On The Mark 1.4.16: #Browns v. #Steelers Recap

Another year, another loss to the Steelers who beat the Browns 28-12, advance to playoffs
By @MarkW2112


The Cleveland Browns, on what became Mike Pettine's last game as head coach, were soundly defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers, 28-12. Austin Davis started and was, for the most part, played OK, but was under pressure most of the game and finished 24-of-46 passing with 2 interceptions and no touchdowns.

Isiah Crowell and Duke Johnson were somewhat effective but not used nearly enough since the Steelers defense stacked the line knowing that there was no chance Davis could beat them. Crowell had 53 yards rushing on 15 carries while Johnson had 11 yards rushing and 34 passing yards. Gary Barnidge led all receivers with 66 yards. The Browns offense got to the red zone 4 times but couldn't score touchdowns, only field goals.

On the other end, Ben Roethelisberger had no problems passing the ball, going 24-of-36 for 349 yards, 187 of those yards going to Antonio Brown, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The Browns defensive secondary was MIA once again with Big Ben having his way all day.

My take: Jimmy Haslam has torched the entire organization and starting from scratch. Head coach Mike Pettine, GM Ray Farmer and President Alec Scheiner are all gone and new people will be brought in, including new executive VP of football operations, Sashi Brown. The only issue is who wants to come to a toxic situation like the Browns? For us Browns fans, this is going to be another long offseason with a lot of anger and disappointment with who is hired and which players leave the Browns. It's very possible the Browns may be even worse next year.

People of the game: Those poor Browns fans who stuck around to see Steelers fans cheering the fact that their team was going to the playoffs once again.

Next for the Browns: The unknown as the Browns will have the #2 pick in the draft and lose many players like Alex Mack and possibly Joe Thomas.

As a side note, it's been fun writing once more for Triple Threat Cleveland. Hope to see you next season!

#Browns Preview 1.3.16: Pittsburgh #Steelers @ Cleveland Browns

By @mrgroce

Happy New Year Browns' fans!!!! We have finally reached the final week of the season and it could not have come at a better time. For the third season in a row the Browns will be have their third string quarterback behind center. Austin Davis gets the opportunity to keep the Pittsburgh Steelers out of the playoffs. Pittsburgh needs a victory and a Jets loss to make clinch a spot in the postseason. Since 2008, the Browns and Steelers have faced off against each other five times with Pittsburgh winning every single contest. 

The Browns will be without both of their starting corner backs this week and might be forced to start Justin Gilbert and Pierre Desir against Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. That's gonna get ugly. The last time these two teams faced each other, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger came off of the bench and threw for 379 yards and 3 touchdowns. Running back DeAngelo Williams was held to 54 yards on 17 carries, which was one of the best performances by the Browns' run defense this season. 

As stated earlier, Austin Davis will get his second start of the season. In his lone start against the Bengals in early December, Davis threw for  230 yards with one interception. Like the other quarterbacks before him, it's really hard to get a read on the man behind center when he doesn't have any weapons to help him win. Add Marlon Moore to the list of receivers who who will be out this week for the Browns. That could lead to more playing time for Terrelle Pryor or Dwayne Bowe, maybe. One thing to look out for is the fact that Travis Benjamin is only 87 yards short of the 1000 yard mark. 

Personally, I'll have my eyes on Cameron Erving, Danny Shelton and Nate Orchard. They are the rookies who've had the most playing time lately and I'd like to see how hard they compete in the final game that means nothing overall, but hopefully will one day in their futures as members of the Cleveland Browns. Rumors have swirled all week stating that GM Ray Farmer will be fired and coach Pettine will be retained followed by another rumor that both men will be let go after the season ends. I'm not a fan of either guy but whatever happens I don't wish for any man to lose his job. I am a fan of the Cleveland Browns though, and whatever is best for the team will hopefully get figured out by Jimmy Haslem quickly. 

What: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
When: Sunday January 3, 2015 1:00 PM
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium Cleveland, Ohio
TV/Radio: CBS/ 850 ESPN Cleveland, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WNCX

Leadoff with Lee 12.29.15

By @cleeverizon

Rumors of Browns general manager Ray Farmer being fired and head coach Mike Pettine being retain started Monday morning and gained momentum throughout the evening. That also sparked a report that former Packers general manager Ron Wolf has will become consultant for the Browns and the club will hire his son Eliot Wolf as the new general manager.

During a interview with ESPN Monday evening, Wolf said he has spoken with Haslam, but there is no truth right now that he was offered a consulting position by the Browns. In my opinion if they spoke, I'm sure becoming a consultant for the team was talked about and they would rather wait until the end of the season before announcing any changes to avoid any distractions to the team. During yesterday's conference call with Mike Pettine he said he hasn't been given any assurances by owner Jimmy Haslam that he'll return as coach next season. But to according to multiple media reports and sources it seems as if Pettine is safe.

According to another report, if/when Ray Farmer is fired the top candidates would be Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin, Chiefs director of football operations Chris Ballard, and Vikings assistant general manager George Paton.

One last name within the organization to remember is Bill Kuharich, who serves as executive chief of staff. He served as interim general manager when Ray Farmer was suspended for the first four weeks of the season due to text-gate. There are a lot of names floating around right now with silly season ready to start in 6 days.

Pettine was asked about the Johnny Manziel Christmas video and said, "I have not seen it. I'm concerned anytime a player is cast in a bad light." I don't have all the facts with it. "I'm not going to get into it at this time''

A video posted by @bustedcoverage on Dec 27, 2015 at 3:29pm PST

- Just to clarify how this Sunday's games will effect the 2016 NFL draft: 

If the Titans lose next Sunday, they pick 1st in the the draft.

A Titans win and Browns loss and Cleveland will own the 1st pick.

If the Browns lose next Sunday, they will own either the No. 1 or No. 2 pick plus the No. 32 overall pick (first pick in the 2nd round).

- Ohio State RB Ezekiel Elliott was cited Sunday for driving with a suspended license,failure to control & operating a vehicle without a license. A OSU spokesman said the car accident will not affect Elliott's status for Fiesta Bowl, as he will enter the NFL draft.

Defensive end Joey Bosa has made his decision about entering the draft. During his press conference from Scottsdale,Arizona home of the Fiesta Bowl Bosa stated, “I am just trying to focus on the game right now along with I don't want to take any attention away from the team and be a distraction,”  “I have my decision and you guys will know after the game.”

- Former Major League Baseball player Dave Henderson passed away Sunday after suffering a heart attack. He was 57.  Henderson played 14 seasons in the majors with five teams.The Seattle Mariners (1981-86), Red Sox (1986-87), San Francisco Giants (1987), Oakland Athletics (1988-93) and Kansas City Royals (1994). He hit .258 with 197 home runs and 708 RBIs. He went to the postseason four times with Boston (1986) and Oakland (1988, 1989, 1990) advancing to the World Series all four years. His only All-Star appearance came as a member of the Athletics in 1989. The same year he helped Oakland win its first title in 15 years.

- Famous Harlem Globetrotter Meadowlark Lemon died at the age of 83. He was inducted into the basketball hall of fame in 2003.

- Raiders fullback Marcel Reece has been suspended for the team’s next four games for violating NFL performing enhancing drug policy. A 2016 Pro Bowl selection is no longer eligible to participate in the game.

- With 6,472 career assists, LeBron James is now 22nd in all-time assists (passing Stephon Marbury: 6,471).

#Browns Preview 11.29.15: Baltimore #Ravens @ Cleveland Browns

By @mrgroce

On Monday night in prime time, we will all get to watch the heavyweight matchup between the 2-8 Cleveland Browns and the 3-8 Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are coming off of a 16-13 win against the St.Louis Rams, while the Browns are coming off of a somewhat eventful bye week. Shortly after naming QB Johnny Manziel the starter for the remainder of the season, Manziel made another bad decision off of the field and that has now led him to being named the third string QB for the foreseeable future. With Ravens QB Joe Flacco out with a torn ACL, fans of the NFL get to see Josh McCown and Matt Schaub battle it out. Watch party at my house.

Trying to find keys to the game for two teams that have five wins combined can be a bit difficult. Baltimore won against a tough, well coached team last week so I think it's safe to say they haven't given up yet. If the Browns who have lost their last two by 21 points each, coming off of a bye, at home on Monday night can't get up for this one against a division rival that they already beat, it would appear that they've waived the white flag. The Ravens could be without three starters on the offensive line, and rookie Javorius Allen replaces running back Justin Forsett in the backfield. Luckily for them, they'll be facing the seventh worst defense in total yards and the worst team against the run.

The Browns have only managed to score 19 points total in the last two games that Manziel started. They also were only able to gain 96 yards rushing in both of those games. In those two games, Johnny went 48-78 with 540 yards passing. The Browns average 20 points per game when McCown starts and 11 points when Manziel starts. Since the running game is basically nonexistent, expect to see a lot of Gary Barnidge and Travis Benjamin. McCown is still nursing sore ribs, so one good hit could open the door for backup QB Austin Davis to get some playing time.

Every Ravens game has been decided by eight points or less, and I don't see this one being any different. The Browns defense is bad but I don't see them getting beat by Schaub and a rookie running back. I have the Browns winning another close one over the Ravens 20-17.

What: Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens
When: Monday Nov. 30 2015
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium Cleveland, Oh
TV/Radio: ESPN (national)/ 850 WKNR, 92.3 The Fan, 98.5 WCNX

On The Mark 11.16.15: #Browns vs. #Steelers Recap

No surprise as the Steelers crush the Browns 30-9
By @MarkW2112

The Cleveland Browns, playing in Pittsburgh, went down once again to the Steelers 30-9. But, in Browns fashion, they were beat by Pittsburgh "backup" quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was active but behind Landry Jones who started the day at QB. But thanks to an ankle injury, Roethlisberger was pushed in to action.

And, just like always against the Browns, he passed for 379 yards and 3 touchdowns. For the Browns, Johnny Manziel started and while he did fumble his first pass in scrimmage, he showed incredible poise while throwing for 372 yards and a touchdown to Gary Barnidge as well as the fumble and an interception in the end zone. He was also sacked 5 times but was able to escape a few times from pressure to make plays. The running game once again was non existent, as Manziel led the way to 17 yards. Starting RB Isiah Crowell had -5 yards total, a sad reminder of how bad the Browns running game truly is.

The Browns defense was burned all day by Roethlisberger, who threw bombs to Martavis Bryant and Antonio Brown at will. Bryant had a touchdown while Brown had 2 TD's, the last one for 56 yards with an acrobat flip in to the end zone. They were able to contain DeAngelo Williams for most of the day but ended up with 54 yards on 17 carries. But none of that matter with a defensive secondary that was tormented all game long.

My take: There's not much else to say about the Browns as they go in to the bye week. They are undisciplined, undermanned and untalented on defense. On offense, Johnny Manziel needs to start for the rest of the season. Being 2-8, the Browns just need to play their youngsters, including Justin Gilbert, who was a healthy inactive today. It's another lost season for the Cleveland Browns so you might as well see what you have.

Player of the game: Johnny Manziel. That's right, I named Johnny as my player of the game. While only scoring 1 touchdown, he was poised and made a spectacular play that should have been a touchdown if not for the incompetency of the referees.

Next week: A bye, also known as a break from the heartache from another Sunday loss. They will then play the Ravens on Monday night, November 30.

#Browns Preview 11.13.15: Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh #Steelers

By @mrgroce

On Sunday, the 2-7 Cleveland Browns travel to Pittsburgh to face the 5-4 Pittsburgh Steelers. This is the last game for the Browns before they enter their long awaited bye week. Pittsburgh probably feels as though they've been blessed with an extra bye week. Just kidding, sort of. These two teams last  faced each other more than a year ago in a match up Cleveland won 31-10 at FirstEnergy stadium. Touchdowns in that game were scored by Ben Tate and Jordan Cameron, while passes were being tossed by Brian Hoyer. Of course, all three of those players are gone and this Browns team isn't half as good as last year's.

The Steelers will more than likely be without Roethlisberger (participated in light drills on Thursday) which means Landry Jones will start and are without starting tailback LeVeon Bell for the remainder of the season. Fortunately for them, running back DeAngelo Williams and Antonio Brown will be more than ready to face the fourth worst defense in the NFL.

The Browns have their own injury problems and they start at quarterback. If Josh McCown is deemed healthy enough to play he'll get the start, but if he's unable to go Johnny Manziel will get his third start of the season. The fact that McCown has mentioned that he's had trouble breathing and sleeping you would think that the Browns would give him the time needed to allow his ribs to heal. Counting last week he could have up to three weeks to rest. The fact that coach Mike Pettine is rushing him back on the field tells me that they have moved on from giving Johnny the opportunity to lead this team. I can't say I feel sorry for him. Johnny basically wasted last season and has looked average at best during his three stints on the field this year.

Offensive coordinator John Difilippo seems to have no clue what he wants to do when Johnny is on the field. The run game becomes non existent and their best playmakers (Duke Johnson, Gary Barnidge, Travis Benjamin) seem lost. Wide receivers Brian Hartline and Andrew Hawkins return this week which means Taylor Gabriel won't see the field. If McCown plays and is effective the Browns have a chance. If Johnny starts, expect to see a lot of improvising and a lot of sacks from a Steelers defense that is tied for seventh in the league with 22.

The Browns defense gives up 147 yards per game on the ground, so there's no way they'll prevent De'Angelo Williams from surpassing the 100 yard mark. Cornerback Joe Haden and safety Donte Whitner will miss another game due to the fact that they are still dealing with concussions and wide receiver Antonio Brown almost gained 300 yards receiving last week (284). RIP to cornerback Tramon Williams. The simple fact that the Browns can't stop anyone means this game shouldn't be close. Even when the offense plays well, the defense finds a way to blow it.

My prediction: Steelers 31, Browns 10. I really hope this score doesn't happen, but if so, some one is getting fired.

What: Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers
When: Sunday 11/15/2015 @ 1:00 PM
Where: Heinz Field Pittsburgh, Pa 
TV/Radio: CBS, 850 WKNR Cleveland, 92.3 The Fan WKRK Cleveland, 98.5 WNCX.

On The Mark 11.6.15: Cleveland #Browns @ #Bengals Recap

Pathetic second half by the Browns leads to 31-10 disaster against the undefeated Bengals
By @MarkW2112

Johnny Manziel looked good in the first half, but like last week, the Browns seemed to give up in the second half and give the game to the Cincinnati Bengals, 31-10.  Andy Dalton was nearly flawless, throwing for 3 touchdowns to Tyler Eifert.  Manziel had 1 touchdown to Duke Johnson at the end of the first half.  The Browns offense was summed up by Taylor Gabriel's 4 dropped passes.

The Browns defense, once again, did absolutely nothing to stop the run or on third down.  Dalton was able to have his way along with Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Benard running the ball at will against the Browns.  

My take:  The Browns are done.  The season is over.  It will be interesting to see if Jimmy Haslam makes drastic changes before then.  Especially with Jim O'Neil's awful defense.

Player of the game:  Andy Dalton, who went 21 of 27 for 234 yards and 3 touchdowns.  He was precise and played like he hasn't in the past few years.

Next game:  Against the dreaded Steelers, November 15 in Pittsburgh

#Browns Preview 11.5.15: Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati #Bengals

By @mrgroce

Week 9 of the NFL starts this Thursday with an AFC North match-up between the last place Cleveland Browns, and the undefeated, first place Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals are coming off of a come from behind win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Browns are still recovering from their loss against the Arizona Cardinals. When these teams face off, it will be almost one year (Nov. 6, 2014) since the Browns defeated the Bengals in Cincinnati 24-3 on national TV. Ever since that night, the Browns have only won three games total. 

It's only Thursday, but the Browns have already had a very long week. On Sunday, they forgot to continue playing after leaving the locker room after halftime, and then quarterback Josh McCown got hurt. Monday and Tuesday were filled with rumors of players getting traded before the NFL's trade deadline and of course, no one was dealt. On Tuesday, GM Ray Farmer tried to convince the fanbase that everything is ok, no need to panic, and we should allow the "movie to play out' before jumping to conclusions. Now, players who've had they're names mentioned in trade rumors need to go out and treat this game like any other. No dysfunction here.

The Bengals have had success making the playoffs for the past five seasons, but this year seems different. They'll still need to win a playoff game or two to convince the naysayers, but Andy Dalton seems to have taken his game up a notch. With a strong running game featuring Giovanni Bernard and Jeremy Hill, and a receiving corps that features receivers AJ Green and Marvin Jones, and tight end Tyler Eifert, this offense will be very hard to stop for a Browns defense that's going to be without starting cornerback Joe Haden and safety Donte Whitner. Both have been ruled out with concussions. The Browns defense has moved up two spots from 32nd to 30th in total defense, but are still dead last against the run. 

The Browns, who feature three running backs, are getting absolutely nothing out of any of them to help the running game. Last week against Arizona, they had a combined 20 carries for a paltry 39 yards. Running back Duke Johnson made a few good plays in the receiving game, but only touched the ball three times. Wide receivers Andrew Hawkins and Brian Hartline have both been ruled out with concussions.

Sound familiar?

Oh yeah, and Josh McCown can barely breathe, so Johnny Manziel will get his second start of the season.

Call me crazy, but it looks like a major embarrassment is about to take place on national television for everyone to see. Best case scenario, Manziel lights it up, the Browns win and a small bit of hope peeks through. Thursday night might be the last chance for the Browns to show that they have some pride left and do whatever it takes to win this game. If not, with ten days before their next game someone or more than one person could lose their job. 


Here's a few keys to the game. 

1. The Browns must find a way to protect Manziel and give him a clean pocket.
2. Somehow, the Browns need to take pressure off Manziel and consistently be able to run the ball.
3. Manziel needs to find other receivers to throw to other than Travis Benjamin.
4. The Browns defense must put pressure on Andy Dalton. Haden has had his issues, but he's done a pretty good job of defending AJ Green. 
5. The Browns defense must get off the field after 3rd down. Arizona was 13-16 on 3rd downs last week.

My prediction: Bengals 31, Browns 13. 

What: Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals
When: Thursday 11/05 8:25 PM
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
TV/Radio: NFL Network,  WKNR 850 Cleveland, WKRK 92.3 The Fan, WNCX 98.5

On The Mark 11.2.15: #Browns vs #Cardinals Recap

A Tale of Two Halves: Browns start strong, end badly in 34-20 loss to the Cardinals
By @MarkW2112

The Cleveland Browns lost to the Arizona Cardinals 34-20 at First Energy Stadium.  A loss is what Browns fans probably expected to a playoff caliber team like the Cardinals.  But what made this loss quite possibly the worst of the 6 so far was the fact that the Browns were up 20-7 2 minutes before halftime.

 They had 3 touchdown passes from Josh McCown, 2 of them caught by Brian Hartline and one by Gary Barnidge.  But after a fumble recovery by K'Waun Williams near the goal line as the Cardinals were driving, the Browns went three and out.  Andy Lee's punt shanked and the Cardinals were able to get a field goal to make it 20-10 before half.

The second half was all Cardinals.  They scored 24 more unanswered points, including a Michael Floyd 60 yard touchdown that Joe Haden was badly beaten on.  Haden would be out for the rest of the game after that with a concussion.  As far as the Browns offense went, it pretty much sputtered and died.  Duke Johnson, who had such a good game in the first half, was no where to be seen in the second.  Hartline dropped passes, McCown looked to be hurt as he was getting tossed around like a rag doll and the Browns just seemingly collapsed.

Carson Palmer, the victim of several dropped balls in the first half, was fantastic in the second.  He finished with 374 yards, 4 touchdowns and an interception on 23/38 passing.  Chris Johnson, who fumbled the ball twice, still had 109 yards on 30 carries.  

My take:  The Browns were Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde.  They looked confident in the first half, lost and disoriented in the second.  While the Cardinals made adjustments, the Browns seemed to take everything that worked for them in the first half and throw it in the trash.  Mike Pettine may have lost more Browns fans after today by not putting in a healthy Johnny Manziel as Josh McCown labored in the second half after being pummeled all game by the Cardinals pass rush. 

Player of the game:  Carson Palmer, who was magnificent in the second half.

MIA:  Duke Johnson, after being sensational in the first, was no where to be found in the second.  A very puzzling move by the Browns.

Next up:  Thursday night against the Bengals in Cincinnati.

#Browns Preview 10.31.15: Arizona #Cardinals @ Cleveland Browns

By @mrgroce

This Sunday at 1:00, the 2-5 Cleveland Browns will host the 1st place 5-2 Arizona Cardinals. The Browns are coming off of a another loss, 24-6 to the St.Louis Rams. The Cardinals on the other hand are coming off of a win against the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns, already a team that lacks play makers continue to turn the ball over and commit stupid penalties two things that they absolutely cannot do against a Cardinals team that ranks fourth overall in offense AND defense. Plenty of folks, myself included, believe that the season is already over and we're starting to wonder what direction the team will go in once the season ends. Safety Donte Whitner still feels that since the team has five  division games remaining, winning the division is still a possibility. I appreciate his optimism. How about I pretend I'm a coach and do this "one game at a time". 

Leading the Cardinals is head coach Bruce Arians. Normally I don't mention head coaches but for some reason I really like Arians. Maybe it's the Kangol hats, or maybe it's the affection he has for the city of Cleveland and its loyal fanbase. Maybe it's the fact that as a man who's worked with some of the best quarterbacks in the game it didn't take long for him to turn things around in Arizona. He traded for Carson Palmer, drafted Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu, signed RB Chris Johnson, Jermaine Gresham, Dwight Freeney, and convinced Larry Fitzgerald to stay. The Cardinals have what is considered the recipe for success: a franchise QB, a running game, wide receivers who can stretch the field, and a top rated defense.         

The Browns on the other hand still don't have a true "feature" running back, still don't know who's starting at quarterback on Sunday, and with wide receiver Andrew Hawkins ruled out with a concussion aren't sure if Dwayne Bowe will be active after missing the last four weeks. Basically, the Cardinals have the edge over the Browns at every position other than punter and place kicker.  Coach Pettine won't announce who's starting at quarterback until Sunday, but if McCown is able to play I think it's safe to say that's who the staff will go with. The offensive line has played better, but the Browns have yet to have a 100 yard rusher this season.

Whatever issues the Browns have on offense they're not nearly as woeful as the defense. Against the Rams last week, the Browns defense played fairly well for awhile, but eventually four yard runs turned into nine yard runs and 9 yard runs turned into 17 yard runs. I think you get my point. Defensive backs Joe Haden and Tashaun Gipson return to the line up after missing the last few games, but that probably won't be enough unless they're able to rush the quarterback then get back in coverage to defend their man because the defensive lineman can't seem to do it.  

This seems like the type of game that since no one is giving the Browns a chance to win, they would somehow find a way to win using the old "any given Sunday" slogan. Not this week. The only factor that I believe keeps this game from getting out of hand is the fact that it's a road game for the Cardinals and it's expected to be a tad bit chilly on Sunday. My prediction, Cardinals 31 Browns 13. 

What: Cleveland Browns vs Arizona Cardinals
When: 1:00 PM Sunday Nov 1, 2015
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium Cleveland, Ohio
TV/Radio: FOX/ WKNR 850 Cleveland, WKRK 92.3 The Fan, WNCX 98.5 The Fan

On The Mark 10.26.15: #Browns v. #Rams Recap

Browns beaten down by the Rams, 24-6
By @MarkW2112

The Cleveland Browns lost to the St. Louis Rams, 24-6, in a game that the Browns could have won.  But, instead, turnovers and penalties killed any momentum they may have had during drives.  Josh McCown was 26-of-32 for 270 yards, but was sacked 4 times and fumbled.  The biggest turnover was in the very beginning of the game, when a screen pass to Taylor Gabriel was fumbled and brought back for a touchdown by the Rams Rodney McLeod.  Gary Barnidge made another spectacular play and had 101 yards receiving, but the run game once again was ineffective with Robert Turbin leading with 30 yards on 5 carries.

The defense actually played another solid game until they got tired from being on the field too long.  That and the fact that Todd Gurley got going after the first quarter, rushing for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns.

My take:  The season is over for the Browns.  Coming back from 2-5 will be almost impossible.  Mistakes, penalties and turnovers show how much of a huge mess the Browns are in.  It may be time for Johnny Manziel to start the rest of the season.  But with bull headed Mike Pettine, he may stick with McCown if he isn't suffering from another concussion.

Player of the game:  Todd Gurley, who looks every bit the first round running back, especially hurdling over defenders and his own men to get more yards.

Turning point:  Taylor Gabriel's fumble which was picked up by Rodney McLeod for a touchdown.  It was really the only points they needed to win the game.

Next for the Browns: next week, at home, against the Arizona Cardinals.

#Browns Preview 10.16.15: Denver #Broncos @ Cleveland Browns

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