Or chose your narrative day, which ever works for you. I’m just glad the Browns won. Two of the three phases, defense and special teams, were the major factors for the victory. You heard me, the Browns special teams were a big factor in the win. I notice no one is complaining about the kicker anymore. I did notice on kickoffs; the Browns are trying to get the ball inside the five-yard line. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t. But all in all, a long punt return that sets up a touchdown is greatly appreciated.
What can you say about the defense. That was incredible. Ten sacks. Five at halftime and Myles Garrett didn’t have one. He got his to set a new franchise record of eighteen and he’s on pace to break the record of 22.5. Hell, the defense of the Bengals have a total of fifteen. Maliek Collins had 2.5 sacks giving him 6.5 on the season, a career high. He’s had five three times. Best off-season signing by the Browns. Raider quarterback Gino Smith is one tough player; besides the ten sacks, he was hit another ten times. The Browns had an additional six tackles for loss. It was a good thing the pressure was great because wide receiver Tre Tucker was able to get behind the defense a few times. Defensive end Isaiah McGuire had ten pressures playing in absence of newly signed Alex Wright. Can we just give the NFL Defensive Rookie of The Year to both Mason Graham and Carson Schwesinger. Add Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin and URFA Isaiah Bond and this rookie class is outstanding.
The elephant in the room is quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Yes, he did some good things. His footwork was a little better, by the way his one sack was his fault, he kept his eyes downfield, and he was able to play within the system the coaching staff set up for him. He stretched the field when necessary. The long pass to Bond forced the Raider defense to backoff on their blitz schemes and that’s why offenses take shots down the field. For the game he was 11 for 20 for 209 yards, one touchdown and one interception for a QBR of 87.3. In the first half he was 7 for 11 for 127 yards, no touchdowns and one interception for a QBR of 65.3. Not the greatest, but way better than the Ravens game. The interception he threw was also his fault, a defensive lineman dropped back in coverage, and it confused him. Get used to it kid. His highs were good, and his lows were concerning, but in the end, the win matters.
Among the complaints this morning are Stefanski’s locker room speech, which was not unusual. It’s on brand, but the “Sanderites” still are under the impression that the coach hates Sanders. No, he didn’t deserve a game ball. The next complaint comes from the post-game news conference, where Stefanski didn’t name a starter for the next game. He didn’t and he shouldn’t. Players love to play for Stefanski because he doesn’t throw them under the bus or embarrass them. I’m sure he would like to talk to both Gabriel and Sanders when he makes that decision. Finally, the coaches weren’t showing disrespect to Sanders by taking him off the field when the Browns run the “Wildcat” near the goal line. They did the same with Gabriel against the Dolphins twice and it works. It works because without the QB, the offense has eleven on eleven not ten on eleven. Besides, Quinshon Judkins is very good.
I fully expect the Browns to start Sanders against the 49ers, and he should. Again this week, the Browns will get a team coming off a short week, but this time the other team has to travel to the other side of the country. It’ll be a home game, which should be packed, and the Browns need to know what they have in Sanders. The 2026 NFL draft might be in the balance. Stay safe and Go Browns.