Amen to that...Obviously the Texans present his toughest challenge to date, but Freddie has been outstanding. Mayfield's developement has been fun to watch the last couple games as he and Kitchens have this Cleveland offense rolling. Clearly Freddie has good relationship with Baker. The OC/QB combo has provided undeniable results for this young team since Hue and Haley were canned... Agreed. They've tried so hard to blow this this whole thing out of proportion....I like the way the Browns have handled it. Just calling it like it is, and going about their business. I really don't think it's been a distraction at all within that locker room. Unlike when Hue was in charge, this team is unified and playing with confidence.
I've been losing too long, I guess, as a Brown's fan, and I'm still anxious about the "High/Low" reactions to each game. When Baker laid waste to NYJ's, we were "supermen", then LAC showed us what the NFL was about. Now we finally have a two game win streak, and I'm feeling that "invinceable" talk again. It worries me, because there is virtually no one in the lockeroom who's "ever" seen a 3 game winning streak. I love what Pudgy & Pugnacious are doing as OC / HC. I really do. Each week is a new test, and I believe Williams is the one guy there, and in the right position to make sure they don't start "smelling themselves". This is his second "test game" IMO, where the traps are there, and he has to keep his guys aware of their vulnerability, against a team that feels the same way they do: invinceable. Williams doesn't strike me as a guy who's looking to make friends with his players. He feels like a guy who wants the relationship built on trust and on performance, first, then we can have a little fun (as long as it's in pursuit of winning). I like that. This is a biggie, but it's not the Holy Grail, by which I'd make a HC decision. If he wins? Oh yeah, he's moved up to the Lead Dog IMO, but there remain 3 games, and I, like Dorsey laid out, believe we need to see them all, before the HC decision gets addressed. If we win, how big are our players heads going to get? Can Williams keep them using that energy to amp up for the next game. Do we falter, because we go out simply believing we will win, or do we take the inevitable adversity that will come up, and overcome it. This week will not play out like Cinci. We will be challenged, we will in all likelihood fall behind at some point, we will have a call go against us, we "have to stay in it, and overcome". Are we there yet?
What's our Baker got cookin today? Hope he's worked on his scrambles, and his turnovers. Table for 80,000 waiter, please.
Off track: who's in the fight for playoffs in their fantasy league, out there, and who are the Key guys for you this week. I'm in a bizarre league that conducts playoffs, during the NFL playoffs (re draft every playoff week). Game Day, and I'm pumped.
I was hoping we would win. I was expecting we would be "in it" til the end. Who knew the end would come so early? Still, it's a game we needed. This young team confused a couple of wins against mediocre teams, as a sign they had arrived. Nope! Gotta bring the "A" game every week. I doubt that is lost on Williams, and while Baker wet the bed in the first half, where was our D? That worries me more than our rookie QB having a rookie day. So, how we feeling about HC Williams now? I wasn't ready to hand him the job, even with a win (said he'd be the top candidate if he did). With the "not unexpected" loss, I remain open to his candidacy, but now the test/interview continues. Next up Camolina at home. Another "good team". Does he use this loss to get the team to recognize and work on the improvement they "have to" make. 4 left, can we finish over 500? Sure, we just need to win 4 in a row. Place your bets. If we do, Williams goes to the top of the HC candidates. If not, get in line.
I'm not putting this loss on Williams, in fact, I kind of like what happened in this game...for a loss. Let's face it, most expected a loss. I obviously hoped it would be respectable...and it wasn't. This one was over very early. The rookie came out and snow balled into a very fast lead for Houston. I don't hold it against Baker, lol, he's a rookie going up against a very well prepared, veteran defense. It happened, it's over, ready to move on and learn from the experience. The REASON I kinda liked what happened, this team never quit. They played to the last 4th down play like they still had a chance. Kudos to Greggg on my book for that. The playoffs were a distant hope and dream, that most likely just ended. However..... The next four games are very winnable. Panthers - just lost their 4th game in a row...they have 6 losses...5 of them are away games, they have 6 wins... only 1 is away.... we get them at home. Broncos - They are the biggest threat right now, imho, with a 3 game win streak including two good teams in Pittsburgh and Chargers. We have to travel there as well. Will be difficult. Bengals - They have been in a downward spiral and there may not be an end coming to Cleveland. Ravens - After WE began a streak that saw them lose 4 of 5 games...They are on a 3 game WIN streak now against some bad teams in Cincy, Oak and now Atlanta. It's time to go on another losing streak for the Ravens as they enter a tough part of the schedule with KC and Chargers on the road...Their "easier" games are at home against the Buccs and us...We could end their season on such a low note that it is time to move on from Harbaugh. This could be a fun ending to the year.
By the way.... for all you haters, the Browns haven't won outside of Ohio yet. So, there's still a "same old Browns" storyline to pursue, if you must. Noticed a lot of "dangerous" comments from people. Had to figure it would become a trademark statement, and one I'm sure Baker will never back away from. I think that's what bothers non Browns fans. They see it as cocky and arrogant..... well ..... yeah, and that's why we love him, cause he's willing to say it, and he's willing to take the heat, and he's going to make it stick. Get over it.
