Browns Vs Titans: 5 Reasons for Optimism

Sep 21, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Mindset

The Cleveland Browns expect to win this game. That is a mindset that has not been long for this team. While it can be a problem, if the team gets overly confident, overall it is a great sign for today’s game.

No matter what way the game goes early expect the Browns to remain competitive. They believe they should beat the Titans and won’t get down on themselves if they fall into an early hole. That is quite different from years past. Coach Mike Pettine has looked to install this type of mindset from his arrival. Talk of “Playing like a Brown” becomes far more meaningful when the Browns start to win.

Donte Whitner and Karlos Dansby have echoed Pettine’s sentiments and have put it on the players to show that they want to be different from all the teams in the past. Whitner and Dansby come from winning cultures and have the respect of the locker room. They have stood up and made it clear that winning is what they expect.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer has also earned a level of respect that pays off for the offense. Hoyer’s confidence and play on the field gives both sides of the ball hope that the team is able to compete on the offensive side of the ball. Far too often in the recent past the defense has had to try to win the game all by themselves. Having a mindset of trust for each other, and going out and proving that trust to be deserved, is huge for the mindset of the 2014 Cleveland Browns.

What reasons do you have to be optimistic today?