After a careful analysis using updated data, I am revising my Browns' W/L prediction to 13-3.
However, we must be prepared to lose another third of the team or so, for referees to contribute to that, and of course for referees to directly cause more losses. After all, this is Cleveland.
This will be neccessary for the Browns to keep losing, if Cody Kessler doesn't crash and burn...if he is at least a Matt Hasselbeck type game manager.
While a lot of guys "can't find any wins" on their schedule, and inexplicably, irrationally declare a lack of talent, these are facts:
1: They should have beaten the Ravens and Dolphins.
2: They are running for over 5ypc.
3: Nassib and Haden will be back. GORDON will be back. Pryor--unbelievably--is still early in his growth curve (be afraid...), the defense is, finally, at long last, stopping the run.
4: The entire team should be significantly better later in the season than it is now, and is measurably improving each week.
All of this is bad for next year's draft. But Hue makes a point: Players shouldn't get used to losing, or expect to lose. It's psychological poison. When he hears "in typical Browns fashion", Hue must want to strangle somebody, because HE just freaking GOT here!
But Pat Kirwan, the ex-GM, is always good for new ideas. He points out that Trevor Siemian was a project/longshot for Denver, and Elway and Kubiak drafted Paxton Lynch for a reason.
Pat feels it's quite possible that heading into next season, they will listen to trade offers for Siemian. I will add that they might even shop Lynch instead...conceivably.
As Pat would tell you, they'd be content to simply keep both, as both are very cheap under their rookie contracts, and that kind of depth is awesome insurance.
But this isn't a Garoppolo/Brady situation. The loser of that quarterback battle will be unhappy, and want their chance to start. If Siemian continues to develop and play like he has, and still gets benched--how does that look? For that matter, if first round pick Paxton Lynch finds himself relegated to the bench for the forseeable future, how will he feel about that?
In either case, it's not fair, and somebody is getting screwed. Elway and Kubiak get this.
Denver will once again draft very low. All their cap issues have not been resolved, and they will continue to bleed free agents annually.
Trading Siemian to somebody with high draft picks, and many draft picks, and a Hall of Fame left tackle with 2-3 years left, on a very, very affordable contract, would make sense, but who might that be? Can you think of anybody?
Cody Kessler could surprise everybody (except Hue) and be the next Montana, but of course Sashi can't count on that. The Next Matt Hasselbeck would do just fine for a strong and talented team, but a superstar is always better.
And if not Kessler, or a top draft pick, then maybe Siemian.
Just sayin
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