Toth's Takes: Week 15

The eloquent Josh Cribbs once stated about the Browns "We almost always almost win." That's the story of the Browns. They dropped another close game, 38-31 to the Bears yesterday. They guaranteed themselves another season with ten plus losses, their sixth in a row and twelfth (!!!) since they've been back. That is amazing. That we as fans still pay to watch this team, buy jerseys, waste time writing and reading about this team is a testament to our loyalty and flat out proof that Cleveland Browns fans are the best in the country. You don't believe me? Did you see the "crowd" at the Steelers game last night? Those fairweather cousinbangers in "Steeler nation" turned their back on their team after one losing season. The Browns should be thanking their lucky stars for their fanbase, and they better start winning to reward our patience.

The game itself was unremarkable. It was entertaining for a while, then the Browns found a way to lose. That is pretty much the best case scenario as far as this team goes, but it still sucks every time. I love Jay Cutler. I'm not sure I'd love him if he played for the Browns, but I love him on other teams. He has two giant and talented wide receivers in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey, and a great running back in Matt Forte. The Bears have a great offense. And they looked great at times against the Browns defense. The Browns defense looked great at times as well, returning an interception and a fumble for touchdowns by Tashaun Gipson and TJ Ward, respectively. They also looked awful at times, their inability to get off the field on third down is maddening. The pass rush that looked so good early in the season has not been great lately. Joe Haden left the game in the third quarter and never came back. And they game up 38 points. Not great. I still believe in the defense. I think they are young and good and only missing a few pieces.

But they have been exposed in some games this season. The inside linebackers are exposed in coverage every single game. I'd expect that position to be a priority come draft time. Leon McFadden is growing up on the job and there have been bumps in the road. I've always been a Tashuan Gipson fan, and I think they should resign TJ Ward. There are still needs to be addressed. And at times their scheme leaves something to be desired. I like Ray Horton, but they have got to get off the field on third down. That's the key problem with this defense.

On offense, we all know what the key problem is. Quarterback, quarterback, quarterback. Jason Campbell. Not a great game. How do you have a receiver that has been as dominant as Josh Gordon has been and not get him the ball? Big time wide receivers need the ball early in the game to get them in rhythm. The Browns threw Gordon one pass in the first half. Genius. Literally the only thing that could stop Josh Gordon is Jason Campbell. They also couldn't run the ball effectively against a team that had given up a hundred yard rusher in six straight games. Nor do they commit to running the ball anyways, but that's beside the point. And Devone Bess can go away. Gimmie Josh Cooper or someone else that will catch the rock on third down. I can't watch him drop passes anymore, I see enough of that with Greg Little. Come draft time, I'd expect a quarterback, a wide receiver, and a running back at some point pretty early. The Bears offense would be my model.

Again there's not much to say. The best thing to come out of this game is that the Browns have moved into the top 5 in the draft. There are two more games, against the Jets and Steelers. Two more writeups on another lost season of Browns football, then it's draft and free agency and hope and promise. And maybe less almost winning and more actual winning.

Random gifs

This is what a punter getting hit so hard his jaw breaks looks like.