I normally start this thread with a question . . . "Watcha Got?" This week I'm going to switch it up. For the past two weeks, all of the MSM talking heads have kept themselves busy by throwing dirt into the 2021 Browns' playoff grave. They spend countless syllables detailing various team's path to the playoffs, But not the Browns. Just do the math. Clearly the cleanest path to the playoffs for the Browns is win the next two games.
I don't think its unrealistic that the Ravens (given their current injury status) lose to Rams in week 17 or that the Bengals lose to the Chiefs. It should be noted that, even if the Ravens find a way to win one of their last two games, they still end the season at 9-8-0 in a three way tie with the Browns and the Bengals. In that case, They're the 1st team eliminated from the AFC North title based on the tie-breaker process.
The most unrealistic part of this scenario unfortunately is the Browns winning 2 games in a row.. Something we haven't done since winning 3 in a row to go 3-1 to start the season. This could be a tall order, even though we have already shown we can take care of the Bengals easily and should have all major players on the field for the first time in 3-4 weeks. It's probably going to be the most complete roster we have had since that Bengals game 7 weeks ago. The Browns were missing OBJ and Kareem Hunt and that is about it... This time around, barring any new injuries/COVID issues, we should be back to full strength minus OBJ, but possibly with Kareem Hunt, whom is still on the mend from an ankle injury. Worse case scenario, we use D'Earnest Johnson in his place, who we really didn't know much about back when we played the Bengals the first time. We now know we can easily count on him for relief of Chubb. First things first, those pesky Steelers have already taken care of us in Cleveland, now we have to go to Peetown and try to take care of business. Steelers are 5-2 at home so though I'm not going to be pessimistic, I am also going to be very cautious about my expectations. What I am most excited about is getting the roster back to normal and hopefully Baker knocking some rust off this past game and a full week of practice to be ready for Monday Night Football.
Fair points, @IrishDawg42 . But, I believe the Browns can compete with anyone in the AFC North. To win 2 in a row - I think this is what needs to happen (in no particular order): Eliminate (or, at least, minimize) the stupid, pre-snap mental errors. Hold your ground - not your opponent. Put individual stats or accolades on hold. The only stat that matters is 9-8-0. Stefanski must have Mayfield on a short leash. If he's not playing like the week 9 Mayfield - then put Kennum in. It's put up or shut up time for Baker. in other words, EVERYONE just has to do their job.
I agree with all of that Lym...except: Stefanski must have Mayfield on a short leash. If he's not playing like the week 9 Mayfield - then put Kennum in. It's put up or shut up time for Baker. Not because I don't agree with it, but because of what it means. If we are in the game, he isn't pulling Baker. If we have fallen way behind because of Baker, it's too late, Keenum isn't built to bring a team back. Even if it is Baker's fault they are behind, he is still the best option to bring them back.. Now, if he ALMOST costs them the game and the Browns manage to pull it out in spite of Baker's play, then address it before the Bengals game begins and allow Keenum the decency of getting ready with a full week practice. Again, I don't see this scenario playing out, if they can win in spite of Baker's bad play, they will assume they would be in an even better place getting him with a good game. I fully expect to either be applauding Baker in two weeks or blaming him. This team is only going to go as far as he allows it to. We can rely on Chubb and the running game, but only if there is at least a threat of the passing game hurting the opposing defense. Take that away and teams have proven they can take Chubb out of the game.
I'll pop over to say hi. The Steelers are swirling in the bowl and about to flush but, this is Ben's last home game and he's done well vs the Browns. The Steelers are 5-2 under Ben at home this year. Something tells me they eke it out.
I hope you are wrong, but glad to have you over on the board. Regardless, good luck Monday night! One of our teams will be eliminated Monday night, most likely. Not sure how your elimination scenarios work out with a loss, but our goose is cooked.
If we loose a bunch of wierd stuff has to happen. I was playing with the playoff generator and I cant remember everything that has to happen if we loose but it did include a tie between chrgers and raiders and a tie between patriots and dolphins so yeah loss pretty much dooms us.
Damn I did all that fancy photoshop work and it was bad information. Shame on you Lyman... Roethlisberger is 4-1 in January games vs. the Browns
*3-1... that 2017 game was a Landry Jones dub. It could be argued @Lyman meant "when the games count". Beating Austin Davis, Seneca Wallace, and Colt McCoy to close out double-digit loss seasons for Cleveland doesn't carry the same weight as a playoff game or playoff implications game.
If it was only games that count...we could elimnate almost 90% of the games these two teams have ever played!! haha That said, I really do come in peace! Hope it's a good game and, obviously, I hope Ben wins his final game in Heinz Field. With the Bengals clinching the North today, the chances of either of our teams making the playoffs has become very, very thin, so I just want to see some good football the next couple of weeks! Go Steelers!
Is it just me or did ALL excitement over this game go away instantly after the 47 tries from the 1 yard line to score by the Bengals. I would have rather the Chiefs give up a cheap TD, than continually commit a foul giving them more opportunity to run the time off the clock. That was so poorly managed once they gave up the first down. Should have parted like the red sea. I was so happy in this game going into half time. I thought the Chiefs would put them away in the second half. Time to give them props, the Bengals are for real folks. Meaningful or not, I have a hard time believing our Browns can win next week anyway. I know we took them behind the wood shed the first go around, but this looks like a very different team. Definitely the class of the division and most playoff ready. At this point, I just hope to stay awake long enough to see Ben cry when the clock hits zero, could be a good meme for years to come. I feel like a deflated balloon this morning.
