If 2020 hasn’t been enough to knock our socks off, blow our hair back, and pray, the future requires shades, the New Year hits like a Steel Curtain! The Cardiac Kids remain gripping the wheel knuckles white, with a record of 10-5 and holding their playoffs dreams in their orange and brown hands; a win is essential for football growth on the North Coast. But, our arch enemy, the 1st place Pittsburgh Steelers come into First Energy Sunday at 1pm to ante up, with all our chips pushed in the middle; can the Browns secure a W and the first playoff berth in 17 years?
The Steelers are starting Mason instead of Ben and will be likely resting most stars. The Browns are on schedule to have their receiving core of Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones, and KhaDarel Hodge, back Thursday, all of who missed the ugly loss to the one win Jets on Sunday. First year head coach, Kevin Stefanski, has his hands full facing 13 yr. veteran Mike Tomlin, the black and yellow swarming defense, and a pressure situation. The play calling in the last 2 minutes of the loss to the Jets was off. Why are you not getting the rock, anyway you can, to Hunt and Chubb? Instead, Baker is throwing to practice squad guys, good call!
The weather is looking normal; grey, flurries, and cold. The last game of the year will be played in a traditional AFC North style. Players will have to make plays! And not think about Progressive insurance and a possible Colts loss to a Jacksonville squad currently holding the number 1 pick in next year’s draft, thus, getting the Browns a spot in the post season play. Nope, Baker and the boy’s will need to get in the trenches against Heyward’s and Watt’s, (For limited play) and earn their paychecks. When the smoke clears and the whistle blows will the Browns have played disciplined, hungry, and with heart?
I’m optimistic, but as rule of thumb, I never bet on the home town team, (+6.5). I believe #95 and the rest of the Dawg Pound D will be out to prove dominant against a 2nd tier opponent. Baker will need to prove he can handle the rush with or without left tackle Jedrick Wills and right guard Wyatt Teller. Plus, not fumble the ball. Run, control the clock and convert some 3rd downs; doesn’t seem that hard. Mason will be good for a turnover and we need to capitalize on that!
In Cleveland, we always say, “Wait ‘til next year,” well, Goodbye 2020. We’ve been waiting for 2021! There’s no reason this Unit can’t win this game, and win it convincingly! If the black and yellow stick with the game plan and rest their guys, confidence will be heard in the Dawg Pound bark. That’s a dangerous team you don’t want to play the following week NFL. I heard Baker say a couple weeks ago, “I don’t think we’ve played our best ball,” well last game of the season, put it all together Sooner.
