It’s my favorite time of year, game week one for the Cleveland Browns. The feeling of hope and dread at the same time. On the one hand, the Browns, despite what the talking heads say, have a very talented roster. On the other hand, I can’t get 1-21-1 out of my head. Last year the Browns won eight games with average quarterback play. This year they play eleven games with a career backup quarterback. After the longest preseason in the history of Browns fandom, I’m ready for game day.
For some reason, and I don’t know why, I’m feeling a little optimistic. First, I’m glad the Browns are playing Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers on the road. What a zoo Cleveland would be if this was a home game. Some fans are rooting for Mayfield the first game and the Browns the last sixteen games. Nope. Denounce your Browns fandom on twitter and get it over with. I’m a Browns fan through thick and thin. As for the two quarterbacks, Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett, I’m good with Brissett. Yes, Josh Dobbs looked great in the preseason. But that’s the preseason. When you have a roster this talented, preseason is for the bottom part of that roster. Last year, hardly any of the starters played in the preseason and if not for a terrible decision by the Browns former punter and a Nick Chubb fumble, the Browns would have beaten the Chiefs.
Besides the game, I’m looking forward to watching with my fellow members of the Middle Tennessee Browns Backers. Because of Covid the last two years, I’ve been unable to attend the first game. I’ve missed the atmosphere. Walking into the bar, (Nashville Palace) for the first game. Seeing all the Browns gear, flags and signs. Waiting impatiently as the clock slowly moves to kickoff. Listening to the pregame show as they try and explain how great Mayfield will play against his former team. They’ll forget the Browns have Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, A pretty good offensive line and a pretty damn good defense. But, hey, at least Baker is “Off The Leash.”
Will this be an easy game for the Browns? No, Carolina is not a bad team. Do I think the Browns will win? Yes. Defensive coordinator Joe Woods knows Mayfeild and I expect a few wrinkles to be thrown in just for the Browns former quarterback. Or maybe the Browns defense will just watch tape of the Steeler defense vs. Mayfield. Everybody stay safe, Go Browns and enjoy the game, no matter where you watch.