Football night in America comes to M&T stadium home of the hated Baltimore Ravens, for the first of two back to back matchups against the divisional foe. The Browns hold their own playoff destiny with a 6-5 overall record, 1-1 in the AFC North. Lamar Jackson is back this Sunday after missing last week to illness, non-covid related, and although the Ravens are without their best backs for the rest of the season Jackson can ball! The Browns come into primetime limping like Baker with a sloppy win against the winless Lions at home last week. Thank God for friends, teammates, because Kareem and Jack will be back on offense; a much needed “shot in the arm.”
Mayfield has been the radar of the national media due to his negative comments about the boo birds that chirped his head off last Sunday in a dismal 2 INT, 15 completions, and 176yds. “Those are probably the same fans that won’t be quiet when we’re on offense trying to operate,” Mayfield said. “So, don’t really care.” He admitted to playing poorly but still felt the need to point the finger at the Dawg Pound. When did ESPN’s Mike Greenberg get so confrontational and embraced his NYC roots? “Baker Mayfield needs to shut up,” Greenberg said. Do they really hate the Progressive commercials that much? I know they can’t really care about how the Browns fans feel, I suppose it makes for good TV. Baker has done nothing to offend me as a fan off the field. I don’t think the public, average fan, or in-depth analyst has a top-mind awareness of the challenges presented in Cleveland when the player has never experienced such adversity, losing, cold, and heartache.
If we need to hold someone accountable for the play last week the buck stops at the top, head coach, Kevin Stefanski. I don’t blame Baker for choosing to play, he’s a competitor, the leader, and sets the tone but he was not capable last week. Case Keenum received $10 million guaranteed to fill-in just for the situation that presented itself last Sunday. But Kevin made a mistake and went with emotion, the need for Baker to prove himself; that was evident in the terrible playing calling. Hopefully Stefanski goes back to pounding the rock with Hunt and Conklin in the lineup and runs some bootlegs. My buddy, Chad, The Vanwinkle, made an interesting point yesterday, “The Browns are better in a hurry-up offense.” I agree, don’t let Baker think too much but just play, feel it.
Surely Cris Collinsworth’s nasally, douchey, and dry broadcast will annoy, but optimistically only minimally if the Browns can play to their potential. They have the tools for cold weather smash mouth AFC north wins but they haven’t been discipline; 10 penalties for 82 yards against the Lions. “They’re at the top and they’re in the way,” Myles Garret said of the 7-3 Ravens and if a course correction is made, we will see the signs over the next 3 weeks. Otherwise, there’s always next year.
Just a quick side note reminder before we throw Mr. Mayfield under the bus, HE BEAT THE STEELERS in the playoffs!!! Wasn’t that worth a #1 pick? Not normally, but hey, this is Cleveland. I’m thankful.
Browns 27 Ravens 20
