Victory Friday? What a mess. Last night I’m sitting waiting till the game is over to pump my fist in the air and do my happy dance when all hell breaks loose. First let me say Myles Garrett deserves whatever punishment the NFL dishes out. You can’t use a helmet as a weapon, period. However, he is not the only guilty party. Steelers QB Mason Rudolph did attempt to rip Garrett’s helmet off as they were on the ground and did kick and punch Garrett in the nether region. Let’s face facts, if Garrett was an average player he would have been cut first thing this morning. And speaking of average players, what in gods name is Larry Ogunjobi doing pushing the opposing QB from behind? This the most immature and undisciplined Browns team I’ve ever seen.
So what happens next? As I write this, Garrett has been suspended indefinitely, Maurkice Pouncey has been suspended three games and Larry Ogunjobi suspended one game. All three have been fined. The NFL states that additional players will be disciplined. All penalties are subject to appeal. For context, the longest fine for an one time on the field incident was five games for the titans Albert Hansworth in 2006. He stomped Cowboys center Andre Gurode in the head after Hansworth removed Gurode’s helmet and caused thirty stitches. He appealed and got it reduced to three games. I fully expect Damarious Randall to be fined for his helmet to helmet hit and for all the players on both teams who left the bench during the fight to be fined as well. In addition both teams have been fined 250,000.00 each for the incident.
Okay, lets talk about the game. The Browns win, they are 2-0 in the AFC North and have defeated both Baltimore and Pittsburgh in the same season for the first time. First the negatives. Kareem Hunt didn’t have a carry in this game. Yes, he and Chubb helped to open up the passing game and Hunt did have some great pass receptions. But Freddie needs to let Hunt carry the ball. He lead the NFL in rushing two years ago. The only steeler touchdown was aided by four stupid penalties by the Browns defense and at the time seemed like the Browns were about to let this game get away from them. Seibert missed two field goals, but it seems the dawg pound side of the field is becoming a field goal kicking nightmare. Kickers are 2 of 9 on that side of the field. Nick Chubb did have 92 yards, but he has started to dance a little before hitting the hole and missed a couple of outside running lanes. And Beckham and Mayfield seem to be playing on different teams.
The positives. Mayfield seems to have found his grove since the bye week. 63% passing, 898 yards, 6 TD’s and 1 Int. And he’s done this against four top ten defenses. After the game, his interview was spot on and proved he is a team leader. Jarvis Landry is a stud, as are Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. I just hope Freddie rediscovers the screen pass. On defense, John Dorsey needs to sign Joe Schobert to an extension right now. He was all over the field and set the tone for the defense. Denzel Ward is back to being Denzel Ward and until they were hurt, Morgan Burnett and Juston Burris were both having great games. Mack Wilson is no longer a rookie and is playing great. Chad Thomas also had a good game as well.
DC Steve Wilks called a great game and the Browns defense dominated the pop gun steeler offense. As I said earlier this week I thought this game would be a great opportunity for the Browns to force some turnovers and boy did they. The Browns doubled their season total for interceptions, however they need turn those turnovers into more points. The steeler defense forced no turnovers as the Browns had better ball control for the third straight game. All in all it was a good game for the Browns.
Moving forward, the Browns are short on safety’s and defensive linemen. The team needs to get both Vernon and Murray back before the Miami game. Luckily they signed Bryan Cox and ten days should be enough time to get him caught up on the scheme. It looks like Burnett maybe lost for the season, so the safety position is a concern. I’m sure the agents for free agent safety’s are calling John Dorsey today. Unfortunately this fight will be on a continuous spool on ESPN and the national talking heads will spit out hate about the Browns for the next ten days. I’m angry the league dished out their punishments in less than 12 hours without further investigation and Mason Rudolph received no suspension. But it sounds like this is bringing the team together even more. So enjoy your Sunday off Browns fans and lets get ready for Miami and hope calmer heads will prevail. GO BROWNS.