As the snow melted in Buffalo on an unseasonably warm day, so did the Browns playoff hopes. They aren't out of it, but the road got tougher following a 26-10 beatdown by the Bills. Brian Hoyer was awful for the third straight game, and may have seen the his last game as a starter for the Browns. His fall from grace has been steady, and the Browns offense has fallen with him. In the past 3 games he has completed 50.1% of his passes, he has thrown 1 touchdown, and 5 interceptions. He has thrown 9 interceptions and 5 touchdowns in his past 8 games. He was horrible on Sunday, not even his biggest supporters can defend that performance. Johnny Manziel came in and led an impressive drive, looked like he gave the team a spark, and looks to be the quarterback that will lead this late season playoff push. But the Browns laid an egg, and it was ugly.
Hoyer and the Browns' biggest problem in the past few games has been the inability to generate points off of turnovers. The defense gave him the ball twice in Atlanta, which he and the offense turned into two field goals. That is unacceptable, and that and the fact that Hoyer threw three picks were the only reasons that the Falcons were in the game. Against Buffalo, the defense again came up with 2 interceptions, which resulted in zero points. On the second turnover they got the ball on Buffalo's 30 yard line and proceeded to get stuffed on a run, throw a one yard pass to a fullback, and get sacked to push them out of field goal range. I'm not sure I've even seen a team spit in the face of momentum like the Browns do. It was pathetic.
The defense held the Bills to 2-15 on third downs. The Bills were 0-10 at one point with a 14-3 lead. What more can a defense do?
The Browns were not beaten by the Bills offense, they were beaten by the Bills defense and they lost the special teams battle. And they were called for 10 penalties, almost all of them untimely. Jerome Boger is an awful referee.
Kyle Shanahan did not call his best game in my opinion. Too many outside runs against a fast Bills defense and a stacked box. It's hard to call games when your quarterback can't beat an 8 man box though, and Brian Hoyer was not beating anyone on Sunday. His chemistry was still clearly off with Josh Gordon, who did not have a great game either. But forcing passes into triple coverage is inexcusable, and Hoyer did that on multiple occasions. Thus the switch at quarterback, and the first real live action for Johnny Manziel. Manziel showed a live arm and excellent mobility on the touchdown drive. I personally don't think they are going to go back to Brian Hoyer. I think that Johnny Manziel fits Kyle Shanahan's offense perfectly. I think that if Manziel is the starter the Browns will be in the shotgun or pistol more, I think Shanahan will scheme to utilize Manziel's quickness and speed, and I think there will be both some excitement and some rookie mistakes. But I don't think they will go back, and I don't think they should. We've seen the best of Brian Hoyer, and that was 8 weeks ago. He has regressed.
So the Browns will be making a playoff push with (possibly) a rookie quarterback, two rookie running backs, a third string center, a rookie guard, and their star receiver still working out the kinks following a 10 game suspension. It should be quite a ride, but these guys are growing up in a winning culture and gaining experience which should be invaluable to them.
Speaking of rookie running backs, that fumble by Terrance West was the play of the game. That is inexcusable. It might be time to see what Glenn Winston has. Running backs cannot fumble the ball. Period. That was a game changing turnover. It was TERRIBLE. Joe Thomas also had the worst game I can remember him having. Ever. It was just a mess on offense.
Defensively the Browns played well, they harassed Orton, they held the Bills to 3.5 yards per carry, and they forced the two turnovers. I'm not sure what else a defense can do other than score points themselves. The offense and special teams let the Browns down on Sunday.
And those special teams, boy they just continue to let the Browns down. I hope Chris Tabor has his bags packed and is out on the first bus. His unit continues its pathetic ineptitude, Billy Cundiff has now missed a field goal in four straight games. 4. Straight. Games. The media likes to make fun of the fans adulation towards Phil Dawson but geez can't we get ANYONE in here that can make 37 yard field goals? CUNDIFF IS TERRIBLE. TABOR YOU ARE THE WORST. Benjamin was running backwards on punt returns, then tripping over his own feet. They embarrass themselves on a new level weekly. Pure hot garbage.
It was a tough loss for the Browns, but it may mark the beginning of a new era. I know there are some fans who will now root against Johnny Manziel out of pure spite. Go ahead. There shouldn't be this divide but there is. If Manziel wins they'll be the first ones jumping back on the bandwagon. But one thing is clear, Brian Hoyer wasn't getting it done. It's Manziel's turn to see if he can right the ship and lead this team into the playoffs. It may have been a week too late, but it's his turn now. The Browns future is now, it should be a wild ride for the last 4 games.
Random gifs (and vines if I can get them to work)
Cheerleaders fight on, the stand up sign works here too
Dickie V had some wiggle back in the day
Mike Evans. That's all.
Bonus pic of Johnny Football because it was hilarious
Let's start with this. The Cleveland Browns are in first place in the AFC North. Process that if you can. First Place. Sure, they are only 5 games in. But they are 3-2 for the first time since 2001. Think about that. It's been 12 years since the Browns were 3-2 after 5 games. They haven't even been over .500 since the clock ticked off on the final game of the 2007 season. This was a big time win last night, on national television, at home, in front of the best fans in football. Here's some more food for thought - in the NFL, 50% of teams that start 3-2 make the playoffs. Yup. Playoffs.
It was a big win for many reasons. First of all, in a town with a psyche as fragile as Cleveland's, following the egg the Indians layed in the Wild Card game, there was a feeling of trepidation (for me anyway) going into the game. Because just when things appear to be going right for Cleveland, the universe has a way of balancing itself out. It started on Tuesday with the Indians, and seemed to be continuing from the opening kickoff, when Greg Little caught the kickoff deep in the endzone and jogged out to the eight before he was buried. Despite the raucous crowd, the Browns seemed intent on finishing the let down the Indians started, on a week where Cleveland was going to be the center of the sports world. Josh Gordon let a potential 80 yard touchdown slip through his fingers, and the Bills used good field position and a horrible pass interference call to jump out to a 7-0 lead.
Then the unthinkable. The pin that popped the collective balloon. Brian Hoyer laying on the field, legs crumpled under him, in obvious pain. Injured. Out of the game. Local boy turned hero turned tragic figure. In stepped Brandon Weeden, who promptly looked like Brandon Weeden while the boos rained down and the frustration boiled over. The Bills kicked another field goal and led 10-0. Hope was lost, it appeared. It felt like another Cleveland sports story. You could feel it.
Only this time, something different happened. Maybe it's having a coach that understands the region. And understands basic football principles, unlike his predecessor. Maybe the players are mentally tougher. Maybe it's just different this season. But there was a spark, a flash, wearing a brown #80 jersey that turned the game around. Travis Benjamin, on the strength of two long punt returns, one for a touchdown and one that led to a field goal, almost single handedly tied the game at 10. The defense clamped down, led by a ferocious front 7. And somehow, in spite of his shortcomings, (and his long holdings) and the rough start to the game, Brandon Weeden calmed down, made some decent throws, and staked his team out to a halftime lead.
Things appeared to be going right. The Browns took the lead. The crowd was wild. The greatest player to ever wear a Browns jersey was honored at halftime. Everything was going to be okay it seemed. Then CJ Spiller blew past Barkevious Mingo for a 54 yard touchdown and the air left the stadium again. And then the Bills scored again, although the drive cost them their quarterback, as EJ Manuel was cut down by Tashuan Gipson and injured his knee. 24-17. Bills.
Hope had left, for good this time it seemed. Surely Brandon Weeden couldn't get the job done. But then he did. In the face of adversity he did. A deep pass, thrown perfectly, (and caught!!) to Greg Little for 47 yards. Then another, following a penalty, to Josh Gordon for a juggling 37 yard touchdown. Pandemonium. Tie ball game. And then Ray Horton did his thing, and the defense did their thing. They are fun to watch, this Browns defense. And Weeden was sharp when he needed to be, making some clutch throws down the stretch. And Jeff Tuel, Buffalo's backup, was not. And TJ Ward finished the job with a pick 6 to end the game and start the party. It would not be the same old story in Cleveland. Not on this Thursday night anyway. It was a badly needed win for the Browns, but it was a badly needed win for the area. They had a chance to fold. They had every excuse to be like every other Cleveland team that has faced adversity and let us down. But not this team, not this team. Not this first place Cleveland Browns team.
Another home game, another Browns loss. This time to a Bills team that hadn't won on the road in over a calendar year. Absolutely abysmal. Jimmy Haslam held a conference call last week with current and former season ticket holders. If he wants to know why people didn't renew their tickets, he has to look no further than the Browns home record since they've been back, which is 37-69. That is absolutely deplorable and embarrassing.
Since 1999, the Browns have had 5 head coaches, each horrible in their own way. But the one we have now may actually be the worst of them all, a testament to how AWFUL he is as a coach. Pat Shurmur needs to go. It sounds rash, but the guy simply doesn't have what it takes. I'm all for continuity. Hire another west coast offense guy. Keep the 4-3. I don't care. But don't subject the fans to this trash anymore. Every single time the Browns take the field, they look woefully unprepared to play football. Let's take a look at the 1st quarters in Pat Shurmur's 19 games as the Browns coach.
2011 Season -
9-11 - Cincinnati - Score at the end of the first quarter 10-0 Bengals.
Home opener last year. Who's pumped????
Browns get ball, go three and out. Punt to Cincinnati, give up a field goal.
Browns get ball back, go three and out, committing 4 penalties in the process. Punt to Cincy, give up touchdown. Browns get ball back, go three and out, punt.
Sound familiar?
9-18 - At Indianapolis - Score at the end of the first quarter 3-0 Colts
Browns kick off, Colts (led by the venerable Kerry Collins) march down the field in 10 plays and kick a field goal. Browns get ball back, go 3 and out and punt. Colts go 3 and out. Browns amazing run off 7 plays before punting back to the Colts. Colts drive down field, quarter ends before they add another field goal.
9-25 - Miami - Score at the end of the first quarter 7-0 Miami
Browns kick off, Miami gets 1 first down before punting. Browns get the ball, run 5 plays before throwing an interception. Miami capitalizes off the turnover, scoring a touchdown. Browns get ball back, 3 and out. Punt to Miami, who drive down the field but fumble at the Browns 20 yard line. Quarter ends before the Browns can complete another 3 and out series.
10-3 - Tennessee - Score at the end of the first quarter 7-3 Titans
Browns thrill the home crowd by not going 3 and out on their first possession, driving down to the Tennessee 39 yard line before punting. The defense forces a 3 and out, and the offense takes the short field and converts a field goal. A LEAD!! For all of 6 plays the Browns lead in the game, before the Titans score a touchdown. Browns get the ball back and the quarter ends before they can convert another field goal.
10-17 - at Oakland - Score at the end of the first quarter 7-0 Oakland
Browns, fresh off the bye week, get the ball first and show off what they've spent two weeks practicing by going 3 and out. They then give up a 15 play touchdown drive to the Raiders. They get the ball back and actually run 6 plays before punting back to Oakland, who move the ball before the Browns recover a fumble.
10-24 - Seattle - Score at the end of the first quarter 0-0
Browns kick to Seattle and force them to punt after allowing a couple of first downs. They get the ball and go 3 and out. They force Seattle to punt after 3 plays, and not surprisingly go 3 and out themselves, thrilling the home crowd. The teams trade punts before the quarter ends.
10-31 - at San Francisco - Score at the end of the first quarter - 10-0 49ers
Browns get the ball and surprise everybody by not going 3 and out, but fumbling on the second play from scrimmage. They were really fired up to play this one. Niners take 5 plays to turn that into 7 points. Browns get ball back, get a first down before punting, then give up a 10 play drive for a field goal. Browns get the ball again, run 5 plays, then punt.
11-6 - at Houston - Score at the end of the first quarter - 14-3 Texans
Another game the Browns were really up for. They kicked to Houston, who ran 9 plays and scored a touchdown. Browns get the ball, fumble on their first play, Houston recovers. Texans run 5 more plays and score. Browns get ball at midfield on a good return by Cribbs, move 18 yards, and get a Dawson field goal. Kick to Texans, who punt.
11-13 - St. Louis - Score at the end of the first quarter - 3-0 BROWNS
Browns get ball, go three and out. Kick to Rams, who move the ball to Cleveland's 34 before punting. Browns take ball and run 10 (!!) plays before kicking a field goal, firing up the home crowd. Rams get the ball, drive down the field, quarter ends. First play of second quarter - touchdown Rams. Doesn't count here though, Browns finally won the 1st quarter.
11-20 - Jacksonville - Score at the end of the first quarter - 0-0
Browns get ball first and actually don't go three and out, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. They run 6 plays, and only commit 2 penalties in the process, before punting. Jags get ball, run 4 plays, punt. Browns get ball back, get 2 first downs, and punt again. The quarter ends with the Jags on the move. (They'd eventually score on the drive).
11-27 - at Cincinnati - Score at the end of the first quarter - 7-7
The Browns get the ball and the unthinkable happens. They march down the field and score a touchdown. The defense, pumped up to have a lead, lets Cincinnati go down the field in 12 plays before stopping the Bengals on the 1 yard line. The offense, pumped up about the defensive stand, goes three and out, punting to the Bengals who score in 3 plays.
12-4 - Baltimore - Score at the end of the first quarter - 0-0
Browns get the ball, run 8 plays driving into Baltimore territory before punting. Baltimore gets the ball and drives right back, before getting stopped on 4th down at the Browns 26. The Browns get the ball and convert one first down before punting back to the Ravens, and the quarter ends with the Ravens driving. (They'd eventually score).
12-8 - at Pittsburgh - Score at the end of the first quarter - 7-3 Steelers
Browns take the ball and move to the Pittsburgh 1 before settling for a field goal. Steelers come back and take 5 plays to move 73 yards for a touchdown. Browns get ball back and again move into Steelers territory before punting, and Pittsburgh ends the quarter with the ball.
12-18 - at Arizona - Score at the end of the first quarter - 7-0 BROWNS
The Seneca Wallace led Browns took the opening kickoff 76 yards in 7 plays and the Browns score a touchdown. The defense forces a Cardinals punt, and the Browns take over at the Arizona 40 after a Cribbs return. They then go 3 and out. They punt back to Arizona, who gain a couple first downs before punting to the Browns, who end the quarter with the ball.
12-24 - at Baltimore - Score at the end of the first quarter - 10-0 Ravens
The Browns take the ball first and actually got three first downs before throwing an interception. The Ravens turn that into a touchdown, aided by a 60 yard pass interference penalty. Browns get the ball back and run 5 plays before punting. Ravens march down the field and kick a field goal. Merry Christmas Cleveland.
1-1 - Pittsburgh - Score at the end of the first quarter - 0-0
The Browns take the ball first and go three and out. Pittsburgh drives into Cleveland territory before failing to convert a 4th down. Browns get ball back, go three and out. Pittsburgh drives to midfield before punting back to the Browns, who go three and out.
That was the 2011 Browns, under then first year coach Pat Shurmur. We just knew he'd improve with an off-season and with the addition of some new offensive weapons. And we're three games into 2012 and we have this so far.
9-9 - Philadelphia - Score at the end of the first quarter - 3-0 BROWNS
New season, opener at home. Browns kick to Philly, who drive to mid-field before a LeSean McCoy fumble. Browns take over and gain a first down, leading to a Phil Dawson field goal. Browns kick back to Eagles, who convert a 2nd and 15 and a 3rd and 11 on the drive before Vick throws an interception to Craig Robertson. Browns go three and out, punting back to the Eagles. Eagles move the ball and actually kick a fg on the first play of the second quarter.
9-16 - at Cincinnati - Score and the end of the first quarter - 7-3 Bengals
Browns get the ball first and run a reverse to Benjamin for a first down. They then run 3 plays, punt and give up an 81 yard punt return for a touchdown. They get the ball back and move into Cincy territory for a field goal. They force the Bengals to punt and then get the ball back and punt themselves. They also committed 3 penalties in the quarter.
9-23 - Buffalo - Score at the end of the first quarter - 14-0 Bills
Surely the Browns would build off their loss in Cincinnati against a Bills team that can't win on the road, right? They got the home crowd in it by taking the ball and going three and out. They punt, giving up a 20 yard return in the process, and allow the Bills to march down the field and score a touchdown in 8 plays. They get the ball back and go three and out again. They punt to the Bills, giving up a 33 yard return this time. Bills only need 4 plays to convert this one into a touchdown. Browns get the ball back and go (you guessed it) three and out, getting stuffed on a third and 1. Bills end the quarter with the ball, and the Factory of Sadness was indeed sad.
That's 19 games under Pat Shurmur. They've gone 3 and out on their first possession in 7 games, and turned the ball over 4 times the first time they've had the ball. That's more than half of the games Shurmur has coached. They've been outscored 103-25 in the first quarter. It's absolutely atrocious. This is a team that is offensively challenged and they basically start the game in a hole. What exactly does Pat Shurmur do during the week? It's practically impossible to have a group of professional footballs players so incredibly unprepared to play football week in and week out. If Jimmy Haslam is going to blow this thing up, why wait? Are we gaining anything by allowing Pat Shurmur to be our head coach any longer? Punting the ball down by 10 with 6 minutes left? Gimmie a break. There are pee-wee football coaches who could script better openings to games.
I don't even want to recap the game. If you're reading this you probably watched it. It was lousy. The Browns got down early, took out Buffalo's best player, and still couldn't stop the Bills, especially when they needed to. Everytime it seemed that the Browns were gaining some momentum they would commit a stupid penalty. Everytime it looked like Brandon Weeden found a rhythm our coaching staff would either run the ball or put him back under center, even though he appeared to be more comfortable out of the gun. Our interior offensive line stinks. Alex Mack was a first round pick as a center and is maybe average at his position. I'd kill to have Chan Gailey as the Browns coach. If he had a real quarterback that team would be really good. Our cornerbacks stink without Haden. Our special teams stink. I think that about covers it.
Also, the scabs that are officiating these games are a joke. Get real referees back NOW.
Maybe it's premature, a knee jerk reaction to another embarrassing loss. I don't know. But the Bills fans celebrating in our stadium is a preview of what you can probably expect to see plenty as this season goes on. Yes I think the players will continue to improve, but they won't win many games. Because they're not prepared to win games, from the moment they run out of the tunnel. And that's a reflection of their coach. If I'm Jimmy Haslam, and I just paid a BILLION dollars for this team, I'd wouldn't give a damn about battling and progress, I'd give a damn about winning.
We even got our asses kicked in the stands
Random gifs
Ouch. Matt Schaub lost a piece of his ear on this hit.
