jrb12711

Definitely an on paper upgrade, but I'd be lying if I wasn't worried they are dealing with Clowney 2.0. Smith has had some less than ideal breakups with both the Vikings and Packers over the last two years, doing petty stuff on social media and the like. I get this is a one year "win now' move, but so was Clowney last year. https://sports.yahoo.com/vikings-reportedly-decline-pro-bowl-lb-zadarius-smiths-request-for-release-but-he-says-goodbye-anyway-232701740.html Maybe it's not as bad as Clowney, but IDK. Kinda feels like a "fool me once" scenario

Three divisional games in the first four weeks sure is something. 4 of the first 5 at home is wild too.

Eh, I’m not so sure about “no linebackers”. If they resign walker, youd have JOK, walker, and Deion jones who played above average in my opinion. While there’s for sure room to upgrade, the defensive line made the backer core look like more of a liability than it could be. You’re going to whiff more often when running backs don’t get touched till your level. it could be worse, but there’s plenty of talent to make this position attractive to come to Cleveland. Especially if there’s a nudge/ wink understanding that Stef’s job could be yours if he waffles again this year, which I’m totally fine with.

Bernie obviously meant a lot for the Browns, but the dude clearly has his vices and shouldn’t be within any official capacity with the organization. We could have a good debate on if this matters, but I don’t have sympathy for the guy either. with the numerous outlets to talk sports nowadays, dude just needs to continue his podcast and sign autographs at the mall.

The commentator exact phrase on that PI ”I guess there’s a world where that’s pass interference” the bias today is palpable. I feel bad for Emerson, the man is playing great and getting absolutely boned.

If you watch this game today and don't put any stock in the reality that the NFL absolutely has agendas, you're just a fool. I've said 100 times that I don't think the game is outright rigged. But the flags today are so absurd it's either two realities 1) the refs are truly that incompetent 2) the league has agendas and plans accordingly.

I'll just go ahead and copy and paste my comment earlier- the fucking objective bias today against the Browns is criminal. That missed facemask is suspend the refs level bad.

The two INT's today were Brandon Weeden level bad. It should be pretty alarming to see, especially the 2nd one. oof.

The Steelers have a small chance to make the playoffs and are at home. I’m just SHOCKED the flags, spots, and decisions are objectively favoring them. There’s so much integrity in this league that would never happen

I feel like the elephant in the room is how many times this has happened under this coaching staff. Look, I know OBJ and Mayfield are a bit off kilter but it’s pretty hard not to wonder why this level of insubordination isn’t happening around the league. It has just felt for a while there is a severe lack of leadership. Seeing, for example, what McDermott is doing and has done in Buffalo is so much different than what we see here. Stef earned another year in my opinion but I wouldn’t be opposed to bringing in a fresh defensive coordinator with a real “this guy can take your job” mentality. Zimmer would never come here but just using him as an example of what I’m thinking.

Njoku was wide open on the 3rd and goal, when all 22 comes out and I think about it I’ll screen shot. it does feel that way, especially Watson. On the same 3rd and goal Bell was at least worth trying to dart in. I’ll be honest, I wonder if he and this team knows there’s a lot of lame ducks in this coaching staff.

For God sake run an end around or a QB keeper. They are teeing off on the inside runs man.

The Jets loss is brutal though in particular- that was a truly "once in every 20 years" level loss. I'd argue the Browns would be in the drivers seat for a playoff spot with that win. Not to mention the squad would have started 3-0 and who knows how that parlays into the second 3 game stretch. In a very easy world the Browns could have started this season 5-1 against QB's who won't be starters next year. Big sigh indeed.

This weekend was arguably the worst weekend of officiating I've seen in a long, long time. That missed PI was a few plays before the side judge told scary Terry twice he was good only to throw an illegal formation flag. I've tried to say it for years and always get called a tin foil wearer. The reality of the situation is that the NFL has a huge problem with this crap and they (and the incompetent refs) refuse to budge. Remember the one year PI was reviewable and the refs silently revolted because they were little babies who didn't like their authority questioned? And then the rule just went away Refs need a huge overhaul and it's just not going to happen. The NFL needs to grow some balls and say this is going to happen whether you like it or not. The way this shit decides game is at all time high.

Ward has been amazingly mediocre. I really mean this when I say I wonder if they could fleece a higher round pick who sees Ward as a Ramsey level corner. I’ve seen enough of an impressive display from Emerson to warrant the thought. To recoup some picks could go a long way

In the year of our lord 2022 penalties should be shown again. Idc how tinfoil it is, show why that was a snap infraction. the problem with refs in the NFL is once the laundry comes out they feel like they have to be ‘consistent’. This has been brutal on both sides man.

There’s nothing I loathe more than refs looking for something. It’s painfully obvious today they are looking for holds/PI against Cleveland.

Just fucking looking for it today. It drives me absolutely insane.

Genuinely curious- how many games do you give Watson to shake off rust? I’m not sure I know the answer, but these have been Mayfield level missed reads so far.

Garrett gets told by the NFL they aren’t calling holding calls against him because he’s too good. Browns get two well below average holding calls against them. Brutal.

A direct homage- not gonna lie, don't like Rome but that shit is pretty funny.

When you watch the game, the refs could throw a holding flag Garrett 6-7 times a game in most cases. Not "technically a hold" type flags either. I don't think this is as conspiracy oriented as the reality of no one wanting to see that many flags a game. He should absolutely be getting more calls, though.

https://www.nfl.com/news/panthers-expected-to-release-qb-baker-mayfield-waivers I'll be interested to see where his career goes from here. Say what you will, I have no ill will toward the guy. All the stuff said was just his personality and I'll never not believe he was a big reason the Browns have climbed out of the dumpster to least be competitive. Someone will pick him up as a backup, for sure, but will his ego allow the quiet role on a long-term backup?

Especially when you consider that Henderson and JSN could easily be back for a bowl game. The committee right or wrong looks at that. I'm definitely also leaning towards "don't deserve it", but the Game wasn't as OMG of a loss as the media makes it out to be. OSU had the lead at half-time and had it within one score halfway through the 4th quarter. Don't get me wrong-USC deserves the 4th spot if they win. But if they don't, Ohio State had a hell of a year with one loss to a CFP team. I'm not sure why there's so much shock that they are at least seriously in the conversation. Anywho-back to the Browns. Really had no intentions of watching this game closely until the cold bug ran through the family, leaving us all on the couch (and me waiting on my tablet). 1) Emerson had himself a day, woo boy. Locked Evans down and had an extremely questionable PI. In the same vein, if Ward looks the way he did and Newsome can come back he (Ward) could be an interesting trade piece for draft capital. Ward just doesn't look sharp out there. 2) Anyone who thinks Garrett isn't a fucking monster is just plain dumb. if our interior DL had any pressure, at all, that man would be getting 2 sacks a game. That sack late was jaw dropping-the bend to get underneath the tackle is incredible. I just can't keep thinking about that Jets loss early in the season-should have been 3-0 and at worst would be 5-6 with a win over the team in the last wild card spot. Oh well.

Well fellas, it’s that time of year where the weather gets nice here in south Florida and the browns unfortunately suck. I’ll still be here posting now and then but won’t be focused on the brownies as much (barring a miracle run). I hope everyone has a happy holiday season. We’re expecting our 2nd kiddo late next month so gearing up! Just a reminder this is more than a game. Had a great time with my old man yesterday- hard to say how many more times we will get to do this. God bless!