Browns Preview 10/13/17: Cleveland Browns @ Houston Texans

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE


The winless Cleveland Browns travel to Houston to take on the (2-3) Texans this week. The Browns will be starting a new quarterback this week. Kevin Hogan gets the start in place of the struggling DeShone Kizer. The Texans could be without four starters on their defense and JJ Watt is out for the season with a broken leg. The Texans will start rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson, who the Texans traded up in the draft (with the Browns) to acquire.


Browns Offense vs Texans Defense

The Browns will be starting their 28th different quarterback since returning in 1999, and Hue Jackson will be on his fifth different starter since week one of last year. Kevin Hogan will be under center for the Browns this week. In three games this season, Hogan has thrown three touchdowns and two interceptions. But more importantly, he has a 68.4% completion percentage vs Kizer's 51%.

This week the Browns must rely on the run this week and it should be headlined by Duke Johnson. Johnson is averaging almost five yards per carry and is the leading receiver for the Browns, with 23 catches. Isaiah Crowell has struggled this year. He seems to have issues when he gets the ball on stretch plays. And even when he has gotten running room it seems like he misses the hole or the run blocking doesn't hold up. It should be interesting to see the snap count for each back at the end of this game. Also the Texans can't forget about Hogan as a runner. Hogan is someone who can run a read-option effectively. Last season Hogan ran for over 100 yards after replacing Cody Kessler against the Bengals.

The receiving situation will be interesting this week. Kenny Britt is expected to be back, along with Sammie Coates. But it does seem like Hogan and rookie tight end David Njoku have a lot of chemistry. Two of Hogan's touchdown passes were to Njoku including one last week in relief of Kizer. Ricardo Lewis was the leading receiver last week with five catches for 71 yards. With Britt on a snap count, Lewis will probably get the majority of the snaps.



Browns Defense vs Texans Offense

Contrary to the 0-5 record, the Browns have a top five defense in the NFL. On the other hand...the Texans have been good in their own right. They don't pass the ball as much, ranked 20th in yards per game, but they hold onto the ball and run the ball with a lot of success, ranked 4th in rushing yards per game.

Rookie Deshaun Watson has thrown 12 touchdowns and only four picks this season. He also has almost 200 rushing yards on the season and two rushing touchdowns. Watson's top target is DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins leads the Texans in catches with 35 and second on the team is Lamar Miller with 12. So the Browns desperately needs to shut down Hopkins this week in order to have success.

Miller is the leading rusher for the Texans with 331 yards and one touchdown. They also use rookie D'Onte Foreman who has 148 yards on the year and is averaging 3.8 yards per carry.

The Browns will have Jamie Collins back after missing the last three weeks with a concussion. The Browns defense will be a full strength for the first time this season. It should be interesting to see how everything plays out for the Browns and Gregg Williams.





Five Guys to Watch


1. Kevin Hogan: Hogan is making his first career start this week. Honestly I don't really know what to expect from Hogan besides him running the ball at times and throwing to Njoku.

2. David Njoku: Speaking of Njoku, he seems like an obvious guy to highlight this week. Hogan is comfortable throwing the ball his way and Njoku has come up big at times for the Browns in his young career.

3. Isaiah Crowell: I think this might be Crowell's last chance before he gets demoted to RB2. The Browns are going to run the ball a ton this week and Crowell is needed for this offense to have any sort of success. If he doesn't, Duke Johnson becomes the starter sooner rather than later.

4. Jamie Collins: Collins is one of the best linebackers in the league. Paired with Kirksey and Schobert the Browns should have more than enough to limit the running game of Houston's.

5. Myles Garrett: Speaking of helping the running game, Garrett playing more snaps this week is going to help too. Also with the Texans offensive line struggles, Garrett will need to capitalize on it in order to limit big plays from DeAndre Hopkins.


Weather Report

Injury Report

Betting Line: Houston -9.5


Prediction: Houston 20 Browns 14

The Browns fall to 0-6 and Hue Jackson record falls to 1-21 as the Browns Head Coach... All in all I think this team plays well but the limitations at quarterback and receiver will show its head this game. Hopefully I'm wrong again and the Browns end up helping themselves out by defeating the Texans.

Browns Preview 9/8/17: Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

Week one is finally here! The Cleveland Browns open up the season hosting the division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The Browns haven't won a opening day game since 2004 with Jeff Garcia at quarterback. Yes it's been that long...But eventually the drought will end...but not this year.


Browns Offense vs Steelers Defense

The Browns offense is going to be put to the test. Led by rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer, the Browns play calling should be a bit conservative to start out. Isaiah Crowell will get the majority of the carries Sunday. He has yet to have a game where he is given 20 carries in his career, and Sunday would be a great time for him to get it. The Browns can't give up on the running game because it will set up the couple deep shots down field the Browns are obviously going to take.

The Browns still have questions at receiver, even though they acquired three wideouts in the past week. Corey Coleman, Kenny Britt, Ricardo Lewis, and even Duke Johnson will see time lined up at wide receiver. Coleman and Kizer seem to have little bit of chemistry, as we seen in the third preseason game. Kenny Britt needs to step up and be the security blanket for Kizer. Duke Johnson is another weapon Kizer will utilize whether its checking down or in the slot.







Browns Defense vs Steelers Offense

The Browns will be without number one overall pick Myles Garrett for a few weeks. The Browns will need to get pressure on Big Ben and contain Le'Veon Bell. Bell didn't participate in the preseason and just signed his contract earlier this week. Stopping the running game will be a tall task of the Browns defensive line and linebackers Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey. Jamar Taylor and Jason McCourty will lineup the most against Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. Brown is the best receiver in the league. Taylor and McCourty will have a handful Sunday especially if the pass rush struggles with Garrett out.




Five Guys to Watch

DeShone Kizer: This one is pretty obvious. The Browns are starting a rookie quarterback week one for the first time since Brandon Weeden in 2012. There is a lot of excitement with Kizer this could be the start to a very successful career for Kizer and Hue Jackson in Cleveland.

Jamie Collins: Collins will play almost every snap Sunday. Collins is a main staple on defense for the Browns. Whether is in base defense or in sub-packages. Collins is one of the few players who can cover Bell and the opposing tight end.

Sammie Coates: Coates probably won't see many snaps but when he's out there watch out for the deep ball down field. Coates is a deep threat and a speed demon. So when Kizer takes his shots deep its most likely going to be in Coates direction

Isaiah Crowell: Crowell should be the headline for the Browns offense. Crowell has been hyped up as a guy who is the "bell cow back" and should end the season with over 1000 yards in his contract year.

Corey Coleman: "Kizer to Coleman" is something that we all can get use to. Coleman is going to be the number one receiver going forward. Coleman and Coates will be matched up with former Browns cornerback Joe Haden, which will be exciting to watch as fans.




Weather Report:
Injury Report:

Betting Line: Pittsburgh -9

Final Prediction: 24-17

I don't think the Browns pull off the miracle. But I do think they cover. Kizer will play well and the overall the young Browns will be in the game all the way to the end. Go Browns!!!

Cleveland Browns 2017 Season Preview: The Linebackers

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

**PREVIOUS**
The Coaching Staff
The Running Backs
The Offensive & Defensive Line
The Quarterbacks
The Wide Receivers & Tight Ends


With the switch to the 4-3 defense, the Browns don't have to carry as many linebackers as they did years before. The Linebacker group is pretty solid going into the 2017 season, headlined by Jamie Collins and Christian Kirksey. Both of whom signed long-term deals with the Browns in the off-season. Collins and Kirko will see the majority of the snaps on defense. Whether its in a base defense or in nickel and sub-packages because both excel in pass coverage.

Collins was brought over last season in a mid-season trade with New England. In eight games with the Browns last season, Collins recorded 69 tackles (nice), two sacks, and a forced fumble. Collins as a rare linebacker in the league that can play every single down, and can cover the best running backs and tight ends in the league. There is no question Collins is an integral part of the Browns defense going forward.

Kirksey is entering his fourth NFL season. Last year was Kirksey's breakout season, recording 148 tackles, two and a half sacks, and 10 stuffs. He is just like Collins, Kirko can play the pass extremely well and is basically an every down linebacker. The only difference with Kirksey and Collins this year is that they will be playing the "outside linebacker" position in the 4-3 defense.

At the start of camp the middle linebacker spot was up for grabs. The battle was between veteran Tank Carder and last year's fourth round pick Joe Schobert. Unfortunately, Carder suffered a season ending knee injury against the Giants, so Schobert is now the starter for 2017. Schobert came into camp around 20 pounds lighter in order to play middle linebacker and boy has it payed off (so far). Schobert has been flying around the field so far in the preseason. It gives the Browns some versatility in their base defense because of Schobert's natural ability to rush the passer, which we've seen at time during the preseason.

The backup linebacker position(s) are unknown right now. The Browns have a few guys who have shown flashes during camp and the preseason. Guys like Dominique Alexander, James Burgess, and Kenneth Olugode have played themselves into consideration to make the 53-man roster. It wouldn't be surprising though if the Browns added a linebacker after the cut down day, so keep an eye out for that.

Linebacker Overview: As long as the Browns stay healthy, the linebackers/ front 7 should be vastly improved this season. Collins and Kirksey are the key(s) to success for the Browns defense, and quite frankly that a pretty good duo to hang hopes on.

Radio Show 1/25/17: WWE Royal Rumble Weekend, Jamie Collins & NFL Championship Weekend

By Raven Williams, @nevaRWilliams

You can now download the latest episodes of "TripleThreatCLE.com's Radio Show"!

Check us out every Wednesday night, 7pm EST, on NoStaticRadio.com or the Tune-In Radio app. Simply search "No Static Radio" or "Triple Threat CLE"

DOWNLOAD: On WWE Royal Rumble, NXT Takeover, Jamie Collins & NFL Championship Weekend (1/25/17)
PLAYLIST DOWNLOAD: Show Songs 1.25.17, WWE
Alternate Link
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DOWNLOAD: On NFL Playoffs, Which Ex-Browns Could've Helped, Rodgers_Brady (1/18/17)
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DOWNLOAD: On Browns/Gregg Williams, Deshaun Watson, Cavs, DeMarcus Cousins, NBA All-Stars (1/11/17)
PLAYLIST DOWNLOAD: Show Songs 1:11:17, Randy's Mix
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DOWNLOAD: On Browns Future, NFL Playoffs, CFB Playoff & More (1/4/17)
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2016 Episodes of Triple Threat CLE Radio Show

Browns Talk 1/24/17: Cleveland Browns Sign Jamie Collins To An Extension

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Browns have re-signed linebacker Jamie Collins to a four year/$50 Million ($26.5 Million guaranteed) contract. With that contract, Collins becomes the highest paid linebacker in the NFL surpassing Carolina's Luke Kuechly.

Collins was brought over to the Browns in a mid-season trade with the New England Patriots. And he showed immediately that he was one of the best players in the league.

In eight games with the Browns, Collins started in all eight and played every snap in six of them.  He recorded 69 tackles in those eight games, which was third on the team. In his seven games with New England, Collins recorded 43 tackles and two interceptions.

The Browns wanted to lockup Collins from the start of the off-season. And because they did, the Browns are now able to use the Franchise Tag on another player...potentially wide receiver Terrelle Pryor. The Browns have set themselves up to have a big off-season and step one in the process just completed.

Krunch Time With Katelin: Five Stories and Thoughts from the 2016 Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

2016 was tough year for the Browns. A number of different quarterbacks, a ton of injuries, and the lack of wins resulting in the number one overall pick in the upcoming draft. We knew this past season was going to be rough and the start of a tear-down rebuild, but not many expected the Browns to end up 1-15 at seasons end. With 1-15 there aren't a lot of stories to tell but here are five stories that will help recap this 2016 season.

5. Let's start with the number of quarterbacks this past season. Not counting Terrelle Pryor and Duke Johnson who threw passes this season, the Browns had five different quarterbacks lineup under center for them. Cody Kessler, Josh McCown, and Robert Griffin III started this past season with Kevin Hogan and Charlie Whitehurst taking snaps in relief of Cody Kessler. The quarterback problems started week one when RGIII broke a bone in his shoulder. Then, in week two, McCown ended up breaking his collar bone which sidelined him for a month and a half. Cody Kessler didn't play terrible for a rookie quarterback but he didn't do enough to keep the job for the entire season. RGIII ended up started the last four weeks and didn't help solidify anything for the 2017 season.

4. Jamie Collins, one of the best linebackers in the NFL, got traded from the New England Patriots to Cleveland. The Browns gave up a third round pick for his services. After the Browns traded for Collins it was weird to see on the field. Everyone could tell how good he was and at some points he seemed frustrated with the lack of talent around him. It was also weird to hear the speculation of why Collins was traded out of New England. Whether it was locker room stuff or him being a free agent in 2017...it will hopefully help the Browns going forward.

3. Even though the year was tough a number of players stepped up and made a giant leap. Guys like Christian Kirksey, Jamar Taylor, Danny Shelton and Isaiah Crowell improved immensely because of the opportunity given. Danny Shelton played like a top tier nose tackle. He was constantly disrupting the flow of the opposing offensive line even if statistically the Browns defense didn't play well. Christian Kirksey ranked 6th in total tackles with 143. The past two years he was spelling Karlos Dansby but this year he was all over and was a three down player. He improved on his run defense and has always been a solid in pass coverage. Jamar Taylor was traded to Cleveland from Miami for a handful of spots...in the seventh round of the 2016 draft.

Taylor was a former second round pick who seemed to be a bust for Miami. For his growth this past season the Browns ended up rewarding him with a 3yr/$15 million extension. And finally Isaiah Crowell...who ended up 48 rushing yards short of 1000 for the season. The First few weeks of the season Crowell was lighting it up and was in the top 5 in rushing yards. Because of injuries at offensive line Crowell's 1000 yard season dream came up short, but it was positive in the sense of how the Browns found their starting running back going forward.

2. Terrelle Pryor's transition from quarterback to wide receiver was amazing to see...even if former and opposing players criticized him for being emotional on the field. Its not that people didn't think he could do it, he's a freak athlete, but if he was going to become selfish and become a "diva" on and off the field. While off the field some took their shots at him on the field he played extremely well. 77 catches 1007 yards and four touchdowns in his first full season at receiver is pretty dang good. Hell fans wanted the Browns to sign Pryor to an extension after his crazy game in Miami where he caught eight passes for 144 yards, ran for 21 yards and a touchdown...and threw the ball for 35 yards on 3/5 passing. It will be interesting to see if Pryor has a future in the Browns and Orange but even if he doesn't he was one of (if not the main reason) people still tuned in on Sundays to watch the Browns.

1. The Browns only winning one game this season has to be the number one story. Whether it was speculation Hue Jackson and company were going to get fired at the end of the season...which turned out to be kinda true. Or the number of odd ways the Browns found themselves on the short end of the win column. Like when The Browns stormed to a 20-2 lead against the Ravens and ended up losing 25-20 because of a blocked PAT that was returned for a touchdown and a missed field goal. (and lets not forget about the stupid flag on Terrelle Pryor when he went to give the official the ball) Or when Cody Parkey missed three field goals in one game including a potential game winner, And the Duke Johnson fumble that he obviously recovered but the lady official completely messed up calling a Redskins recovery when Johnson had the ball five yards behind her. And that all happened in consecutive weeks...And the 0-16 parade which divided Browns fans on many social media platforms. Heck, it ended up having one of Cleveland's top radio personalities threatening to run over people who were participating in the parade.(I guess anything for ratings). But All in all the Browns won a game and ten's of thousands of dollars were donated to the Cleveland Food Bank because of the fan funded 0-16 parade and the contributions from the Cleveland Browns and others.

This season was a trip. Remembering all these stories and seeing how social media was during this headache of a season was something to remember...if people didn't pay that close of attention because of the Indians playoff success or the Ohio State University during their thing on Saturday's. But the "try-out year" as I coined in my season preview was a success. I think the Browns have a good idea of were their weaknesses are and now have the tools to fix this team the correct way. And that starts with making smart signing during free agency with the large amount of cap room they have and the number one overall pick in April's draft.  

Browns Talk 1/10/17: The Browns Defense Going Forward With Gregg Williams

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Cleveland Browns will have a new defensive coordinator for the 2017 season. Gregg Williams was officially named as DC Saturday and is expected to bring 3-4 coaches with him from the Rams. This change isn't just a coaching change though, its a schematic also. For the first time since 2012, the Browns will use the 4-3 defense. Gregg Williams primarily uses the 4-3 base defense and has for most of his career...and frankly it fits this roster better going forward.

The Browns defense going into this off-season still has major holes but the simple switch to the 4-3 helps patch up some of them. For example, Emmanual Ogbah will be a defensive end in the 4-3 defense. He can just focus on run stopping and pass rushing instead of including pass coverage when he was an outside linebacker in the 3-4. Ogbah started to play well when he was switched to the defensive line in the last month and a half of the season.  Same thing does with Desmond Bryant who might end up moving to defensive tackle next to Danny Shelton in a 4-3.

Now of course there are some players who won't have to change positions but it will help with depth at individual positions...like at middle linebacker. Christian Kirksey should continue to be the middle linebacker in the 4-3. He has a nose for the ball and speed to play the run and pass in the 4-3. Kirksey by the way lead the team in tackles with 148. With that Demario Davis will become the main backup for Kirksey and that's going to make the entire defense stronger. Having a former starter, who was the second on the team in tackles, as a backup should help this team on the field and the front office off the field during free agency and the draft.

The Browns obviously have the number one overall pick and the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft. They have been linked to a handful of players at number one but Myles Garrett seems to be consensus best player in this draft and has been mocked to the Browns at one by almost every "draft expert". Myles Garrett has been compared to Jevon Kearse by NFL.com draft Analyst Lance Zierlein. Garrett on the opposite side of Ogbah would help the development of both player. Williams' defense will use both of their strengths and try and get to the quarterback as much as they can. Garrett wouldn't have to worry about covering a running back or tight end at all like Ogbah did for the first 2/3rd of his NFL career.

With the 12th overall pick the Browns have been linked to many players on both sides of the ball. A ton of fans hope one of the top rated safeties end up dropping to the Browns. Malik Hooker and Jamal Adams are the top rated "free" and "strong" safety. They've been compared to elite players in recent history. Hooker could be the next Ed Reed and Jamal Adams was recently compared to Sean Taylor by Matt Miller of Bleacher Report. I know those are crazy comparisons but if one of these guys are there at 12, it would be crazy for the Browns to pass up one of those guys. Especially Adams who was compared to Sean Taylor and Gregg Williams was his defensive coordinator in Washington during his career.

Free Agency is going to be interesting for the Browns. They have a ton of money in their pocket to spend and a few holes to fill on defense. The Browns I'm sure want Jamie Collins for the long-term. Collins is one of the best outside linebackers in the NFL and the change of defensive schemes shouldn't affect his position status with the team. But there are a couple free agents who would help this defense day one.

Duron Harmon is a safety from the New England Patriots. He's going to be a unrestricted free agent this off-season and is set to get a pay day from a new team. He's currently the backup for Devin McCourty. Harmon is only 26 years old so it would fit the Browns' rebuilding plan. He's coming from the New England and that doesn't hurt and is a perfect fit to help change the culture.

Trumaine Johnson is another guy who would fit this Browns team. He's been part Gregg Williams defense the past few years and had his best years under Williams (164 tackles and 11 interceptions since 2014).  He's another unrestricted free agent who is only 27 years old. Johnson and Haden patrolling the secondary with Gregg Williams attacking defense with hopefully one of the rookie safeties and Myles Garrett...that's starting to become "on paper" a top tier defense in the NFL.

Browns Recap 1/2/17: Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Browns fell to the Steelers 27-24 and finished the 2016 season going 1-15 and locking up the number one overall pick in the 2017 draft. Also Hue Jackson and company are safe and will be back next year. So another win coming from today. But lets talk about this very odd game.

The Browns offense was statistically pretty good.  437 Total yards with about 200 yards through the air and on the ground. But where the Browns lost this game was in the turnover battle. The Browns had four turnovers (three fumbles and two red zone turnovers) and also missed a 49 yard field goal. So its not like the Browns didn't have opportunities to win this game. Robert Griffin threw for 232 yards on 29/40 passing, two touchdowns and one interception. The leading receiver for this game was Terrelle Pryor who caught seven passes for 94 yards. He also surpassed 1000 receiving yards for the year with his 94 yard game. Gary Barnidge had five catches for 40 yards and a touchdown. Seth DeValve had the other touchdown catch, which was his only catch of the day for 12 yards.

Other notable receivers: Corey Coleman had five catches for 40 yards and Andrew Hawkins had five catches for nine yards.

The Running game had success today. Isaiah Crowell 152 yards on 19 carries including 67 yard run that set up a George Atkinson III touchdown run. Atkinson III had a solid day, seven carries for 34 yards, being the backup to Crowell with Duke Johnson suffering an ankle injury. Crowell unfortunately had a key fumble inside the five yard-line with less than one minute to go in the fourth. RGIII had 32 rushing yards on five carries.

The Browns defense was solid against the second string Steelers offense. They only gave up 69 yards on the ground. The Steelers leading rusher was DeAngelo Williams who had 67 yards on 23 carries. But the Browns struggled getting timely stops. They gave up the winning touchdown drive in overtime after the offense kicked a field goal forcing Steelers to score. The Defense also gave up a touchdown drive to end the first half and after the Browns intercepted Landry Jones but fumbled the return causing a touchback.

Jones had a pretty good game, throwing for 277 yards and three touchdowns. Eli Rodgers was the leading receiver with six catches 61 yards. Cobi Hamilton had three catches for 54 yards including the game clinching 26 yard touchdown catch. Other notable receivers: Demarcus Ayers had five catches for 44 yards and one touchdown.

The leading tackler for the Browns was Christian Kirksey who had 12 total tackles, three tackles for a loss and one sack. Jamie Collins was second with 10 total tackles. And Demario Davis had seven total tackles, two for losses and one sack.


Most Valuable Brown: Isaiah Crowell is the MVB for this game. If it wasn't for his 67 yard run the Browns wouldn't have had the opportunity to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Plus his day kind of personified this 2016 season. Play really well at times but mistakes come back to cost games.

Browns Preview 12.23.16: San Diego Chargers @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Chargers travel to Cleveland this week to play the Browns on Christmas Eve (Saturday). Both teams lost last week. The Chargers lost 19-16 to the Oakland Raiders and now have a record of 5-9. The Browns obviously lost last week to the Bills 33-13. This could mark the last time the "San Diego Chargers" play a game in Cleveland, with the speculation of them moving to LA in the near future.

Browns Offense vs Chargers Defense

The Browns will be starting Robert Griffin III but is apparently on a short leash. The past two weeks the offense struggled passing the ball and keeping drives going. And some of the blame goes on Griffin. He's missed easy check down throws multiple times and has forced unnecessary shots down field. For this week, Griffin needs to correct these problems and not force anything crazy or else Cody Kessler will take some snaps this week.

The most important thing for the Browns to do though is to keep Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa out of the backfield. Ingram has seven sacks on the year and Bosa has 7.5 despite only playing in 10 games this year. The Browns have given up the most sacks this year (53) so whether its RGIII being able to shift the pocket and use his legs to stay upright and extend plays.

The running game seems to be a lost cause. And Hue Jackson said that once the Browns aren't down by a huge margin is when he will give Crowell 15+ carries. So with two weeks left in the season and 0-16 staring them in the face its highly unlikely the running game will be a major part of the game pan. The only way the running game will used is in the read option with RGIII at quarterback, which has worked at points these past two weeks.

Browns Defense vs Chargers Offense

Its unclear if Melvin Gordon will play this week. If he does, the Browns need to keep him contained. He is only 3 yards away from 1000 for the season, has 12 total touchdowns (10 rushing) and has 41 catches. He is a threat in all facets of the game. If he doesn't play Kenneth Farrow will start.

The passing game is lead by Philip Rivers, who is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He's prone to force throws at times so the Browns secondary needs to stay alert to potentially pick off a pass. Rivers has thrown 29 touchdowns and 18 interceptions this season and is 205 yards away from 4000 yards this season.

Rivers has many weapons on offense. He has three solid receivers, Tyrell Williams, Dontrelle Inman, and former Brown Travis Benjamin. Those three are his top receivers, totaling 154 catches, 2,242 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Browns corners are going to have a tough day stopping the passing game. And that doesn't count the two tight ends the Chargers throw out there. Rookie Hunter Henry has 32 catches and seven touchdowns this year, and 36 year old Antonio Gates is still out there catching 40 balls this season and five touchdowns.


Five Guys to Watch

Robert Griffin III: His days as an NFL starter seem to be coming towards an end. He might be playing for a job next year at this point so he is going to have to win this game to keep the Browns from going 0-16 and quite possibly his NFL dreams alive.

Terrelle Pryor: Pryor is another guy playing still playing for next year. He's been quiet the past two weeks and is now playing hurt with a torn ligament in his finger. This could be one of those game where he comes out and proves the haters wrong once again.

Jamie Collins Sr: Its unclear what the Browns are going to do with Collins this off-season but he has been a bright spot on this team since joining back in October. Collins vs the Chargers' tight ends should be a fun match-up to watch.

Jamar Taylor: Taylor needs to contain whoever he is matched up with this week. Rivers should be targeting he a lot this weeks.

Emmanual Ogbah: Ogbah has played well since being moved to defensive line. He's grown as a reliable pass rusher the past few weeks and he should get many chances to get to Rivers.





Weather Report:

Injury Report: 
Betting Line: Chargers -6


Predictions: 24-20 Browns

I said the Browns were going to win a game this year and its setting up to be this game. The Chargers have to travel across the county to play the 0-16 Browns on Xmas Eve...yeah ITS HAPPENING...or maybe ITS NOT HAPPENING (as in the 0-16 parade). But seriously this is setting up to be final straw in the Mike McCoy era in San Diego or where ever they are going to play in 2017.

Browns Recap 12.12.16: Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Cleveland Browns lost another game, this time to the Cincinnati Bengals 23-10. The Browns now sit three losses away from joining the 2008 Detroit Lions to lose 16 games in a season. This week the Browns just got outplayed. They struggled with the passing offense only having 85 total passing yards. And defensively gave up 360 total yards with 213 of them on the ground.

The overall all offense wasn't good. A combination of terrible starting field position and the rust of Robert Griffin III didn't spell success for this week. RGIII was only 12/28 throwing the ball. He missed throws all day, whether under-throwing the deep ball, throwing into double coverage, or just missing wide-open dink-and-dunk throws. Obviously, Griffin was going to have rust considering he hasn't played since week 1 but even with rust being accounted for Griffin seemed to be overzealous most of the game. Taking deep shots down field when it wasn't there. Hopefully this was a "knock off the dust" type game because the Browns can't afford to have RGIII play like that.

Where the Browns had success was in the running game. Isaiah Crowell had 113 yards on the ground, RGIII ran for 31 yards and a touchdown, and Duke Johnson had 24 yards on four carries. The running game started to work in the second half when most of the running plays were: A. Zone-Read options, or B. used in a high-tempo situation. The Browns had two really good drives in the third quarter, the one that resulted in the touchdown and the one that resulted in the field goal. And both were set up by the running game

Defensively, the Browns struggled stopping the run. Jeremy Hill ran for 111 yards and a touchdown. And overall the Bengals ran for 213 yards on 38 carries, which was the main reason the Bengals won the time of possession battle. The positive side of this game the pass defense wasn't terrible. They only allowed 147 yards through the air and got pressure to Dalton, hitting him five times and sacking him four times.

Overall it wasn't a good game for the Browns. Inconstant defense and an offense who could only manage two positive drives. But hopefully next week, vs the Bills, the Browns can regroup and start putting drives together, force a few turnovers, and maybe just maybe pull out a win next week.

Most Valuable Brown: Jamie Collins is the MVB for this week. He had 15 totals tackles, one sack, and two tackles for losses. Collins has played really well in his short stint with the Browns. It is going to be interesting if the Browns want to/are able to bring him back for next year and beyond.

Browns Preview 11.25.16: New York Giants @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The (7-3) New York Giants travel to Cleveland to take on the (0-11) Browns. Last week the Browns lost to the Steelers 24-9 in a game where they suffered another injury at quarterback. Rookie Cody Kessler suffered a concussion and will be out this week. Josh McCown will start in his place. The Giants on the other-hand defeated the Bears at home 22-16 and are now second in the NFC East behind the Cowboys.


Browns Offense vs Giants Defense

The Browns are going to struggle in all facets of the game. The Giants have a great front four headlined by Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon. Both are top tier pass rushers and are solid in run defense. But where the Giants really excel is in pass defense. Yes, they only rank 13th in that category but they've only given up nine passing touchdowns all year which is tied with the Broncos. Their cornerbacks Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Landon Collins have played extremely well this year. And Collins is now the Giants starting cornerback (due to injuries) after starting the season at safety. Terrelle Pryor and Cory Coleman will have their hands full trying to get open this week.

The Browns can't give up on the run this week. Whether its Isaiah Crowell or Duke Johnson carrying the rock the Browns need to control the tempo of this game. It won't be easy considering the Giants also have the eighth best run defense in the NFL, but an honest running game should open up some passing windows for McCown.

The main key for this game is to not turn the ball over. Josh McCown needs to take care of the football better. He has eight turnovers in four games (six interceptions and two fumbles). If McCown can limit the turnovers and just take what the defense gives him the Browns should keep this game within 10 points going into the fourth. #MoralVictory


Browns Defense vs Giants Offense

This should be an interesting matchup. Joe Haden going up against Odell Beckham Jr. Haden has played well this year while battling through nagging injuries Haden and the Browns defense will need to keep Odell out of the end zone this week if they want a fighters chance to win because in wins this year Odell has five out of his six touchdowns. To win its fairly simple. Limit Odell and make him frustrated, so he mentally checks out of the game.

Eli Manning is prone to throw interceptions and has 10 this year. The Browns will need to capitalize on his aggressiveness. Whether is preventing points on a long drive or setting up the offense with a short field, all the breaks will need to go the Browns ways.

The Giants rarely run the ball but with Rashard Jennings back to 100%, they should attempt the run a bit more. In that area the Browns and the Giants are both ranked 31st in the league so something has to give.


Five Guys To Watch

Joe Haden: Haden will match up with Beckham Jr. most of the game and it should be interesting who comes up on top. Whoever wins this matchup should win this game.

Jamie Collins: Collins is a defensive playmaker. Whether in the run or pass defense Collins needs to come up big this game. He's played really well in his few games with the Browns and has shown he deserves whatever contract he's going to get this off-season.

Christian Kirksey: Kirksey is making a case to be selected to the pro-bowl. Kirksey is second in tackles with 103 and has shown a lot of growth this year. #MoralVictory

Terrelle Pryor: Pryor is the lone-playmaker for the Browns. He's going to get a lot of targets this game. He's shown an ability to play well against top tier corners in the league. Pryor is one of the few bright spots on this team this year.

Duke Johnson: Whether catching the ball or running it Johnson has shown he can do both. With Crowell struggling to run the ball, Johnson should get more carries this week and going forward. Johnson should get 15+ touches between catches and carries.


Injury Report
Weather Report
Betting Line: NYG -7



Prediction: Giants 28 Browns 13

The Browns fall to 0-12 and their #QuestForImperfection is still in place. This game will be a frustrating one where the Browns can't do much on offense and the defense keeps it fairly close for most of this game. Also this should be Josh McCown's last start for the Browns with RGIII scheduled to return week 14. Thank goodness the bye week is next week for this team.