We all knew that the Cleveland Browns were not going to close out the season with a 14-game winning streak and that, eventually, they would lose a game.

But when the end came, did it have to be in such a predictable fashion?

The Browns lost to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, 31-17, in the best example of a team loss that you will probably ever see.

The loss ends the Browns three-game winning streak and, combined with Cincinnati’s overtime win against Buffalo, Cleveland’s share of first place in the AFC North.

We may as well get this out of the way early as it is all anyone will be talking about this week. Quarterback Brandon Weeden was one of the reasons why the Browns lost, but he was not the primary reason.

Read more...

Through the first six games of the season, the Cleveland Browns defense has been one of the team’s bright spots.

The team is seventh overall in the NFL, giving up just a shade over 300 yards a game, is giving up a decent 20.8 points per game, and after so many years of not being able to stop the run has finally been solid against the rush, giving up just under 100 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry.

But we can’t help but wonder if it is time to start worrying a little bit about the defense.

Most (all?) of the focus has been on the offense and specifically the quarterback situation. That won’t change anytime soon – certainly not this season – but that doesn’t mean the defense should be let off the hook.

Read more...

The Browns are 2.5 point home dogs this week against a team that will have - at best - a limited Calvin Johnson.  And without Calvin, that team is not good.

You take away Calvin, and Matthew Stafford becomes Brandon Weeden.  The No-Josh-Gordon Weeden.  He holds the ball too long, he makes inaccurate throws, he makes poor decisions.

Now, he does have a second weapon, which would be short passes to Reggie Bush, and that is why you see a somewhat improved Detroit offense this year.  Controlling him will be the key to the game.  If the Defense is able to get pressure on Stafford and neutralize Bush, Cleveland should be able to pull the game out.  Green Bay was able to do it last week, and the Browns have a better overall D than the Pack.

I really wish it were 3.5 instead of 2.5, but if there's a decent chance that Clevetown wins it outright, then the points won't matter anyway.  Take the Browns and the 2.5.

Read more...

INT. DINER - WEEKDAY AFTERNOON

Trevor and Sheila sit at a booth in a diner, both absently drinking coffee as they stare at their iPad and newspaper (respectively).

In rushes Mark, wearing a suit and eager.  He plops down next to Trevor.  Neither of them look up at him.

Mark:  Sorry, I'm late.  You guys order yet?

Trevor:  Yep.

Mark (glancing at menu): I'm pretty sure I just want the buffalo chicken wrap.  What'd you guys get?

Trevor:  The Vegan Apocalypse Omelet.  Seven different kinds of meat.

Mark looks over at Sheila, and she holds up two fingers, indicating she got the same.

Read more...