By @mrgroce
The Cleveland Browns have a lot of problems. The most glaring one is the quarterback position, but unlike most seasons I'm not sure that it is the biggest issue that we have. Before the season started it was noted by the team, experts, and fans that the strength of the team was offensive line and the defense with defensive secondary leading the way. The plan was to run the ball, stop the run, and force teams to pass into our defensive backfield that is loaded with pro bowlers. Three games in the team looks bad everywhere except for special teams. Penalties and turnovers have the Browns looking undisciplined and poorly coached. Rookies under performing or not even able to make the active roster and bad free agent signings (Dwayne Bowe) has started the rumors of GM Ray Farmer getting fired as soon as he returns from his four game suspension next Monday.
In my humble opinion, the Browns are the worst team in professional football. The defense looks slow, the offense looks like something from the '80s and the fans keep showing up and making excuses.
Well, fresh off of getting embarrassed by a second year quarterback and rookie wide receiver the Browns travel to San Diego to take on Philip Rivers and the Chargers. San Diego, like the Browns, boast a record of 1-2 and have issues of their own. Injuries are starting to pile up, particularly on the offensive line. King Dunlap, Chris Watt, and Orlando Franklin have all missed practice this week. Another lineman D.J Fluker returned last week after missing time with an ankle injury. Starting cornerbacks Brandon Flowers didn't play last week and the other starting cornerback Jason Verrett didn't play in the second half. Strong safety Jahleel Addae was held out with an ankle injury. Tight end Antonio Gates is still out serving a four game suspension and his backup Ladarius Green missed last week's game due to a concussion.
Despite the mash unit that is the Chargers defense, they still have Rivers at QB, Melvin Gordon at RB, and Keenan Allen and Malcolm Floyd at WR. Other than punter and defensive secondary, I give the Chargers the advantage at every single position. Quarterback Josh McCown will get the start, and as far as we know will hold on to that position as long as he's healthy enough to play. It's never smart to play the schedule game, but this may be the last "winnable" game that the Browns will come across for awhile. Regardless, I have the Chargers winning the game quite handily 27-13. I hope I'm wrong.
What: Browns vs. Chargers
When: Sunday 4:05 PM
Where: Qualcomm Stadium San Diego, California
TV/Radio: CBS, WKNR Cleveland 850, WKRK Cleveland 92.3 The Fan, WNCX 98.5
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