That was the answer by Myles Garrett when asked after the game how this win feels. I would agree. After playing elite defense, good special teams and unwatchable offense for 56 minutes and still getting the win, it does feel damn good. I was not one of the Browns fans screaming to replace Joe Flacco during the game. Did I think it, yes, maybe one or two times. But I kept telling myself somehow his experience would come through. I noticed during the entire game prior to the snap; he would make sure everyone was in place to avoid pre snap penalties. The last two years, pre snap penalties killed any chance the Browns had in winning games. Then on the last offense play of the game, Flacco’s veteran leadership put the Browns in position to win. A quick pass over the middle to David Njoku and then getting the team lined up for a snap to down the ball before the clock ran out. I’m sorry, no rookie could’ve managed that. Extra yardage and time for a game winning field goal. Just the way you want it drawn up.
Don’t get me wrong, Flacco does look old and is leaving plays on the field. More practice with Isaiah Bond and Quinshon Judkins will improve the offense. Also finding a solution at offensive tackle would help as well. More on that in a minute. Judkins and Bond are starting to get the feel for the professional game. Bond is starting to get separation and Judkins is learning to follow all pro Joel Bitonio even if there doesn’t look like a hole is opening. Let’s not forget about Harold Fannin who had a big catch and then fought through tackles for a bigger gain. On defense, the rookies shined, as well as the usual suspects. Mason Graham had an unheard of 43%-win rate. The average for defensive tackles is 9%. Carson Schwesinger is that guy. In college he had trouble fighting through bodies to make tackles but with this defensive line he’s free to run around and make plays.
Maliek Collins was the best free agent signing this off-season by Andrew Berry. He’s been so good, it helps the other defensive lineman, like Graham and my favorite URFA Adin Huntington. It also helps Alex Wright, Iasiah McGuire and of course Myles Garrett. This defense is elite. All this team needs is an average offense and a good special team, and they could beat anyone.
Concerning the offensive tackle position, In case you didn’t hear, Dawand Jones is done for the year again. I like Jones, but that’s it for me, the Browns have to find a long-term solution at left tackle. The 2026 draft class is loaded, so I would start there. In the meantime, the Browns will be trying to trade for a tackle this week, but it all depends on a trading partner. Andrew Berry knows he needs to get someone in here quick. As for replacements, it does not look like Jack Conklin will be ready for the Detroit game so Cornelius Lucus might move back to right tackle. The Browns did sign two experienced tackles last week, Joshua Miles and Tyre Phillips with Phillips being the best of the two. I’ve also heard the Browns are going to try guard Teven Jenkins at left tackle this week. He’s played that position in the past. KT Leveston took over at right tackle after Jones hurt but showed why he’s developmental player. He’s an outstanding run blocker, but as all Browns fans saw, he’s not very good at pass blocking.
Enjoy this victory Browns fans, stay safe and Go Browns.