I think there is a good chance we will see both QBs at some point.
We should hang 35 on them, like the Rams did.. and if our defense can't keep them under 25, then we will have another discussion next week on whether or not our defense really has the ability to be as good as we thought it would be.
IMO the Browns as well as the other teams are different after Thanksgiving. Some in a good way others not so good.
Last year the Steelers started 11-0. They didn't finish so hot.
As fans we devour every piece of news on every player on our team. So, we either build guys up or tear them down.
The reality is there are lots of good players on every team. The Texans played hard against us. It would have been touch and go if Tyrod stays in the game.
Games are close. Many decided by a field goal. Bucs Cowboys.
Teams are probably better than some think or, not as good as some believe.
The league is built to have parody.
The Browns could easily be 2-0 or 0-2.
I for one never believe any team is a gimmie. Over many years I have learned to take nothing for granted.
The goal is win the division. Hoping you are peaking when post season begins. That is how the Bucs won last year.
When the season is ready to open. I hear people talking about the Bucs repeating. Please. Not likely.
Going undeafted. Give me a break.
We are a good team. We should be in every game. Other than that. Who the hell knows?
Has anybody watched the Bears thus far? I haven’t really. All i know is that their OL has typically been bad and that Dalton has a low ceiling. I’m hoping he plays instead of Fields, but I think we’ll see the latter
I watched the Bears Cincy game. They are way better than Houston, particularly defensively. They have some really good veteran players on the defensive side of the ball. This game will be won by who out coaches who and which QB plays better.
I am concerned Woods will go out of his way to make Dalton/Fields feel as comfortable as possible.
I am concerned Woods will go out of his way to make Dalton/Fields feel as comfortable as possible.
Yeah, that's the goal.
I'm sure the scheme will be designed in a way that the staff believes gives us the best chance to win... but it wouldn't be the first time that we let a rookie or mediocre QB on a sub mediocre team look like a rock star.
A coworker is a Bears fan and he said their OL is swiss cheese.. even if Dalton starts I think there is a good chance we will see both QBs at some point.
We should hang 35 on them, like the Rams did.. and if our defense can't keep them under 25, then we will have another discussion next week on whether or not our defense really has the ability to be as good as we thought it would be.
Our defense will be just fine. The problem is as fans we expected them to come out of the gate and play like they had been together for years instead of weeks.
I not for a moment personally believe that we won't get better every week. If some of you believe that this is the finished product you are just being silly IMO.
If looking back you didn't believe that this defense might struggle out of the gate then you just are expecting to much I think.
The real thing we all should be looking for IMO is that week over week it gets better and better.
Last season people where putting forks in the Buc's and how did that turn out?
If the defense gets worse or shows no improvement then there will be cause for alarm, now is clearly not that time IMO.
I am concerned Woods will go out of his way to make Dalton/Fields feel as comfortable as possible.
Yeah, that's the goal.
I'm sure the scheme will be designed in a way that the staff believes gives us the best chance to win... but it wouldn't be the first time that we let a rookie or mediocre QB on a sub mediocre team look like a rock star.
There's quite a bit of difference in that happening and Woods "going out of his way to make it happen".
At that point the crap gets so deep you need hip waders.
I am concerned Woods will go out of his way to make Dalton/Fields feel as comfortable as possible.
Yeah, that's the goal.
I'm sure the scheme will be designed in a way that the staff believes gives us the best chance to win... but it wouldn't be the first time that we let a rookie or mediocre QB on a sub mediocre team look like a rock star.
There's quite a bit of difference in that happening and Woods "going out of his way to make it happen".
At that point the crap gets so deep you need hip waders.
How about "not doing or won't do anything to correct what's happening...again"?
So Roethlisberger has an "injured" left pectoral. Apparently not torn, and he's trying to play Sunday against the Bengals, but it's not determined yet. We'll see how the 39 year old recovers.
I'd normally agree and Ben was probably an underrated player his whole career, but as an absolute scummy human being I don't find it sad at all in this particular case.
To me it's sad when a good player reaches the end of the line.
It's even worse when they seem to refuse to believe it
It’s gotta be a strange feeling. I’m sure there are still moments when a player feels like their old selves, makes a great play, etc … and thinks “there we go.” Plus, it’s all they know and are ultra competitive.
Ben has been a good football player for many years.
When I think about him being gone I smile, no sadness from me for him. I also remind myself that often when a player gets long in the tooth people are constantly writing them off every time they stubble, case and point Brady.
How many times has he been written off, only to rise from the dead and get yet another ring.
I also haven't changed my mind about Pittsburg as a team. If there was someone that could beat the Bills it would be Pittsburg, and IMO someone in Buffalo should be fired. That team is one dimensional on offense, and if Pittsburg is good at anything it's creating a pass rush. From here out Pittsburg will struggle on both sides of the ball.
I'd normally agree and Ben was probably an underrated player his whole career, but as an absolute scummy human being I don't find it sad at all in this particular case.
To your point, there are numerous people that are in the same spot he is now, but only played a tiny fraction (and got paid even less) of the time Ben did.
To me it's sad when a good player reaches the end of the line.
To me that comment is rich, rrrich. To almost never see a Browns players career with the team ending not be met with a themed post of, good riddance, player x was never good anyway. But a discussion on Ben R.s diminishing skills gets that.
I met Ben's grandfather in an out of the way store in SE Kansas. He started off the conversation by saying his grandson lived in Pennsylvania and owned a pheasant farm...and played football. Ben will be just fine.
58 pass attempts for Ben today. The season is not going to end well for the Steelers if that trend continues.
His arm was pretty much gone last year by the end of the season. And they started 11-0.
Yeah his arm is toast, and his mobility has really hindered him anymore...He used to have that deceiving escapability..But he's coming down way too easy anymore. He looks like a shell of his former self. That Oline is in shambles, losing your top 2 WRs doesnt help any...And him and Claypool, have looked off this year (compared to last year when they were connecting nearly weekly for chunks)
I'd guess that if the Steelers still look bad midway through the season and the rest of the AFCN continues on the current trajectory that Ben gets a relatively minor "injury" that will keep him out quietly the rest of the year and he'll end up retiring.
I get coming back to prove you still have it after the start they had last year...but Ben stuck around a year too long. Obv HOFer and really wish we would have drafted him way back in the day, but i'm soooo ready for him to be gone.
Scenario is set. NFL could EASILY see one or two, 11 win teams in the AFC not able to qualify for the playoffs. While the AFC South winner could get an automatic bid with only 9 or fewer wins. This could be exacerbated depending on the health of Running Back Derek Henry.
Further highlighting a need for a change in the current rules, simply to require a division winner reach a certain winning percentage, or not be trailing all other wild card teams' winning percentages by an agreed upon amount in order to gain the automatic playoff berth.
So I saw the graphic after their game yesterday... Ravens scored exactly 1 TD in their win. The rest were FGs, and they needed their (very very good) kicker to break the record for longest FG to win it.
Ravens seem to be existing entirely on "LET'S DO THIS", but that can't sustain them the entire season. Eventually, their playmakers are going to have to make plays.
I think you're right that the Ravens are winning simply on rallying behind Lamar. However, they have been decimated by injuries, and should start to get some guys back, so the current MO doesn't have to be sustainable. A loss yesterday, though NFC, would've really been nice. Oh well. We're gonna have fight to earn our playoff spot, and that's alright.
On the other hand I’m loving it. I hope he goes out on a historically bad season. Not just for him but by all NFL history standards. That said I hope they win at least 6 games so they’re out of the running for top QBs in the draft. I then hope they spend the next decade floundering at the position. Enough they long for the Kordell Stewart years.
So I saw the graphic after their game yesterday... Ravens scored exactly 1 TD in their win. The rest were FGs, and they needed their (very very good) kicker to break the record for longest FG to win it.
Ravens seem to be existing entirely on "LET'S DO THIS", but that can't sustain them the entire season. Eventually, their playmakers are going to have to make plays.
They also have been getting a pass on procedure issues. A lot of flags that should be thrown are not. For example, on that winning FG, the snap was a couple of seconds after the play clock hit 0.
I hear Lamar hasn’t practiced for two days because of his back. Hmmmm
Besides hurting himself with a stupid TD stunt it is the simple process of a QB who becomes a RB on every down.
Lamar run ball. Lamar get tackled very hard over and over again. Sometime Lamar tackle himself. = End of career.
He doesn't take many big shots, that's why he hasn't been hurt so far. But eventually it is going to catch up with him. Defenses want to hit him, and you got to believe that if given the chance, they are going to hit him hard.
I hear Lamar hasn’t practiced for two days because of his back. Hmmmm
Besides hurting himself with a stupid TD stunt it is the simple process of a QB who becomes a RB on every down.
Lamar run ball. Lamar get tackled very hard over and over again. Sometime Lamar tackle himself. = End of career.
He doesn't take many big shots, that's why he hasn't been hurt so far. But eventually it is going to catch up with him. Defenses want to hit him, and you got to believe that if given the chance, they are going to hit him hard.
You absolutely takes big shots and will continue to.
If you stand back and think for a moment and you run the Ravens front office..
Hold up sorry I had to make you throw up in you're own mouth but follow along.
You run the front office and you have to get Jackson under contract do you do it?
Here is what I think, I don't sign him for franchise QB money as a QB he just isn't that good if left with only the ability to throw the ball he stinks.
As a runner he is great but after 5 years of taking the pounding he is exposing himself too he just isn't going to have a normal QB shelf life.
I actually would try to trade him and I certainly would be developing someone to take over when he gets a serious injury and I think that clock is ticking so far so good for him but it's coming and the last thing I would want is a contract with millions in guaranteed money and no QB to show for it. He is a poor risk IMO I pass..
It's definitely a predicament. He runs a lot, but he doesn't take too many direct shots. Definitely takes more than a guy like Brady takes though.
He's one of those guys that will just run roughshod over teams during the season. The problem is when he makes it to the playoffs. Every year, they seem to have that one playoff game where they (he) just completely fall apart.
If they back up the Brinks truck for him, they won't be able to retain the same level of talented veterans they have elsewhere on the team, especially on defense.
It'll be interesting to see how everything unfolds.
No, he is not a great passer. But he scares defenses. You have to look at his total numbers and contributions.
TD's, rushing numbers, passing numbers, wins.
Long term? No easy answer.
My guess is the Ravens go all in. They sign him to a big contract. They know him. They have won with him. I believe they will still build around him.
Would I do it?
Quarterbacks are hard to find. He is a proven winner.
My question is can he win a Super Bowl? I don't know.
Will he get hurt? How long will he be effective?
Ravens have to figure that out.
I sure am glad he isn't working for us.
Every single point you make is valid, then there is the risk reward part and I simply don't see it with him.
They will be all in on a QB that is a hit away from serious injury. It's not like every other QB in the league isn't exposed to the same dangers they are but he is easily a very high risk investment.
When you talk about signing a QB to the dollars he is in for your talking about the kind of investment that can set your organization up for long term success or failure.
If he gets hurt and can't play you have so much invested in him his contract will keep you from looking in another direction.
I think when the smoke clears Baltimore will find themselves in the same spot they were with Flaco... Which makes me smile BTW.
Then assuming that at some point he has to rely on his ability to throw the ball, he stinks as a passer he just does. He seems to see the field but he can't accurately deliver the ball it's not in his DNA...
The thing I will say which is a bit off topic is the Browns are built to beat him and really any running QB, with the team speed we have he will find it difficult if not impossible to roll up the numbers he has in the past on us.
Will the pounding we put on the Ravens' cause them to think twice about Jackson's contract I sure hope NOT....
I truly believe we will hammer the Ravens when the time comes.
I see the race for the division coming down to Cleveland and the Bengals and they just aren't on the same level with us.
There is a changing of the guard taking place in the AFCN with us being the class of the division. I think I like it better that way?
I don't think I would want to, but if you're their FO, how do you not? You'd be crucified and eviscerated if you don't, but you aren't going far if you do. For better or for worse, they've hitched their wagon to Lamar.
Of course, they could play obtuse in negotiations and just be difficult; give the appearance of attempting to negotiate without actually being reasonable about it until he gets PO'd and decides to hit FA. He'd make a killing on the FA market, but it would also mark the beginning of his Veteran Journeyman phase. Let's face it, he isn't one of those QB's that will be with their team for 12-15 year and ride off into the sunset still a member of that same team.
I think you can slice it and dice it any way you like. He started his first game in November of 2018. During that time the Ravens won the division twice and finished second in the division once making the playoffs all three years.
One thing that has not been brought in regards to Lamar.
The entire offensive scheme is built for him.
What happens if he misses games or a season?
Their backup quarterback is Tyler Huntley???
I don't think he has played a down in the NFL. I have never seen the guy play.
There are no two Lamar's.
So you are all in with Lamar. How do you run their offense without him? Well, you can hand it off. But nobody is going to run like Lamar.
I think that is a big problem. They don't have a "normal quarterback" with a regular type scheme.
If things go bad for them and Lamar. It could bury them for quite awhile.
You got it and that is my point.
I sure am glad we do NOT have this issue. In spite of the fact that Baltimore has done very well with him he is a high risk and I don't care how many times you get by with him eventually someone is going to square him up and lay the type of hit on him he won't get up from it's a risk I am glad we don't have.
I hope our defense can take him on. On paper it can, but I'm anxious to see how it translates to the field.
Obviously never want to see anyone get injured, but I'd just love to see a guy like JOK give him a good bell-ringing shot that he remembers. If there's anyone on our team that could do it, I think it would be him.
I think Baltimore knows what they have and are working that horse as much as they can until they have to return it.
I think they know his shelf life is short, and will probably franchise him 1 or 2 times and let him go.
It's strange you mention franchise him cause that is how I would handle it. Might cost a few million more but when he goes down you simply pick up and move on.......
Dude has carried his team to wins since day 1. He needs to keep improving as a pocket passer to be a long term SB contender, but in the right here and right now, he's an elite player at the QB position. It doesn't matter that his threat to run is a large part of his passing success...it's a bottom line league.
As far as paying him, you cannot predict injury. We would've all paid Luck and look what happened. My biggest concern on paying him would be comparing the rate his passing is likely to improve to the rate his running is likely to degrade. That's it. And on that basis, I'd probably go beyond tagging him, but would like to keep the extension short. Maybe another 2-3 years. If he continues to be great, you pay more over time, but you are more protected than in a Mahomes-type deal.
Also, the backup Huntley a similar style player, not elite runner, but better thrower. They would do fine with him in short (<5 game) stretches.
Kind of along the lines you're talking about, this year will be great to see what Lamar is actually worth. Their Oline isn't looking too great right now, they're down a couple RBs and key pieces on D. IMO, those losses impact the real key strengths of that team, so if Lamar can put together at least a decent campaign under those conditions, it would be a far better argument for dropping the big bucks on him than past seasons where he beat up on teams when playing with a lead.
He is a division opponent. His contract is up. The Ravens picked up his fifth year option which will cost them $23m next year.
Right now the 2019 MVP currently ranks 46th in average salary among quarterbacks. He earns less than dudes such as Nick Foles, Jacoby Brissett and Joe Flacco.
What happened to Cam Newton? He had a similar path.
A decision will have to be made. This season with all their injuries may not go well. He will be forced to play hero ball. With more carries comes more risk.
So next year he should play. This year depending on how it goes should give the Ravens more data to consider.
He is a division opponent. His contract is up. The Ravens picked up his fifth year option which will cost them $23m next year.
Right now the 2019 MVP currently ranks 46th in average salary among quarterbacks. He earns less than dudes such as Nick Foles, Jacoby Brissett and Joe Flacco.
What happened to Cam Newton? He had a similar path.
A decision will have to be made. This season with all their injuries may not go well. He will be forced to play hero ball. With more carries comes more risk.
So next year he should play. This year depending on how it goes should give the Ravens more data to consider.
I saw the comment earlier Bone.
I think it's delusional to not consider the very real possibility that Jackson will at some point get hurt badly. Or to consider what losing someone you might invest heavily in only to never play because of injury.
Finally would you sign a RB to a five year 40 Million per year deal with 100 million guaranteed? I think Jackson's shelf life is going to be more similar to a RB then it will be a QB and if you run the Raven's you had better think this out real well or you could hamstring your organization for a long time.
When people have time to digest the entire contract situation with Jackson it's not all cut and dried IMO, even if I am delusional.
I think Jackson's shelf life is going to be more similar to a RB then it will be a QB
I think this is pretty close. I think the numbers will be for a QB, but the timeframes they're willing to take that gamble will be akin to a RB.
So, like a QB on a per year average, but they won't be banking on him too much longer than a three year extension, even if the contract is a four or five year deal (extended out for CAP purposes)
That plays to the owners favor. I have felt that is part of the thinking.
It's a lot easier to have a QB like Lamar who can throw OK and really run the ball. The long term costs will go down and it is easier to stock a back-up or two who play a similar game so you don't have to change the game plan if the QB gets banged up.
Let’s look at the AFC … it’s brutal. The Ravens last two wins have been killers for us.
I see these 8 teams as true playoff contenders as of now:
Raiders Chargers Chiefs Broncos Ravens Browns
The Ravens last two wins have been killers for us
If the Ravens and Browns get in: by rule, one of the AFC west teams would have to be kicked out. (its not a rule! but it is an undeniable! because of divisional winners getting auto bids and only having 3 wild cards,) so. Which team do you see getting kicked out. Browns? Ravens? or An AFC West Team, and which one? ... (so basically one of those 6)
because an AFC South team, (titans, colts, jags, Texans) and an AFC East team, (Pats, Dolphins, Bills, Jets) are both guaranteed an automatic bid to the winner of their division.
Until any team in the NFL shows they can stop that dumb quarterback in maryland. It may take 13-14 Wins for the Browns to win the division. Even if they split with dumb purple team.
Whatever it is that Baker has going on needs to get fixed before next Sunday. I'm confident in our defense being able to handle them plenty well, but we NEED this offense to be better. Much better.
Steelers should lose. Ravens will waltz to another W. Bengals should lose.
Either the Ravens will be all alone at the top, or it will be them and us.
I think Pittsburgh can beat Denver … their offense isn’t great. It may be a low scoring slug fest
It's possible, but I just don't see Ben doing much against the Denver D. I think he's going to get beat up pretty bad; like I could see 5+ sacks, easily.
The Denver O won't have to be good, they'll just have to be "good enough". Three FG's could win it, I think.
Man, I would LOVE for Indy to wake up and take them down!
Austin Eckler is one of the LA chargers Rb's probably tops the list. I don't know hardly anything about Austin Eckler, and the Browns play that team next. So I'm asking is Austin Eckler a thing?
Watch the man run. Watch him jump cut to the hole, and run downhill with power. Watch him make arm tacklers wish they'd called in sick on work day. Watch him carry 3 would-be tacklers another 3 yards beyond point-of-contact.
Watch him hand the ball to the ref, whether it's after a play on the 35 yard line... or the end zone.
I agree, and don't care about the rushing title and carries.
Henry is a great back and I would be happy if he was a Brown, but I like the Chubb/Hunt combo.
Henry gets the load because he is the only one to give it to for the Titans. I suspect if the Titans had Hunt on Henry's wing, Henry's carries would be reduced.
Nick Chubb is every bit a Gentleman.....except when he carries the ball.
Not only that, but Henry is going to wear out fast.
You said it, Clem. 24 is 32, and I would not be the least bit surprised if someone told me that 32 has told 24 as much. When I watch 24 run, and slowly get up, and calmly hand the ball to the ref, I feel like I'm watching footage of 32. I'm not old enough to have watch 32 play, but I've been around long enough to see plenty of highlights.
Humility, quiet, gentlemanly, punishing, determined, violent. He *IS* the legacy of Cleveland Browns Running Backs.
Henry has always had the carries for that offense, but I've caught snippets of their offense on TV, and it just seems more than ever that he's the standout cog in that offense this year. Tannehill has carried them at times, but I have seen very little of that and it mostly being Henry running the ball.
Yeah, it's pretty one dimensional. We all saw what happened last year when you get a quick lead on them combined with Henry having a rough day. Of course we tried to keep them in the game with sneak fumbles and whatnot.
Actually the longevity of a RB is measured more by his carries than his age as a general rule. Sure there are exceptions but it's usually the wear and tear on the body that determines the outcome.
With the combination of Hunt/Chubb we always have fresh legs in the backfield and decrease the chances of injury. They seem to be fine with splitting the carries.
It's not a method to win NFL rushing titles but it's certainly the team fist concept and I for one love it.
Measuring NFL Running Back Longevity: Falling Off the 1,800-Carry Cliff
Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster injured his right shoulder in Sunday's 27-19 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Pittsburgh Steelers were reportedly worried that it would end his season, and it looks like they were right to be concerned.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Smith-Schuster is expected to have surgery on his shoulder soon, and will miss the rest of the season.
Not only that, but Henry is going to wear out fast.
You said it, Clem. 24 is 32, and I would not be the least bit surprised if someone told me that 32 has told 24 as much. When I watch 24 run, and slowly get up, and calmly hand the ball to the ref, I feel like I'm watching footage of 32. I'm not old enough to have watch 32 play, but I've been around long enough to see plenty of highlights.
Humility, quiet, gentlemanly, punishing, determined, violent. He *IS* the legacy of Cleveland Browns Running Backs.
Also reminds me of Barry Sanders, always handing the ball to the refs, and calmly walking back to the huddle or sideline.
I didn't even realized Janovich was hurt...So Hubbard, and MJ Stewart also joining him on IR...So hopefully that means we got good news with Ward, Greedy, Conklin...or god, I surely hope so!
Seems like parity would be for 16 teams to have a week 8 bye, and the other 16 teams have a week 9 bye.
I have been saying that for years...Get all of them out of the way in weeks 8 and 9. You would probably have to reverse 2 teams from each conference to allow the Networks to have their games.
Staunton was noticeably slow in the backfield in the preseason games, just keep that in mind before using a bunch of Johnny Staunton trick plays.
Can Anyone spell out, a "likely" way the Browns even get in the playoffs as Any seed, if the Browns get swept by the Ravens again?
And Until I See it, I don't think, any team is beating the Ravens until they sit their starters the final week at 15-1. If the Browns defense can stop the Ravens from running their quarterback, How are they also going to begin stopping the deepest pass receiver?
I don't know that I would call them trick plays. Stanton seemed quite versatile in the way Stefanski used him during the preseason. I actually felt he may beat out Janovich for a roster spot.
I don't know that I would call them trick plays. Stanton seemed quite versatile in the way Stefanski used him during the preseason. I actually felt he may beat out Janovich for a roster spot.
I am talking about trick plays. Stanton was a QB in college.
Yeah, not something I noticed on the schedule initially, but we played the Chiefs on the road in a high emotion/intensity game for both teams. They win and go TO Baltimore the following week.
Then we play the Chargers on the road, play a back-and-forth exhausting game. They win and go TO Baltimore the following week.
Meanwhile, the Steelers luck into that week 1 win, and now play Geno Smith instead of Russ Wilson. I try not to be superstitious, but these are some terrible in-season scheduling breaks so far. And as of today, it sure looks like we will be with the Steelers in the BASEMENT of the AFCN on Monday.
Stefanski has a streak going, and that streak will be put to the test like never before vs Cardinals with our injury situation. This early stretch of schedule has mostly been pretty tough, whereas our division has had it much easier so far. It'll eventually balance out. I'd rather be winning games throughout, but getting our win/loss back to where it should be vs our division late in the season isn't the worst thing in the world.
I don't know that I would call them trick plays. Stanton seemed quite versatile in the way Stefanski used him during the preseason. I actually felt he may beat out Janovich for a roster spot.
I am talking about trick plays. Stanton was a QB in college.
I don't see it but we'll find out come Sunday. It just doesn't seem logical to me that you would try trick plays with someone on the practice squad. I would think if you're going to run any trick plays it would be with players that were on the 53 man roster so that they could be well practiced plays over time.
We already need help from other teams to have ANY shot at the post-season.
No, not yet. They just need to beat the Ravens head to head twice and beat the Bengals twice and split with the Steelers. Then win the same amount of remaining non AFC North games as the Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers and they would win the division.
We already need help from other teams to have ANY shot at the post-season.
No, not yet. They just need to beat the Ravens head to head twice and beat the Bengals twice and split with the Steelers. Then win the same amount of remaining non AFC North games as the Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers and they would win the division.
"Just" beat the Ravens and Bengals twice? With the way this team has been paying and the injuries we have? Not likely.
I know this doesn't follow the sentiment on the board right now (and I know why), but I think that we should still do well vs our division (if we can get at least somewhat healthy).
We're working out way through a brutal stretch of the schedule. Other than Chicago and Houston, we've played teams that are LEGIT. I've already said what I think about our performance vs playoff-caliber teams vs the Chicago's of the league, but we're talking about our upcoming divisional games, and trying to predict.
Let’s play the schedule game … this is a plausible scenario IMO … 10-7 and borderline playoffs.
Denver - WIN Pittsburgh - WIN at New England - WIN at Cincinnati - LOSS Detroit - WIN at Baltimore - LOSS Baltimore - WIN Las Vegas - WIN at Green Bay - LOSS at Pittsburgh - LOSS Cincinnati - WIN
17 games and the AFC is stacked. 10-7 almost definitely isn't going to get it done, not even for the 7th seed.
Probably not as it stands today. We will probably need 11 wins to have a fair shot. We will probably need 12 wins.
Right now we are a win short of where i thought we would be. I really counted on a win against either the Chargers or the Cards. Denver was a toss up game, so the Thursday night game becomes pretty darn important.
It may be a bit too soon to call it a make or break game, but we are pretty near that break point. The ice is pretty darn thin and the temps are getting warmer. If we lose against Denver, which we almost always do, this season may not only be lost as far as playoffs, but it could get down right ugly.
Sadly I agree. I felt we needed to win either of the last two weeks, but lost both. I have a sinking feeling that this ship is going down … lose Baker (even though he hasn’t played well) and we are facing a 6 win season
I recall when the season began alot of people thought a loss to the Chiefs was no big thing As in the Browns were a automatic shoo in for the AFC Championship game Well every AFC team the Browns play is a important game. If the Browns and Chiefs are tied with same WL record at the end of the year And they fjghting for that last wild card spot, then the Chiefs get in I believe.
Let’s play the schedule game … this is a plausible scenario IMO … 10-7 and borderline playoffs.
Denver - WIN Pittsburgh - WIN at New England - WIN at Cincinnati - LOSS Detroit - WIN at Baltimore - LOSS Baltimore - WIN Las Vegas - WIN at Green Bay - LOSS at Pittsburgh - LOSS Cincinnati - WIN
We might split against Pitt/Cinn, but based on what I've seen, no way we split against baltimore and if Burrow is healthy,I don't see splitting that either. Don't think we win against vegas either. The division games are even more crucial at this point now. But I think if you lose Thursday, it becomes almost impossible to make the season salvageable
I feel myself sliding into the rut of depression followed by apathy (you know, the same rut we had for the past 25 years). I was hoping this year would build on last year, but it looks to be the opposite
This is where I'm at. See, unlike some posters I'm not going to make some silly statement that "I think Baker has reached his ceiling" while he's out there playing with a shredded left shoulder. That's just insane.
I'm not going to blame the refs on the last two losses when our roster has been decimated with injuries. Would the results have been closer without bad officiating? Maybe, but we didn't lose those games because of it. I'm not going to fault an OL with both of our OT's out and even Tucker, third on the depth chart at OT out.
What bothers me most is it just looks like the players on the field have given up. As if there's just no hunt left in the dawg. Due to the massive amounts of injuries I really didn't expect us to win either of these last two games. But I expect to see a team fighting like they were trying to.
It seems like nobody wants to step up and make a play This guy is expecting the other guy to make a play. Outside if Baker and Myles , who is embracing a leadership Role?
It's only one position. Even their situation at RB is just one position and that position actually gets fed by the QB's ability to run. Put another QB on that team and their RBs go NOWHERE.
Basically, they're barely banged up, at all. They aren't even remotely as hurt as our roster.
It's only one position. Even their situation at RB is just one position and that position actually gets fed by the QB's ability to run. Put another QB on that team and their RBs go NOWHERE.
Basically, they're barely banged up, at all. They aren't even remotely as hurt as our roster.
they would need to lose 8 more positions to be down as many positions as we are. Hell, we even have backups on IR
Yeah, we're not down one OT, we're down 3 OT's. Both starters and Hubbard is on IR. We are at 4th and 5th on the depth chart at the starting OT positions.
I saw the Ravens line up against the Chargers. At one point they lined up with 11 players near the line of scrimmage, 9 on the line of scrimmage, and the Ravens shut down the Qb of Lac.
Now, The Browns, don't seem to benefit from this kind of play calling on defense. The Browns, though ultra talented, ... well whatever, everything stinks, they lost, 2 of the last 2.
I meant! It seems like the Ravens, were benefiting from gambles, on defensive playcalling, vs. the Chargers, and
It seems like the Browns, never took those gambles, and then... at the end.,
I mean listening to the local media person say, "player x is a really good quarterback who just beat the Browns.
Well, It's the NFL, it's full of "really good quarterbacks" when your defense, is predictable, vanilla, unchangeable, segmented, and unimaginative, and hoping that you are going to win because you have better talent? Which is fine for most times but, the NFL doesn't like your city or team, we all know that, and if the league would just call a pass intereference, well they can't if the qb is so confused he doesn't know where to throw the ball.
ie when the chargers played the ravens, ............
I don't think we are out of the running yet because there is so much football left and literally anything can happen. Lamar and company could get dinged up or hit a losing streak for any number of reasons. Same with every other team in the NFL. Browns came in the best roster on paper AND they still are... we just need them to click and play/coach to that level AND to get healthy and stay that way. But like most of you, I am disappointed at this point too.
First: Thanks, Prp... for giving us a 'quick reply' typing field that tags the target poster instead of the OP. This is great!
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I don't think we are out of the running yet because there is so much football left and literally anything can happen.
OCD: agreed, at this point. I think Thursday's game will be a "bait & switch" for America's National Audience because the promised team will be on the bench. I think it will be excruciating for CLE fans who had circled this game on their calendars. They team they expected to see is on the bench.
That said, I'd rather see a cobbled-together M.A.S.H. unit of a Browns team led by backups/fillers if it means getting to see better football in 2 weeks- and beyond. If I'm right, none of our signature players are out for the season to date, correct?
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Browns came in the best roster on paper AND they still are...
yup...and I also think that the team this FO has built is designed to win in the back half of the season- which is still well ahead of us. These guys are coming back. All of them. There will be games that still look clunky, even after pieces get plugged in, but I expect >.500 ball during our 2nd third of the season.
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If this team was to experience adversity during the season (and almost every team does), there is no better time to experience it than now. And the adversity CLE is experiencing is due to injury. Of the 3 losses on CLE's record, only one was lopsided... and for the obvious reasons. In the other 2, CLE played the game as (at least) an equal. Breaks in the game decided the final score- not CLE being outclassed. That same team (or much of it) will be back on the field around or before 2021's halftime.
I guess what I'm really saying is this: for once, I'm not jerk-pulling the trigger on "Browns Doom & Gloom." The same elements that made me feel confident about a playoff run (and Berea culture change) in pre-season are still here. The guys with numbers just need to get back on the field, and the guys with clipboards (tablets) need to remember what worked for them last half of last year.
Then, we'll let the dice roll as they may- and see if Jan in a possibility. Clemmy's not ready to roll sleeves and grab razors. 2/3 of the season is still ahead.
*edit* and... if they do manage to recover, and mount the campaign that our roster suggests they could mount... won't this dip in the season just add to the final story?
If you had told me at the beginning of the season that the Bengals would be leading the AFCN going into week 8, I would have laughed you off the board. Just heard they lead the AFC... ???
Cincin is going to eat Joe Woods for lunch if he doesn't send the House at Burrows .. Non stop pressure from all angles . Yea , you will get burt a couple of times , but if you don't Cin will put up 40 points on us .
I'm not trying to start yet another Baker/QB thread, but people laughed at me last year when, after Cincy got Burrow, I said Cleveland now had the 3rd best QB in the AFC North.
It's hard to rank him over Lamar now, just because Lamar has won more, but Burrow will be the best in this division soon, and it won't even be close IMO.
Cincin is going to eat Joe Woods for lunch if he doesn't send the House at Burrows .. Non stop pressure from all angles . Yea , you will get burt a couple of times , but if you don't Cin will put up 40 points on us .
It's certainly going to be a hellevu 2 game stretch with season implications in both weeks. For all the support Woods has received - I still have major question marks. Hopefully we don't lose anyone else and are nearly full strength on D both games so we can have Woods call the game as he wants instead of forced compromise because of players missing. The way Ward has played this year, Greedy/Newsome starting at CB is not a drop off. JOK is a major missing piece but then I'd be shocked if Pit and Cinci are not dealing with similar issues come game time.
Cincin is going to eat Joe Woods for lunch if he doesn't send the House at Burrows .. Non stop pressure from all angles . Yea , you will get burt a couple of times , but if you don't Cin will put up 40 points on us .
Having all this talent on the Browns which is unusual, may be teaching me something. Because I have recently had the chance to follow more closely other teams media through selected shows, that I never had in years past. So, all I could be sure of, is even though teams like the Titans, or the Chargers, or the Cardinals, 2 of which were in a group of 5 non browns teams I followed very closely what their folks were saying all summer, and learned Even though they, some of them, (the titans,) are CLEARLY bringing lesser talented weapons to the kickoffs, the fact they are all getting more out of their players is teaching me the Browns aren't getting the most out of their players.
Except for Myles Garrett, I can't get behind an argument that the Browns are maximizing any of their other players that come to mind, their big names of talent on the Browns, nobody is getting maximized production. Not a single one you can think of except maybe Myles.
It's crazy it makes me think, what would a real top group get out of all this talent, if , well it makes me think the Browns coaches are totally overmatched, or something.
Coach of the year is suddenly a bum? I don't believe so.
Woods I still have some concerns with - but I am not giving up.
But as far as max production out of our talent?
The entire OL are amongst the very best in the NFL. Our Running game and RB's are the envy of every other team in the NFL. Our 3rd stringer just ran for 146 yards in prime time. We have had spectacular production from "no-name" WR's like Higgins and Peoples Jones. . . . And the 'superstars' who aren't producing like OBJ have dropped critical passes and are oft injured - at this point I don't think OBJ can be considered elite, he might not even meet "Good" by the standards of PFF ? Njoku and the TE have all been good. Njoku who has been woefully inconsistent from his first day is having a career year and is blocking and catching better than ever. Before getting injured Baker had two spectacularly accurate games. Since the injury - you can blame bad coaching or you can hate on Baker or you can ponder whether such a debilitating injury just might have a smidgen of an impact?
We have a rookie CB starting and looking every bit the part. We have 2 cast away DT's on the DL who are performing admirably. JOK has flashed. Delphit has flashed. Greedy back from a year off looks good.
I think sometimes people see what they want to see, or post in an overly negative perspective - well "just because".
Browns have had horrific injuries (and that IS a concern for whoever the fitness coach is) - but we are ABOVE .500 and we have 6 division games in 10 games against some really good teams. No-one said it was easy or there was going to be any gimmes.
What is it you think you're not seeing that suggests we're not getting the most from our players, and what do you think it would look like if you were seeing it?
Things can change quickly. We have gone through a brutal stretch of the schedule. Far harder than I would've guessed at the beginning of the year. We've been annihlated by injuries. There is still time to turn this around if we can start getting healthy.
Gotta give Burrows his props. Not only has he made the year 1 to year 2 improvement one would hope for, but after an ACL injury to boot. Impressive.
I was as high on Burrows as any QB I can remember. I was wrong about Murray - he is legit and I thought he would struggle. Not all that high on this year's class. Burrows - I thought could be the next Manning, if not quite in the same mold. Him having Chase, Boyd and Higgins ... dangerous. People wanted to proclaim our WR core was elite ... but I'd swap for Cinci's group every day and twice on Sunday.
I hope they can do better in 2021 than their 2019 record of 6-10. And as always avoid any 7 game set that ends up 2-5. It's alarming that the Browns are running for so many yards, and still have that record. I'm asking myself, when "was" the last time the Browns had the passing thing figured out? Was it before my lifetime, I never saw Otto Graham play.
What is it you think you're not seeing that suggests we're not getting the most from our players, and what do you think it would look like if you were seeing it?
More production per player. ...I put on my Joe Friday hat there.
I look at Chase, Higgins, and Boyd and I salivate. They are a great WR trio.
Add in Mixon, who is just a step behind Chubb, and Burrow, who is a step above Baker.
That’s a great offense (and young)
We have what was widely regarded as the best WR tandem in the NFL 2 years ago.
A QB that proved he can light it up when in the right offense, 2 top 5 running backs, arguably the best O-line in the NFL, great TEs and even decent backup WRS (Higgy/DPJ).
We are the Browns so of course they are constantly injured, but getting talent hasn't really been our problem even historically (Edwards, Gordon, Winslow, Mack, Bentley etc. etc.) it's just we find a way to "Browns it" every year.
So only thing I'm jealous of is good luck and being left alone by the Refs.
They are young and cheap for a while, which is fantastic for them.
It was only a month ago that Burrow threw 3 straight INTs en route to a loss to the Bears (and Dalton). Let's pump the brakes, folks.
Unless you are counting on all of the Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers to go on losing streaks, plus 2 of the top 3 AFC west teams to go on losing streaks, then saying to pump the brakes does not fit.
I think the TE room is crowded with three players grading "adequate" but playing below their upside. Not sure what he adds, beside chaos, to an already confusing picture. I don't think he's an upgrade over any player, especially where upside is concerned.
That's sort of what I was thinking. Also MRI's have not been conducted as of yet and I don't think even the team knows the extent or lack there of on the injury at this point in time. Until they have all of the evidence I would think the status day to day is appropriate at this time but could change.
Wasn't it day-to-day with him last year up until he was shut down?
no I think it was week to week.
the important thing is, The Browns Org. (coach), does not tell the truth about injury timeframes. Specifically they will never admit that a player is out, especially for a long period of time.
So any public comment about injuries by the Browns, is just aggravating, and can not be taken as true, or serious,
Because they'll constantly lean toward, I mean a guy could have an obvious catastrophe, and the official line from the team would be something like, "he's questionable" . Which isn't fooling anybody, and becomes aggravatingly unbelievable.
Check this out: It's Amazing.. Take Any NFL team, and put their season results in front of you.
2. Only look at the points they scored column, (doesn't matter how many they gave up), and count the number of times they scored 25 points or more in any game, and get the total.
Then compare that number to the teams Win loss record. and It's Amazing!!!
I thought, no, this can't be true, (noticed it last year) let's look at the Texans, the Texans only have one win, .. surely this can't hold up.
and Bang, Texans only scored 25 or more, one time, and they only have one win.
It's amazing because it's not always the time they scored over 25 that they got the win. but, try it, see for yourself.
Going into Week Nine after the Ravens Thursday night loss:
Ravens 6-3 Steelers 5-3 Browns 5-4 Bengals 5-4
The Ravens looked pretty pedestrian on both offense and defense last night. Dolphins' blitzes could not be handled. I'm sure Myles is licking his chops. And please stay healthy JOK.
Thanks to all the Fish! I was surprised to see this score. The D really roughed up the Ratbirds and their QB last night. He looked a bit short. I loved it!
I’d think Troy Hill, Grant Delpit, etc should be licking their chops. The DB blitzes are what killed them.
100% ... and they did not stop all game. On the last drive they dropped a little but as soon as the Ravens moved the ball down to inside the redzone, they went Blitz again to cause the Int at the end. Wonder if Woods would ever be so aggressive ... I really doubt it but man it worked.
I’d think Troy Hill, Grant Delpit, etc should be licking their chops. The DB blitzes are what killed them.
100% ... and they did not stop all game. On the last drive they dropped a little but as soon as the Ravens moved the ball down to inside the redzone, they went Blitz again to cause the Int at the end. Wonder if Woods would ever be so aggressive ... I really doubt it but man it worked.
Woods said as much this week...
Dolphins blitz more than anyone in the NFL and play more press-man than anyone in the league. Looked like a great formula last night.
"Imposing your will" on defense starts and ends with getting pressure on the QB. Jackson is one of those QBs that can quickly shift to "completely lost" when he's got pressure in his face on a regular basis.
Looks like waiting so long to play the Ravens may be a blessing in disguise, playing them back to back may be as well. Especially since we get a week in between while they play the Steelers.
I’d think Troy Hill, Grant Delpit, etc should be licking their chops. The DB blitzes are what killed them.
And Lamar seemed very reluctant to take off and run, not sure why. The Dolphins did rush/blitze with good discipline and they didn't leave him a ton of lanes to run through but even when he had the chance, he seemed reluctant to tuck it and run like he always has.
A lot of discussion has been about the Browns learning from what the Dolphins did defensively to slow down Lamar and the offense, especially late in the game when they have been unstoppable by a lot of other teams. But I equally hope that Stefanski watches closely to see what the Dolphins did to confuse the Ravens secondary because on multiple occasions, especially late when the Dolphins were trying to close it out, they had guys running WIDE open simply because the Ravens defense was confused.
I Miami’s field was in terrible condition .. full of sod and long. Lamar doesn’t respond well to real turf (remember in our game at home in the first half last year?). Something to keep an eye on
I Miami’s field was in terrible condition .. full of sod and long. Lamar doesn’t respond well to real turf (remember in our game at home in the first half last year?). Something to keep an eye on
Oklahoma played on a lot of fields just like that when they were running the wishbone with fast, elusive backs. It was an away game joke.
