Dawgpoundsouth

Well, that was embarrassing. The streak continues for the Steelers, 21 straight games lost by the Browns in Pittsburg and Cleveland hasn’t swept them since 1988. I was actually feeling good after the first quarter, then the football gods decided they’ve seen enough. The strategy of deferring the kickoff looked like the right move. You score before halftime, then get the second half kick and score again. The “double dip” was set up perfectly. Then the Browns pro bowl kicker continued to miss field goals he made last year. I know everyone wants to cut him, but you can’t do that because he just signed a new contract and has guaranteed money this year and next year. This team can’t afford the dead money hit.

Will the Browns continue to start Winston? I don’t know, but it sounds like Kevin Stefanski is thinking about starting DTR versus the Chiefs. Why not. This team has to figure out what their quarterback room is going look like in 2025. The Browns have to find their franchise QB for 2025 and beyond. Do you use your first-round pick on a quarterback? I personally don’t like any of the top QBs in the 2025 NFL draft. Right now, I believe the Browns are drafting eighth. That won’t get you a starter in 2025. I’m not certain Jameis Winston is the answer to be a bridge QB. The Browns have four games to map out their future QB room.

As for Deshaun Watson, he’ll be gone day one of the league year in 2026. The Browns can designate him a June 1st cut and spread his cap hit over 2026 and 2027. What to do in 2025? I’m hearing the front office is working several scenarios. First, I doubt he’ll be ready for training camp or the season opener. My best guess he’ll start the season on the PUP list or IR. Will the Haslam’s decide to just cut bait and pay the price in 2025? They’ve talked about it. Could the team tell Watson to stay away from the team in 2025? It’s been discussed. All I know, Andrew Berry and Kevin Stefanski as of now, will be back in 2025.

The Browns have to get younger on the offensive and the defensive lines. Have to. Use free agency and the draft to fix the two most important position groups on the team. Find the quarterback, fix those two position groups and fix the not so special teams. Finally, as I write this, Stefanski announced Winston will start versus Kansas City. I hope we get good Jameis and not bad Jameis. Stay safe and Go Browns.

I know the Browns lost, but you can’t say they aren’t fun to watch. I had low expectations going into this game because of the history. Lifetime, Cleveland was 4-14 in Denver. The Broncos have an explosive offense and a dominating defense. But, after watching what happened Thursday night against the Steelers, you kind of hoped the Browns would pull off a miracle and they almost did.

Bottom line, if the Browns could’ve run the ball, then Jameis Winston would’ve thrown the ball less. A healthy Nick Chubb makes the Browns offensive line look better than they actually are. I’m glad they took Chubb out of the game; Jerome Ford was more effective. Nick Chubb won’t be the same Nick Chubb until next year and yes, the Browns are going to resign him. But the mission for GM Andrew Berry and the front office is to rebuild a younger offensive line and yes, Berry will be back next year.

Winston is Flacco, but he cares more when he loses a game because of a pick six. Flacco never seemed too upset when he threw a touchdown to the other team, Winston does. He’s built different. Is Winston the answer next year? Hell no. He’s a backup quarterback with the potential to be a bridge QB. That’s it. If the team can stabilize the offensive line and get back to running the ball like they used to, then that would be the perfect solution. Fans wouldn’t get the full Jamies Winston experience. Jerry Jeudy is a number one WR and Elijah Moore should be resigned. Micheal Woods looked like a natural on the field last night and looked like he belonged. Moving forward he might be another late round gem by Andrew Berry.

The defense played well at times but still gave up the big play too often. The communication in the secondary was again the culprit. Some fans want to fire a defensive coach or two, but the communication was bad under Joe Woods as well, so maybe it’s not the coaches but the players. I have no idea what happened to Martin Emerson but it’s plan to see, he’s got problems. This defense is so much better with JOK. I’ve heard he will be back; however, the timeline is still uncertain. After finding the right kicker, the Browns are back to having a kicker problem. I’m not advocating for a change, but some voodoo needs to be performed. Hopefully next year, the Browns will find a punt returner.

I know there are fans you hate the players celebrating after good plays and use this as an excuse to call for the head coach to be fired. DC Jim Schwartz encourages his players to do it and for them to have fun. Personally, if it’s good enough for a coach who knows more about coaching then the complainers, then it’s good enough for me. I’m still laughing at Jeudy’s backward fall into the endzone. Finally, have you noticed the penalties aren’t really killing the Browns anymore. Nice job Kevin. Stay safe and Go Browns.

That was sweet. Anytime the Browns beat the Steelers is a great day. It shouldn’t be surprising, Pittsburg’s head coach Mike Tomlin, forgets how to coach on Thursday night against divisional opponents. He’s now 0-8 on Thursday Night Football against divisional opponents. Conversely, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is 5-0 on Thursday Night Football. Hopefully the NFL will move all Browns games in 2025 to Thursday night. The Browns last night also broke the personal winning record of Steelers QB Russell Wilson, who came into last night’s game 3-0 against the Browns. Those games were played when Russell played for Seattle and Denver, and we all know how bad the Browns play when they head west.

I’m encouraged by how OC Ken Dorsey made adjustments to the offense during the first half of the game. First two drives were a disaster, and then he opened up the playbook for Jameis Winston and bam, an eighty-yard drive for a touchdown. I was very impressed with Winston, he turned the ball over twice, but still late in the game when the Browns needed a drive and a score, he was good Jameis. The difference in the offense between now and the beginning of the season was the offensive line. RT Jack Conklin is a Watt killer. Prior to this game, as a Brown, Conklin had only allowed Watt one sack and six pressures. LT Germain Ifedi did well enough to keep his starting position over Jed Wills. It would be a smart business decision. When the Steelers took away David Njoku, Winston found the backup tight ends. Yes, they dropped two passes but made three big catches when the Browns needed them. Nick Chubb is getting closer to being Nick Chubb. On the last touchdown, Chubb ran the last nine yards even when the Steeler defense knew he was going to get the ball. Finally, Jerry Jeudy is a number one WR.

The defense still gave up too many big plays. I’ve defended CB Greg Newsome in the past, not anymore. He left both Juan Thornhill and Grant Delpit on islands against fast wide receivers. He left two safeties covering wide receivers. The Browns drafted Cameron Mitchell to replace him, so hopefully he will in 2025. The run defense really stepped-up last night. After a few big plays by Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Justin Fields, the defense started to overwhelm the Steeler offensive line. I said in my preview article, the way to slow down Russell Wilson was to bring pressure up the middle, and they did. Glad to see Russell Wilson getting hit after the threw the ball, it was very effective. Myles Garrett is back in the DPOY discussion.

Finally as I write this, the week sixteen game against the Bengals on Thursday has been flexed to Sunday. After playing Kansas City week fifteen, going on the road to play on a short week was not ideal. I’m glad it happened. In the coming weeks due to the holidays, my opportunities to write my blog may become a little erratic, so hang with me. Stay safe and Go Browns.

Well Browns fans, the slow match to the end of the 2024 NFL season has begun. The Cleveland media is demanding their pound of flesh, and someone has to be fired. I would start with special teams coach Bubba Ventrone. I liked the hire when it happened, however the not so special teams have gotten worse every week. All of a sudden, the Browns Pro Bowl kicker can’t kick a field goal, and this situation will be interesting to watch. Not only did the not so special teams give up a long kickoff return, but they also gave up a long punt return. The only saving grace is punter Corey Bojorquez. Right know he’s the Browns most dangerous weapon.

Your quarterback throws for over 300 yards, and they only score fourteen points. Why? Because the stopped running the ball. I know the passing game was working, but you have to keep the Saints offense on the sideline, specifically Tysom Hill. As I wrote in my preview article, the Browns defense would have to account for Alvin Kamara AND Tysom Hill. They kept Karama in check, but Hill took over the game. He threw the ball; he ran the ball, and he even had a long kick return. I think he also sold beer in the stands. This was the perfect defense to run the ball. Nick Chubb started to look like his old self.

When the season started everyone wondered about the Brown’s wide receivers. Have someone play quarterback that can get the ball down the field, and they look pretty damn good. Jameis Winston reminded me of Joe Flacco last year without the game killing interceptions. On defense, this team needs to get better at safety. Rodney McLeod and Juan Thornhill won’t be back next year, so sign a good one in free agency and draft another. The Browns also needs to get younger on the defense line and younger on the offensive line. The Dawand Jones injury couldn’t have happened at the worst time. In his third start at left tackle, Jones was playing very well. Hopefully, he can be ready to go at the start of training camp, because he’s the best business decision to replace Wills.

Finally, I’m not ready to fire Kevin Stefanski or Andrew Berry. Like I said earlier, the Cleveland media is searching for their pound of flesh. It changes from week to week. One week it’s Stefanski, one week it’s Berry, one week it’s Paul DePodesta and one week everyone wants Jimmy to sell the team. Of course, some members of the media want Stefanski fired, and Mike Vrabel named as the interim coach. No thanks. As always, stay safe and Go Browns.

After the joy of beating the Ravens and an offensive explosion (for this team), all three phases of the Browns fell flat on their faces. The not-so-special teams gave up another big return, the defense gave up two long passes because of no communication and the offense was, well offensive. Now the Browns are 2-7 and its roster evaluation time to get ready for the new league year in 2025 and the NFL draft. It’s no surprise the Browns will again start Winston their next game against New Orleans. If you’re going to need a “bridge” quarterback, you might as well find out now. I do expect to see DTR starting later in the season because you have to find out what you have in DTR. For what it’s worth, New Orleans fired their head coach today after losing seven games in a row.

According to Over The Cap, The Browns are currently $3.7 million over the 2025 cap that Over The Cap estimates to be $272.5 million. For 2024, Cleveland is $45.5 million under the 2024 cap. Whatever they don’t use this year they’ll be able to carryover to 2025. Plus, they’ll get back any incentives or bonuses not awarded to players. If someone tells you they’re going to be in cap hell next year, nope. The only thing stupid that could happen is firing Kevin Stefanski and/or Andrew Berry. If you want that, you want disfunction. Will an assistant coach be fired at the end of the season? Sure, it’s possible.

As for the draft, the Browns have eight picks. One in round one, one in round two, two in round three, one in round four, and three in round six. This is a very good draft for offensive linemen, especially tackles, for edge rushers and wide receivers. I’m not thrilled with the quarterbacks. There’s no C.J. Stroud or Jayden Daniels, so if they’re going to pick a QB, they better be right. The Browns front office has to focus on the offensive line and the defensive line, have to. They had several scouts at the Oregon/Michigan game Saturday and there were three DT’s who could go in the first round who played. I’ll dig deeper into the draft in future blogs. Stay safe and Go Browns.

That was fun. When the Browns win it should be fun. The Jacksonville game was not fun, it was painful to watch, but back then we all said an ugly win is still a win. And at that point in the season, after a terrible loss to the Cowboys, it was needed. So was this, much needed. With all that has happened since the Bengals loss, it was desperately needed. I thought Kevin Stefanski would come out after the game and stand at the fifty-yard line and say, “are you not entertained?”

At halftime after the Ravens got a cheap score off of a Winston fumble, I still felt good. Surprisingly, I didn’t think, how are they going to screw this up. The most important thing, you could feel the crowd through the TV. The announcers mentioned it and you could see it in the fans faces. This is how this new offense is supposed to work. A quick passing game allowing the Browns to run the ball against the best run defense in the league. The best example is the thirty yard pass to Jerry Jeudy. A quick pass with yards after the catch. Running back Nick Chubb is close to being Nick Chubb again. You could see the vision and the cutbacks. It’s surprising what an average, healthy offensive line can do to a team. Speaking of OL, Dawand Jones played his first NFL game at left tackle and looked decent. With more practice, he could be the left tackle of the future, and I’d keep playing him even if Jedrick Wills gets healthy.

Can the team still make the playoffs? It’s possible, but they need to get to the bye week with a win over the Chargers before we can even think about talking about the playoffs. The good news is the teams ahead of the Browns for a playoff spot are on the schedule. Kansas City, Steelers (twice), Broncos, Ravens, Chargers, Bengals and Dolphins. But like I said, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Right now, the team needs to concentrate on beating the Chargers.

Finally, the two players on defense who have been playing at a pro bowl level JOK and Denzel Ward both got hurt yesterday. Ward now has had six concussions, and that’s not good. JOK’s injury was very scary and very concerning. Hopefully both will be ok, but Ward needs to sit down and have a serious discussion with medical professional. He can’t keep getting concussions. Stay safe and Go Browns

That’s the only way I can describe the 2024 version of the Cleveland Browns. Mistake after mistake after mistake. Twelve seconds into the game against the Bengals and they’re already behind by a touchdown. I should’ve turned off the game and found something else to do with my afternoon. But I didn’t, because I’m a Browns fan and I don’t give up on my team. I’ll watch every game from now till the end of the season. I always do.

Did you know that Deshaun Watson over his last four quarters of play was 26 of 29 for 250 yards? Yep, the last half of the Eagles game and the first half of this game, prior to the injury, he was playing well. But that came to an end with what appears to be an Achilles tendon rupture. His recovery from this injury will be at least a year. The Browns did take out an insurance policy on Watson for $14.5 million according to Over The Cap, which will result in about $7 million in cap relief for 2024. If you’re hoping the Browns will move on from Watson because of this injury, sorry it’s not going to happen. Their only opportunity to move on is the beginning of the league year 2026. Then the team can designate him as a post June 1st cut and split his cap hit of $92 million over two years, 2026 & 2027. Similar to what the Broncos did with Russell Wilson this year. By 2026, again according to Over The Cap, the salary cap will be around $300 million and the Browns could still be competitive even with $46 million in dead cap space due to Watson’s contract. I expect him to be on the PUP list at the beginning of 2025.

As for this year, keep an eye on three players who could be traded for future assets. Greg Newsome, Za’Darius Smith and Quinton Jefferson. Has anyone else noticed Jefferson has been a healthy scratch the last two weeks since Michael Hall has returned? Who starts at quarterback will tell you if they’re going for wins or going for talent assessment. If DTR starts, it’s talent assessment and if Winston starts, they’re going for wins. You have to know what you have if your team is picking in the top five in the 2025 draft. Let me also add, Kevin Stefanski and Andrew Berry aren’t going anywhere. Jimmy Haslem will give them 2025 to fix this roster. If the same thing happens next year, all bets are off. So if you’re a blame Stefanski & Berry type of fan, sorry it isn’t happening this year.

Finally, I know Browns fans have been through a lot over the years. If you’re not my age or older, you don’t remember the last time the Browns won a championship. So you’ve become very anxious with your fandom. We live in an instant world right now, no one wants to wait till next year, people want to have an easy rationale to place blame at the feet of one person. I also understand if you go to the games in person, you’re paying a fortune for that privilege. You should be allowed to boo a bad product, but to cheer when a player gets hurt crosses the line. I don’t care how you feel about that player or what that player has done or not done; you should never cross that line. Then to get mad at the players teammates for calling you out because of the cheering, also crosses the line. Either own up to it or don’t do it. There’s a complicated dance NFL GM’s play with potential free agents every year that fans aren’t aware of, and it doesn’t help the process. Stay safe and Go Browns.

This is the most frustrating Browns team I’ve watched. The only consistent thing about this team is you know they’re going to shoot themselves in the foot at any moment. Last year, you had the feeling they would somehow win, but this year is the opposite. Before you point the finger at a certain player or coach, this a team effort to be this bad, with the exception of Myles Garrett. This guy gives his all, every game.

There’s no easy solution. Sure, the head coach could bench Deshaun Watson, but that’s not on the table right now, but could be in the future. I saw the offense improve in the second half, but stupid penalties, questionable play calling and lack of effort stopped any hope for a comeback. False starts, holding, offensive facemask, yada, yada, yada. A jet sweep on a third and one, kicking a field goal instead of going for the go-ahead touchdown late in the game on what would be your last offensive possession. On defense, Greg Newsome gives up a big play touchdown late in the game it seems like every game. Finally, again there was lack of tackling in key moments in the game. After the superhuman play by Myles Garrett the Browns had a tie at halftime. The Philly fans were booing their team off the field. You had this team right where you wanted them. The team comes out with the ball first and drives the field. The perfect double dip situation. Then comes a third and one and Jameis Winston comes in and they try a jet sweep with Cedric Tillman. Really? How about a simple quarterback sneak. You should know how it works, the Eagles did it to you all game long.

So now what? They’ll keep starting Deshaun Watson. I’ve heard there are some veterans in the locker room who want a change to one of the backups. Stefanski will do everything in his power to force this to work and he has to because of Watson’s contract. Cut him this year and his cap hit would be $119.9 million. Cut him at the beginning of the league year in 2025 and his cap hit would be $92 million. 2026 is the only year the team can cut him and still have money to be competitive. The only relief is if he’s suspended by the league. The NFL is not going to do the Browns any favors.

As for trading players before the deadline, Myles Garrett is not going to be traded. Why would this front office do something stupid like that. The only way he’s gone is if he wants to be gone and he doesn’t want to be gone. WR Amari Cooper would be a candidate for a trade deadline deal as would Greg Newsome. After those two, there really is much value in anyone else.

Now for the good news. Nick Chubb, baring a practice setback, will be activated and play the next game against the Bengals. Will he be the same Chubb? No one knows, but this team needs some kind of boost on offense. The second good news is the Browns are currently slated to pick second in the 2025 NFL draft. Hey, I have to grasp onto something, right? Stay safe and Go Browns.

Yeah, pretty much. Could the Browns go on a long winning streak and turn it around? Nope, not really. When you can’t even put the right number of players in a huddle more than once, it’s over. I’ve seen some bad Browns football teams in my lifetime, that had to be the worst loss. When your alma mater has more effort, drive and physicality on Saturday against the number one team in the country, it’s over. So what’s next?

First of all, this isn’t all quarterback Deshaun Watson’s fault. When your offensive line can’t block, your defense can’t tackle, and your receivers can’t catch the ball, you lose. The entire coaching staff needs to take a long hard in the mirror, because some of these simple things can be fixed in practice. Yes, Watson made mistakes, but I put this complete mess on the coaches. You can’t get the right players on the field? Your offensive line can’t block simple stunts? You can’t tackle an opposing player? I knew this game was over when a punt team player hit the Commanders player receiving the punt after he signaled for a fair catch. Stupid penalty number one of many stupid penalties.

Should coaches be fired? Unless they allow Ken Dorsey to take a shot at calling plays, then he’s probably gone at the bye. I’ll hold judgment on Kevin Stefanski until he has healthy players. Will he be fired? No, and neither will Andrew Berry. This team doesn’t need to go back to fire the coach one year, then fire the GM the next. Will they eventually bench Watson for Winston? Possibly, but expect Winston to be sacked seven times a game and throw interceptions. Changing the QB doesn’t make all the players healthy. And it will be Kevin Stefanski’s call and only Kevin Stefanski’s call.

So now the team heads to Philly as a nine-point underdog. Glad to see the bookmakers finally realizing this team is a hot mess. On the positive side, the Browns are currently picking fourth in the 2025 draft. Stay safe and Go Browns.

Right now, the only team the Browns could beat is the Browns, and they’re doing it every week. They take the opening kickoff, go on a long drive, eating clock, and score. Then the team from the opening drive vanishes and is replaced by a team of practice squad players. I know it’s a new offense and there are backups replacing starters on the offensive line, but I was told the offense would be clicking by now. Cleveland brought back key defensive players, and I was told the team would build on the outstanding defense from 2023. Instead, they can’t stop the run, like last year, and they can’t tackle, like last year. Here’s the scary part, the best offensive player for the Browns Sunday was QB Deshaun Watson. Did he make mistakes again, yes. Did it happen again on fourth down, yes.

Last year the Browns had a top ten offense. It was flexible and adaptable to the different quarterback who started. All five signal callers last year were different, yet the offense worked. The offensive line last year was poor, yet they were able to overcome the mistakes. Can this offense get back on track, I hope so, because this is getting ridiculous. Here’s a notion, how about committing to the run. This game wasn’t a blow out, it was close, so running the ball was still an option. All of a sudden, wide receiver Amari Cooper is inconsistent as hell. If this continues, Cooper is a prime target for a trade.

On defense, the Browns still can’t stop the run. Going into this game, the Raiders were averaging 51 yards per game and a 2.8 average per carry. If your rushing game needs a boost, play the Browns. Las Vegas had 152 yards rushing for a 5.2 average. As I mentioned earlier, the defense can’t tackle. I counted over a dozen misses. Tackling is kind of important in the NFL. CB Martin Emerson can’t cover small fast guys so stop putting him on small fast guys.

Why is the Browns kicker missing important extra points in the fourth quarter? He can kick from the fifty plus but can’t hit an extra point. He did it last year, but the team overcame those misses. The Browns had the opportunity to win that game in the end, three times. The same thing happened against the Giants. Again, they had three opportunities to win the Giants game and failed. I just want the team that starts the game to show up the rest of the game. Stay safe and Go Browns.