Daily Dawg Tags: Something to build on from Week 1

The Cleveland Browns opened the 2017 regular season with a loss, but that doesn’t mean that this is going to be another lost season.

It may have been another typical opening weekend for the Cleveland Browns, but there were still plenty of good things to come out of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Browns did not quit after falling behind just four plays into the game, rookie quarterback DeShone Kizer made it through the game in one piece – no small feat around these parts – and the defense gave everyone hope that the days of giving up 30 points a week may be in the past.

Cleveland may be 0-1 for the 13th consecutive season, but things are starting to change, head coach Hue Jackson told clevelandbrowns.com:

"“When I look at our team, we just lost to who everybody has favored in the division, 21-18. We are going to have some games like that. We have to find a way to score more points, and we have to find a way to stop teams better and be better on special teams, but I feel good about today. It is not a moral victory – I’m not saying that – but I watched our football team fight and play. There is grit, there is toughness, and there are things that we have talked about that I have seen and that I needed to see as a head coach from the beginning, and it has shown itself. Now, we just have to take it to another level.”"

It is going to be an interesting week as the Browns prepare for their first road game of the season against the Baltimore Ravens. While we get geared up for the Ravens, lets start the day off with the Daily Dawg Tags.

Cleveland Browns news:

3 takeaways from the Week 1 loss to the Steelers

It may have been a familiar ending on Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium, but that does not mean these are the same Cleveland Browns. But the Browns did enough good things on the day to give fans hope that things are finally starting to turn in Cleveland’s favor. Here are three takeaways from today’s game that should keep fans coming back for more.

Browns drop the season opener, 21-18

The Cleveland Browns opened the season with a 21-18 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which honestly was the final result most expected. But just because the team lost doesn’t mean it was a miserable day.

Browns vs. Steelers: A rivalry fueled by the fans

The Cleveland Browns will open the 2017 NFL season on Sunday by hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team often referred to as a rival. One of the first things you learn as a Browns fans is to dislike the Steelers, not just as a rival in the AFC North, but as “the rival” for the Browns. The thing is, this have never been a rivalry, at least not on the field.

Why DeShone Kizer’s debut was important for Cleveland’s future (ESPN)

"DeShone Kizer and the Cleveland Browns received the opening kickoff from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, gained one yard on first down, lost nine yards on second down, got flagged for a 5-yard false start penalty and ran a give-up 4-yard run play on third-and-23. The Steelers then blocked the punt and recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. It pretty much had to get better from there."

Refocused: Steelers 21, Browns 18 (Pro Football Focus)

"The scoring opened with a blocked punt recovered for a touchdown by EDGE Anthony Chickillo. Late in the fourth quarter, the Browns could get a WR Corey Coleman touchdown catch from QB DeShone Kizer, however it was not enough to overcome the Steelers, who won 21-18. With that, we give you our PFF exclusive takeaways from the contest for each team."

Browns front office trying to beat the odds (cleveland.com)

"The odds are against the Cleveland Browns. That was the reality Sashi Brown had to face when he took over as vice president of football operations on Jan. 3, 2016. Brown convinced owner Jimmy Haslam to build through the draft, and to take some risks to make that happen. A roster overhaul was needed. The changes were dramatic and massive: Since Brown and his group took over, only 11 players remain out of the 53 on the roster."

NFL news:

Texans owe Houston an apology after Week 1 (Houston Chronicle)

"There are no words. Actually, there are. Horrible. Repulsive. Insulting. Repetitive. Same junk, different year. And that’s being nice."

Ravens defense dominates Cincinnati, Dalton (Baltimore Sun)

"Members of the Baltimore Ravens defense have spoken brashly this summer about having a special unit and one that ultimately could be comparable to some of the best groups that a franchise known for its defense has put out. The current group’s opening statement was loud and emphatic as the Ravens forced five turnovers in a 20-0 rout of the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, which was half empty by the start of the fourth quarter. It was the Ravens’ first win in Cincinnati since the 2011 season."

Jacksonville’s Allen Robinson may have a torn ACL (NFL.com)

"The season is likely over for Allen Robinson. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ go-to wide receiver is feared to have suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s season-opening win over the Houston Texans, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Robinson will have an MRI on Monday."

Jets season from hell off to a perfect start (New York Post)

"If Sam Darnold tuned in to watch any of the Jets-Bills game on Sunday, he may be at the USC registrar’s office right now lining up his course schedule for 2018-19. The Jets did their part Sunday for the crowd who wants them to “Suck for Sam” with a 21-12 loss to the Bills at New Era Field. The Jets are 0-1 and on their way toward the No. 1 draft pick in 2018."