The Browns are close to being a good team
Oct 18, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine (right) talks with quarterback Josh McCown (13) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at FirstEnergy Stadium. Denver defeated Cleveland 26-23. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
The story of the Cleveland Browns is one that has not changed since the year 1999. Close games continue to be played, and the Browns end up as the losers more often than not.
The same thing happened yesterday when the Denver Broncos left Cleveland with a record of 6-0 after a 26-23 overtime victory.
Numerous opportunities on offense were wasted, which falls on both the coaches and the players. Josh McCown had two interceptions, one that was returned for a touchdown, but he should not take the brunt of the blame.
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When five or ten yards were needed, the play-calling became conservative and unable to produce just a few yards. Is there nothing better than those predictable second-and-long runs that seem to be a staple of this offense?
The defense put together its best performance of the season based on the opponent. The game against the Tennessee Titans was better from a statistical perspective, but the Broncos are the far superior team.
The two interceptions by Karlos Dansby, including the one he returned for a touchdown, showed a takeaway ability the defense has been lacking all season.
So the Browns are now 2-4, and facing a tough schedule ahead. The four early losses do not look well for any playoff hopes, but maybe I am the only person who thought the Browns had any shot at the playoffs before the season started.
Was I the only person?
Even with the poor record through the first six games, the Browns have shown us that they are at least capable of competing with great teams in the NFL. I realize winning is the only goal, but it does show that things are turning toward success rather than “worst team in the NFL” status.
And no, I am not content with the constant losing. Apologizing for the losing is not my intent, but rather I am just pointing out that the Browns are not the perennial bottom-feeders they were just a few years ago.
Mike Pettine is still gaining experience, and he at least seems to be a solid option to keep around for a few more years.
McCown is doing his best with his given ability, but he is clearly just here to hold the position until a better option is drafted.
The problem comes with the way the team has drafted and failed to procure any talent in free agency. The best pickup was Andy Lee, who is an asset to have, but there is something wrong with having the punter be the best player at his position on an NFL team.
A player like Brandon Marshall was picked up by the New York Jets for next to nothing, while Ray Farmer went out and signed Dwayne Bowe, a constant fixture on the inactive list.
There is also Johnny Manziel to deal with, but that’s better left for every other Browns-related post currently circulating the Internet.