The Browns just lost to the Miami Dolphins in in overtime, in Miami. With a third string rookie quarterback. Without Coleman, Haden, Nassib, or Erving. Last week, they barely lost to the Ravens on a great play by a REFEREE.
On NFL Radio, they're talking about the Browns. Know what they're saying? "I know they almost beat the Dolphins but they're struggling and they missed on Carson Wentz. Wentz decision Wentz Wentz blahblah"
I'm not sure where this "struggling" stuff comes from. It's an extremely young team with an astonishing number of injuries. They would have beaten the Fish by a comfortable margin if Murray had been able to play.
They were big underdogs in both those games. They are better than advertized. None of it matters! Wentz wentz wentz!
Well, I just heard from a couple of them so far, and I know that others comprehend that the multitude of draft picks they got in exchange are not worthless.
And how about Wentz? The Eagles just blew out the Steelers! Before that game, everybody was pointing out that they hadn't "played anybody" yet. Now they destroy the Steelers, and do any of these perceptions change? Does it occur to anybody that the Browns might be undrerrated, just as the Eagles were? Of course not.
Struggle wentz wentz struggle
Ross Tucker is raving about Terrelle Pryor. That was pretty amazing, wasn't it? Hue pulled out all the stops. He protected Kessler after he screwed up badly, and worked him back in gradually, literally rotating him in and out!
And once Kessler did settle down, Pryor was his best friend. The comeback was there all day. The corners were allowed to blatently interfere with him all the way down the field on deep routes, by the way, and Kessler threw it where it was supposed to go.
Did you see the "errant" pass into the end zone? That was the timing route I mentioned. Pryor made a cut instead of going for that spot. Between Pryor and Kessler, I have to think this miscommunication was on the rookie, but this play shows you how it works.
I read one otherwise good analysis which panned Kessler. Nobody in their wildest imaginations could dream that Kessler is "it" right now?
Of course not! Who ever said he was? But if he plays next week, he will probably be better than he was in his first start. He can manage a game. Pluto, I think, said he should return to the bench as soon as possible. Why?
He didn't get destroyed. He did an adequate job, under pressure. He needs experience, the Front Office and coaches need to see how good he will become, and as long as he isn't screwing up he should play.
The defense did a decent job overall. Instead of Joe Haden, a recently activated substitute with a funny name started outside, and was immediately exploited repeatedly, but that was the only real problem. The pass rush was inconsistent, but not absent. It's progressing. Nassib will jump-start it when he returns.
On the flip side, Pazstor was severely overmatched at right tackle. I heard guys calling him names for all those holding calls, but he had no choice. You can't let that guy go smash your quarterback. You do what you have to do.
It was interesting that Hue didn't help the right tackle. I'm sure he'll be criticized for that, but it's not simple. Barnidge needed to get upfield. Kessler needed to get rid of the ball.
He failed to see open receivers here and there, but was accurate and servicable under durress.
Ah here it comes! The Browns aren't underrated! The Dolphins are even worse than we thought! That's the ticket!
Of all people, Black Cloud got all over me for rooting for Browns losses en route to the first overall pick. Emotionally, I don't. Can't.
But wins this season won't have any tangible value. They're not going to the playoffs. The difference between 3-13 and 6-10 is a franchise quarterback, and nothing else that matters.
After this game, and with Nassib, Haden, Coleman, Erving, and Gordon coming back, I think this team will win too many games. Those who keep repeating that this team lacks talent are idiots.
Using Pryor at quarterback as much as they did surprised me. But what he did catching passes didn't. I told you so.
Too bad he can't kick field goals. Yet.
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