12 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

 

Hahahaha!! So true!

Well, that was as fun to watch as a loss can be.

 

Query whether our kicker's job security is questionable.

Not feeling bad tonight because the team fought hard and put on a great show - but 3 things-

One: our somewhat overlooked  defensive problems were exposed again tonight

Two: we need a field goal kicker 

Three:  The last play should put an end to those schoolyard lateral antics for once and for all 

7 hours ago, CleveFan said:

 

Three:  The last play should put an end to those schoolyard lateral antics for once and for all 

 

We had one play to go 75 yards.  Without some kind of antics to buy time, there was no way our receivers would even get down the field to be in position for a Hail Mary.  It was going to be a desperation shot either way.  Maybe just max protect + a couple of receivers going deep and pray the pocket doesn't collapse or get penetrated would have looked less "schoolyard," but it wouldn't really have been any less desperate.  The defense just had to hold them out of field goal range when they got the ball back with 1:04 to go.  (We scored our tying touchdown just a hair too quickly.)  Or we needed that FG that we missed earlier, though of course that would have changed a lot of the complexion of the rest of the game between then and the end, too.

8 hours ago, Gramarye said:

Well, that was as fun to watch as a loss can be.

 

Query whether our kicker's job security is questionable.

 

Kicker had a rough night, but I don't think he can be blamed for the loss any more than anyone else on the team.  It's funny how we're willing to forgive mistakes by nearly everyone on the team EXCEPT the kicker.  Overall Parkey has been pretty solid this year in my view.  He's not a top 50% kicker in the league so the Browns should, and I'm sure they are, always looking to improve that position, but many teams are in worse spots at this position.

 

The Browns played good enough to win.  I thought they looked better than the Ravens for most of the night and I'm a disappointed that they couldn't pull it out.  The big turning point in the game was obviously that disastrous end to the first half.  Somewhat poor game management in that position in my view.  Also, the Mayfield interception deep in Browns territory in the 3rd was an absolute killer.  We were outplaying the Ravens at that point, but that INT gave up the momentum and spotted the Ravens 6 points.  Killer...

Edited December 15, 20204 yr by Hootenany
Words...

4 minutes ago, Hootenany said:

 

Kicker had a rough night, but I don't think he can be blamed for the loss any more than anyone else on the team.  It's funny how we're willing to forgive mistakes by nearly everyone on the team EXCEPT the kicker.  Overall Parker has been pretty solid this year in my view.  He's not a top 50% kicker in the league so the Browns should, and I'm sure they are, always looking to improve that position, but many teams are in worse spots at this position.

 

The Browns played good enough to win.  I thought they looked better than the Ravens for most of the night and I'm a disappointed that they couldn't pull it out.  The big turning point in the game was obviously that disastrous end to the first half.  Somewhat poor game management in that position in my view.  Also, the Mayfield interception deep in Browns territory in the 3rd was an absolute killer.  We were outplaying the Ravens at that point, but that INT gave up the momentum and spotted the Ravens 6 points.  Killer...

 

The INT was huge, of course, but Baker had also gone something like 180 passes at that point without one.  That INT snapped the longest INT-free streak of Baker's career.

 

But of course, it would also be fair to note that the Ravens' defense did come up with that turnover--and IIRC our defense didn't come up with any, and surrendered even more points to the Ravens than we did earlier this season, despite them not having Jackson for part of this game.

21 minutes ago, Gramarye said:

...and surrendered even more points to the Ravens than we did earlier this season, despite them not having Jackson for part of this game.

 

This is the most frustrating part in my opinion.  The Browns have a solid offensive core and can now score points, but our defense is just atrocious.  Especially against the Ravens for some reason.  The Ravens scored the most points of their season last night... by a lot.  The second most points they've scored this season came in week 1... against the Browns.  How does a Tennessee defense that the Browns absolutely shredded only give up 24 to the Ravens and the Browns seemingly can't keep them under 38?  DALLAS even held them to 34 points.  

 

The defense has had it's struggles this season and the injuries don't help, but I didn't expect Jackson to run all over them like he did last night.  On 3rd or 4th and 7 or less you knew that Jackson was likely to run the ball and you still couldn't stop him.  They had no answer.

Edited December 15, 20204 yr by Hootenany

1 minute ago, Hootenany said:

 

This is the most frustrating part in my opinion.  The Browns have a solid offensive core and can now score points, but our defense is just atrocious.  Especially against the Ravens for some reason.  The Ravens scores the most points of the season last night... by a lot.  The second most points they've scored this season came in week 1 against the Browns.  How does a Tennessee defense that the Browns absolutely shredded only give up 24 to the Ravens and the Browns seemingly can't keep them under 38?  DALLAS even held them to 34 points.  

 

The defense has had it's struggles this season and the injuries don't help, but I didn't expect Jackson to run all over them like he did last night.  On 3rd or 4th and 7 or less you knew that Jackson was likely to run the ball and you still couldn't stop him.  They had no answer.

 

Short version: If you score 42 and still lose, it's not likely that the problem is your offense.

 

Maybe if defense and special teams scored all those points.  But they didn't.

No question that the Browns offseason -- by draft, free agency, waiver wire -- needs to be spent stocking up on defense. We need another defensive lineman, a starting SAM linebacker with a competent backup plus more weakside depth, and more depth in the secondary.

 

I'm fine with the offense. Lots of top-notch talent there and good depth. Maybe a wide receiver who's a deadly returner. I was hoping DPJ could be that returner but he hasn't yet. Maybe he still could be. Other than that, no complaints on offense.

 

But that defense is a bunch of turnstiles made out of Swiss cheese.

28 minutes ago, KJP said:

No question that the Browns offseason -- by draft, free agency, waiver wire -- needs to be spent stocking up on defense. We need another defensive lineman, a starting SAM linebacker with a competent backup plus more weakside depth, and more depth in the secondary.

 

I'm fine with the offense. Lots of top-notch talent there and good depth. Maybe a wide receiver who's a deadly returner. I was hoping DPJ could be that returner but he hasn't yet. Maybe he still could be. Other than that, no complaints on offense.

 

But that defense is a bunch of turnstiles made out of Swiss cheese.

Let's also not forget that our entire secondary playing right now are second and third stringers. 

54 minutes ago, Gramarye said:

 

Short version: If you score 42 and still lose, it's not likely that the problem is your offense.

 

Maybe if defense and special teams scored all those points.  But they didn't.

True, of course the interception didn't help.

21 minutes ago, stpats44113 said:

Let's also not forget that our entire secondary playing right now are second and third stringers. 

 

Which is why I want depth for the secondary so if most of the starters get hurt, we can actually slow some teams down. I thought our linebacking corps was starting to improve until last night. Lamar ripped the defense for 124 yards rushing on just nine attempts and two TDs. Since we play them twice a year, we might want to get some players who can stop/slow him.

 

Despite this good season, the best we can do is go 3-3 in the division. Will we go 2-4? If a team isn't designed to beat their opponent in their own division, then I don't understand what we're trying to accomplish.

18 minutes ago, KJP said:

 

Which is why I want depth for the secondary so if most of the starters get hurt, we can actually slow some teams down. I thought our linebacking corps was starting to improve until last night. Lamar ripped the defense for 124 yards rushing on just nine attempts and two TDs. Since we play them twice a year, we might want to get some players who can stop/slow him.

 

Despite this good season, the best we can do is go 3-3 in the division. Will we go 2-4? If a team isn't designed to beat their opponent in their own division, then I don't understand what we're trying to accomplish.

I've given up on Mack Wilson.  Just when you think he is improving he misses tackles, over pursues, and costs the teams lots of points.  Some mock drafts are now showing us taking LB Jeremiah Kormoah from ND which I'd be okay with even if he is somewhat of a tweener.

I have zero concerns about the browns after last night. The defense was bad (really they couldn’t figure out Lamar-few can when he’s healthy). As someone mentioned above, we are down several defensive bodies.  What you saw last night was a team that didn’t lay down, they punched back over and over, that’s the new era Browns. Not going to win every game. Baltimore was playing for its season, they were finally healthy, and let’s not forget this an improved roster from last years team. They’ve been through a lot this year.  Browns need to take care of business against inferior teams and we will lock up the playoffs.

6 hours ago, Gramarye said:

 

The INT was huge, of course, but Baker had also gone something like 180 passes at that point without one.  That INT snapped the longest INT-free streak of Baker's career.

 

That was a great play by the Ravens defender. Don't change a thing Baker. 

6 hours ago, Hootenany said:

 

This is the most frustrating part in my opinion.  The Browns have a solid offensive core and can now score points, but our defense is just atrocious. 

 

We are seeing that there's almost no room for error. Every mistake they make on offense is amplified by the fact defense is so bad. 

4 hours ago, KJP said:

Despite this good season, the best we can do is go 3-3 in the division. Will we go 2-4? If a team isn't designed to beat their opponent in their own division, then I don't understand what we're trying to accomplish.

 

It would be much more reassuring to see the team play well in bad weather. Until I see them get down and dirty, we are like some weird finesse running team.  

1 hour ago, BelievelandD1 said:

I have zero concerns about the browns after last night. The defense was bad (really they couldn’t figure out Lamar-few can when he’s healthy). 

Lamar was awesome last night. As soon as I saw him running back out of the locker room I lost all hope of winning lol. 

 

Actually us scoring with +1 minute on the clock was the killer, but what can you really do about that? 

3 minutes ago, surfohio said:

Lamar was awesome last night. As soon as I saw him running back out of the locker room I lost all hope of winning lol. 

 

Actually us scoring with +1 minute on the clock was the killer, but what can you really do about that? 

I was hoping the hunt touchdown was actually down at the 1. This was gonna be whoever has the ball last wins. We could have controlled the clock(have to assume browns would’ve scored) and then decided to go for win or tie. If tie, the likely goin to OT

38 minutes ago, BelievelandD1 said:

I was hoping the hunt touchdown was actually down at the 1. This was gonna be whoever has the ball last wins. We could have controlled the clock(have to assume browns would’ve scored) and then decided to go for win or tie. If tie, the likely goin to OT

 

Right!!??? And I bet Stefanski would've gone for 2 in that situation, or at least Baker would've been actively lobbying to do so.  

1 hour ago, surfohio said:

Actually us scoring with +1 minute on the clock was the killer, but what can you really do about that? 

 

When Hunt got to the 10 yard line I yelled "HE'S GONNA SCORE!  TOUCHDOWN!  *glance at clock*  OH, NO.  THERE'S TOO MUCH TIME LEFT!"

 

Here's the real question, though.  On the previous drive, does McSorley getting hurt on the 3rd down play win the game for the Ravens?  If he doesn't go down, I don't see them bringing Lamar out of the locker room for the 4th down play and there's a much lower chance they convert.

 

no way Baker shows up Freddie.  The players liked Freddie, they just didnt really follow him or respect him.  Hue was unique that he immediately went to our rival after destroying the first half of the Browns season in 2018.  I think there was general disdain there.  

 

This is the key game left against NYG.  Have to be 11-5.  There isnt a way they will lose to the jets.  They can beat the steelers, but i dont think you want to wait for that week for the 11th win. If the Browns beat NYG this week, we can start discussing who we want to see most in the playoffs.  AFC is so tough this year

On 12/15/2020 at 3:22 PM, surfohio said:

Lamar was awesome last night. As soon as I saw him running back out of the locker room I lost all hope of winning lol.

 

Yeah, I saw that and thought to myself, "the writers on this show really need to reign it in and keep things realistic, because this over the top drama is taking me out of it."

Just a solid win against a Giants team that started the season 0-5 and went 4-1 in their last five games with a top-10 defense. Having a 95-yard drive against any NFL team is impressive. Browns had two of them. Giants were playing to take over the top of the woeful NFC East. Just a solid win.

 

Browns will (must) spend their entire offseason capital beefing up this defense.

a very enjoyable game to watch from end to end.

 

mayfield looked and acted supremely confident. my fav play was the first one at the start of the fourth quarter with the ball near the goal line with everyone spread out in an obvious go for it td pass play, but oh no baker drills it to hooper coming across immediately for a first down. that was the intention all along and i was as shocked as the jints d.

 

so more great play calling and spreading it out, everybody gets the ball with this offense. stefanski and co rate an a+ in coaching.

 

also, the secondary really stepped up big today it was very impressive.

 

both teams have significant injury issues, but through a lot of front office planning and work the browns clearly had more depth.

 

the browns need to annihilate the woeful jets next week and make a statement securing the playoffs.

Yes you take that win all day, everyday and twice on Sunday.

 

It wasn’t the Monday night game, but it was sound play from all phases by a team that beat Seattle two weeks ago

D@mn, Baker....

 

Next man up (aka Nick Harris).....

 

 

The Steelers luck is running out fast and they are flailing. They look all out of sorts and now have to face a resurgent Phil Rivers and the Colts next week. 

 

Man oh man, I can't believe I'm about to type this. The Cleveland Browns have a good chance at winning the AFC North. 

People have tried to slight the Browns this year as only picking up wins against sub-0.500 teams.

 

But I just watched some delightful highlight reels of the Bengals (now 3-10-1) beating the Steelers (formerly 11-0, now 11-3) and the Jets (now 1-13!) beating the Rams this weekend.

 

P.S. Did we at some time have a general NFL News & Discussion thread?  Was that one that got destroyed in the serverclysm a few years ago?

8 hours ago, surfohio said:

The Steelers luck is running out fast and they are flailing. They look all out of sorts and now have to face a resurgent Phil Rivers and the Colts next week. 

 

Man oh man, I can't believe I'm about to type this. The Cleveland Browns have a good chance at winning the AFC North. 

Just more proof that 2020 has been the most upsidedown year ever.   The Browns are good and have a chance to win the division.   God help us all. 

So in 1986, the New York Jets were 10-1, won nine in a row, and looked Super Bowl bound with Ken O'Brien, Al Toon, Freeman McNiel fueling a high-scoring offense and Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko and Marty Lyons leading the NY Sack Exchange defense. They then lost to the Dolphins 45-3 on Monday Night Football, starting a five-game losing streak to end the season 10-6.

 

They lost the division to the New England Patriots and snuck in as a wildcard. It can happen!

 

O'Brien was benched for QB Matt Ryan who led the Jets to a wildcard playoff win over the KC Chiefs 35-15. The revived Jets came into Cleveland and nearly beat the Browns. They were up 10 points with less than four minutes to go. Kosar led the Browns back and won in double-overtime, ending perhaps the most frustrating season in Jets history.

 

Could this happen to the Steelers and Browns this year? Is a horrific Steelers collapse capped by the Browns winning the division the kind of disruption in the space-time continuum that could put to death the pain and futility of the past 25 years and the start of a new Browns dynasty?

How bout this for a crazy possible chain of events:

 

CLE beats NYG  NYJ, Indy beats PIT,  MIA wins out, Indy beats JAX, BAL wins out, TEN beats HOU, PIT beats CLE.......and the Cleveland Browns are out of the playoffs on tiebreakers despite winning 11 games!!! 

Edited December 23, 20204 yr by surfohio

43 minutes ago, surfohio said:

How bout this for a crazy possible chain of events:

 

CLE beats NYG, Indy beats PIT,  MIA wins out, Indy beats JAX, BAL wins out, TEN beats HOU, PIT beats CLE.......and the Cleveland Browns are out of the playoffs on tiebreakers despite winning 11 games!!! 

 

Your post just filled me with dread, this seems way too plausible.

29 minutes ago, ryanfrazier said:

 

Your post just filled me with dread, this seems way too plausible.

It’s pretty terrifying.  There is such a fine line between us feeling like this team and group is different and it being same old not being able to get it done, only this team amplified with all the stakes and probably in national TV.

 

that being said, I’d rather be browns right now than many others. If the raiders beat the phins, all the drama goes away

5 hours ago, BelievelandD1 said:

It’s pretty terrifying.  There is such a fine line between us feeling like this team and group is different and it being same old not being able to get it done, only this team amplified with all the stakes and probably in national TV.

 

that being said, I’d rather be browns right now than many others. If the raiders beat the phins, all the drama goes away

That home loss to the Raiders is rearing its ugly head.  That is one we should have won.  

7 hours ago, surfohio said:

How bout this for a crazy possible chain of events:

 

CLE beats NYG, Indy beats PIT,  MIA wins out, Indy beats JAX, BAL wins out, TEN beats HOU, PIT beats CLE.......and the Cleveland Browns are out of the playoffs on tiebreakers despite winning 11 games!!! 

 

This is why I am rooting for PIT to win Sunday.  Rather have a guaranteed playoff spot, than have a must win game against PIT even if that meant we could win the division.

20 hours ago, cle_guy90 said:

 

This is why I am rooting for PIT to win Sunday.  Rather have a guaranteed playoff spot, than have a must win game against PIT even if that meant we could win the division.

 

yikes -- and then perhaps still have to play pitts again in the playoffs at some point.

 

 

here's the latest status:

 

 

AFC

CLINCHED:

Buffalo Bills – AFC East division title

Kansas City Chiefs – AFC West division title

Pittsburgh Steelers – playoff berth

 

CLEVELAND BROWNS (10-4) (at New York Jets (1-13), Sunday, 1:00 PM ET, CBS)

Cleveland clinches playoff berth with:

1. CLE win + BAL loss or tie OR

2. CLE win + MIA loss or tie OR

3. CLE win + IND loss OR

4. CLE tie + BAL loss OR

5. CLE tie + MIA loss

 

playoff schedule  -- best guess is browns vs their old selves the ravens:

https://fbschedules.com/nfl-playoff-schedule/

Ugh

 

makes you wonder if other nfl teams are taking the 'rona as seriously as the browns seem to be.

 

you have to question teams and outcomes this year with players being held out, or perhaps not being held out when they should be.

more covid troubles:

 

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30600941/cleveland-browns-delay-flight-player-tests-positive-covid-19

1 hour ago, mrnyc said:

more covid troubles:

 

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30600941/cleveland-browns-delay-flight-player-tests-positive-covid-19

 

I'm surprised they didn't put them all in a hotel and use the Meadowlands practice facilities this week.  

So with OBJ and Jojo Natson hurt, and Jarvis, Hollywood, DP Jones & K Hodge all out, the Browns will be reliant upon their 7th and 8th string WR's. 

 

Time to see our TE corps earning their money tomorrow! 

 

que disastro!

 

receiving corps decimated by covid protocols:

 

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30600941/cleveland-browns-delay-flight-player-tests-positive-covid-19

On 12/22/2020 at 1:12 PM, BelievelandD1 said:

If the raiders beat the phins, all the drama goes away

Update: Nope. 

🤦🏻‍♂️

Edited January 4, 20214 yr by CleCaneFan
Brevity

5 hours ago, CleCaneFan said:

Media: “Coach Stefanski, you have a 225 lb stud TB yet you put the ball in the hands of a 5’11” 200# QB for a

4th & inches sneak that has failed before....can you explain your decision?”

WTF!!!???

To be fair it worked twice before that game. 

5 hours ago, KFM44107 said:

To be fair it worked twice before that game. 

They waited way too long to run that play.