Week 7 lands the Brownies away in the Battle of Ohio rematch facing number 1 overall pick, Joe Burrow, and the Bengals. After taking a beating on opening week to the Baltimore Ravens, the Browns played the role of big brother to Cincy in week 2, with a convincing 35-30 W. Running backs, Chubb and Hunt, combined for almost 200 yards and 3 TD’s pounding the rock. Baker spread the ball around to 8 receivers, for 219 yards, 2 TD’s and a pick. The hungry defense registered 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles; plus Parkey made all 5 extra points. The first Thursday Night game of the year was welcoming on the North Coast but, this Sunday, in the “Jungle,” Paul Brown Stadium, we will find out what the Cleveland Browns are made of; Polish Boy or Rueben.
Last Sunday, was an epic failure all around the 3 rivers at Heinz Field, where the Browns hold only 2 victories since 1999; surprisingly one came that year. After beating the Colts and there top ranked defense the previous Sunday, the Orange and Brown felt they could hold their own with the Black and Yellow; an optimistic approach. The Cleveland O-line didn’t inhibit the skills of a top ranked unit against a swarming defense that wouldn’t let up. Baker was shook and his ribs looked to be crying like hit stats, 10/18 for 119, 1 TD, 4 sacks, and 2 more INT’s before he was benched for Case Keenum in quarter 4. The number 1 ranked rushing attack was held to 75 yards, while the defense gave up 38 points commanded by old faithful, Big Ben.
The question has be on everyone’s mind, is this team Wild Card material (9-7), or will Cincy shine the light of a little red dot and squeeze the trigger, exposing the team for what it is, an ongoing work, experiment, lost cause? Don’t disregard Joe Burrow, Mixon, Green, Boyd, and Higgins; they can play! With only 1 win, the Bengals only noncompetitive game came against the Ravens. Can the Browns rush the ball without Nick Chubb? Will the Bengals D dare Baker to throw the ball? If number 6 struggles will head coach, Kevin Stefanski bench him again in favor of the journey man, Case, who took his former Vikings team to an 13-3 record in 2017?
If the Browns want to continue and stick with the Big BM than Kevin Stefanski needs to call easy plays for him in shotgun, he’s horrible under center. For example, at least two throws per game to the side line for OBJ, he’ll make the CB miss and net positive yards. How about a quick 5 yard slant to Jarvis or more screen dump downs to hunt? Njoku will be starting in place of an injured Hooper, his size will benefit a Baker jump ball; just don’t hang him out to dry please. With Autumn upon us and Winter’s cold crisp smile focusing, the Browns need to tuck me in. Stefanski can be the solid oak bed frame, Kareem can be the wool sheets, Beckham is the expensive comforter, Njoku, cushy bamboo pillows, Baker, soft sounds of the rain, and Jarvis, my blankie.
Can the Browns do what they’re supposed to do against an inferior line-up on paper? They’re only 3 point favorites against a 1st yr. QB and a 1 win team. Baker is known for lighting up the former Bengals but this Joe Burrow is a Champion. Will I be sleeping easy on Sundays, tucked in, having sweet dreams or awoken to the ice bucket challenge? Sunday, on the grid iron, 3 ½ hours south, on the Ohio river, the in-state rivalry will reveal what kind of football team the Browns are; playoff or pretender.
