By @mrgroce
After five games the Cleveland Browns are seventh in total offense, fifth in passing offense, and are averaging 23 points per game. The defense is ranked thirty overall, and dead last against the run. Just liked we all predicted right? Locally, because nationally know one cares, fans have no clue what to make of the 2015 Cleveland Browns. They were supposed to be this ground and pound offense who had the horses up front to push everyone around. Instead the offensive line has looked less than stellar and Josh McCown has fans wishing he was twenty six instead of thirty six because it seems as though he finally has this quarterback thing figured out. This is life in the NFL. You never know what to expect and even if you're a supporter of a perennial loser like the Browns, we just can't stop watching.
That brings us to this Sunday's match-up between the 2-3 Browns hosting the 5-0 Denver Broncos. Denver gives up the least amount of total yards per game and allow the second fewest points per game this season. This will be a good, and in my opinion the first true test for the surprisingly effective Browns offense. The Browns have yet to face a defense ranked higher than 24. As of now, it appears as if the Broncos will be without linebacker DeMarcus Ware, but I'm not sure how much he will be missed because Denver does have another monster on the defensive side of the ball named Von Miller.
A good run game would help take the pressure off of McCown, but probably not likely this week seeing as though Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson have not separated from each other in the competition for starting back. McCown coming off statistically the best game by a Browns QB ever, needs to make quick decisions or he could see himself getting hit often. Oh yeah, the Broncos lead the league with 22 sacks. Aqib Talib is a bit banged up but I think it's safe to think Dwayne Bowe will be held in check (insert laugh track).
Defensively, the Browns will be without cornerback Joe Haden and safety Tashaun Gipson. It wouldn't be too much of a shock to see WR's Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas have big games. The Browns are getting absolutely no pressure from the front seven, and with a guy like Peyton Manning sitting in the pocket, Browns defensive backs better be ready. The Browns have been unable to contain basically every running back that they have faced this year, but luckily Denver is ranked 30 in run offense and only averaging about 70 yards per game. I have to believe Bronco's running backs C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman will be able to find success against the Browns. Peyton has never lost to the Browns, but his passer rating against the Browns, 80.9 is the lowest against any opponent he has faced in his career. He has also thrown five touchdowns and seven interceptions against the Browns in his career.
When the clock strikes 00:00 I fully expect the Broncos to be 6-0 by finishing the Cleveland Browns 31-13, but if the Browns somehow find a way to win this one, all of Cleveland will be hooked and I will be more confused than ever. Gotta love this game.
What: Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos
When: Sunday Oct. 18 1:00
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland Ohio
TV/Radio: CBS, WKNR 850 Cleveland, WKRK 92.3 The Fan, WNCX 98.5
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