Regular Season Schedule
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So I guess we need an entire squad of all pros to be considered contenders?
Nah... but we need to actually win games.
Being 2-4 after six games is a real possibility. That will test the cohesion of a young team trying to gel... not to mention a fan base with oversized expectations.
Week 6 will be huge. We will face a good Seattle team, who has 10 days to prepare for us (their Week 5 game is hosting LAR on TNF), on the Sunday after our MNF game at SF. We will take the result of that game into the BYE with NE waiting on the other side.
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Nah... but we need to actually win games.
Being 2-4 after six games is a real possibility. That will test the cohesion of a young team trying to gel... not to mention a fan base with oversized expectations.
Week 6 will be huge. We will face a good Seattle team, who has 10 days to prepare for us (their Week 5 game is hosting LAR on TNF), on the Sunday after our MNF game at SF. We will take the result of that game into the BYE with NE waiting on the other side.
Both the first two are winnable Tour. That happens, the train starts a rollin'. Don't see 0-4 after that... I agree playing the 49ers on MNF, and then a real short week to play the Seahawks coming off a bye in Cleveland, the schedule makers didn't exactly do us a favor there...
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Let's not jump ahead of ourselves...
We are still a few defensive pieces away from being playoff contenders..
8-8 is where I expect this team to finish... Maybe 9-7 if were lucky
Let's not jump ahead of ourselves...
We are still a few defensive pieces away from being playoff contenders..
8-8 is where I expect this team to finish... Maybe 9-7 if were lucky
I'm exactly where you are, my friend. Maybe it's because I still remember 2008 VERY well, but I tend to agree with 8-8. The difference with my opinion is I can see 10-6, ESPECIALLY if we split the first 8 games because I think the second half of the schedule lightens up just a bit, but I can also see us winning only 6 games.
Now, I’m the first to admit that our team is a much different animal than the 2008 squad, but I’m not sure fans truly remember the amount of hype we had going into the year. Not only did we fail to live up to the hype, we were an unmitigated disaster from the GET-GO. Weird injuries in preseason, cuts that didn’t heal, touchdowns dropped (ahem, Braylon), and every other problem you can think of. We came into that year the darling of the AFC North, and we crapped the sheets IMMEDIATELY.
Ok, so referring back to 2008 isn’t very scientific in terms of prognosticating a win-loss schedule. So what else is going on? Three things, and while I’m sure they’ve already been discussed in these 3 pages, I’m going to apologize in advance for not reading every post. Here are my 3 reasons for predicting between 6-10 wins (I know you guys are very excited! LOL)
1. Defense. I do not trust our defense yet, and while I’m excited to get a new DC and new scheme, we have holes at LB, CB, and Safety. Jabril Peppers wasn’t an allstar, but he was starting to play a bit better, and we’re still going to feel his absence. I mean, he almost singlehandedly beat the Broncos for us with his incredible end zone interception and the 4th down sack. We’re still missing that “thumper” style linebacker, and what hurts the most is we HAD HIM in Michael Kendricks, but obviously we had to cut him.
2. Field Goal Kicker. Ok, stop laughing, and hear me out. If we had a stud FG kicker last year, what do you think our record is? I mean, just look at the close games we lost. Pittsburgh and New Orleans were the first two games of the year, and both games basically came down to kicks. What about the last game of the year against the Ravens? We go for it on 4th and 10 instead of kicking the 56 yard FG. Obviously I understand that 56 yards if FAR from a gimme, but if you had a good kicker, you probably go for the kick, right? Heck, we lost to the Bucs in overtime on a 58 yarder. And the weather wasn’t THAT terrible in Baltimore. Greg Joseph has the physical tools to be a good kicker, no doubt. Plenty of leg and all that, but even several of his MADE attempts got between the uprights by the grace of God himself. Remember the “slice kick” he had against the Jets I think? Where it started left and sliced back right? LOL! How about the game-winner against the Ravens? That should NOT have gone in, hahaha. How many extra points and FG’s JUST went through? Until we get a good FG kicker, I can’t predict us to get more than 10 wins, and 10 is the high side for me.
3. Injuries. Now, this is something that applies to every team, and it’s not even fun to talk about, but I don’t even know who our backup QB is going to be. Drew Stanton? I know he’s got a solid starting record, but I don’t think he’s the guy you REALLY want out there if the unthinkable happens. I also don’t put much stock in Denzel Ward’s health. He’s one of my FAVORITE players, and my heart breaks for that kid, but 3 concussions in like 7 weeks is NOT good, especially as a rookie. It’s got to be on his mind nonstop, ya know? How can he NOT be hesitant? I hope I’m wrong, I really do, but for us to maximize our potential, we need our allstars, and he’s so talented…we need him out there in the secondary.
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5 out of the last 7 games being against the North is going to be bananas.
I know, I really don't like it. I'd rather have a few more division games early when teams tend to be healthier.
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So I guess we need an entire squad of all pros to be considered contenders?
Nah... but we need to actually win games.
Being 2-4 after six games is a real possibility. That will test the cohesion of a young team trying to gel... not to mention a fan base with oversized expectations.
Week 6 will be huge. We will face a good Seattle team, who has 10 days to prepare for us (their Week 5 game is hosting LAR on TNF), on the Sunday after our MNF game at SF. We will take the result of that game into the BYE with NE waiting on the other side.
Nah... but we need to actually win games.
Being 2-4 after six games is a real possibility. That will test the cohesion of a young team trying to gel... not to mention a fan base with oversized expectations.
Week 6 will be huge. We will face a good Seattle team, who has 10 days to prepare for us (their Week 5 game is hosting LAR on TNF), on the Sunday after our MNF game at SF. We will take the result of that game into the BYE with NE waiting on the other side.
That's kind of what I was saying, too. If we can split the first 8 games and stay healthy, I REALLY like how our schedule shapes up in the second half. Although the second half is absolutely loaded with division foes, I don't see that as being the formidable force as it historically was...hopefully. You want to know what our entire season hinges on? I'm not trying to be dramatic, but my honest-to-goodness opinion about the entire trajectory of our team lies on our season opener. We haven't won a season opener since 2004, and that was the only victory we've had opening day since coming back. It's a stat that gets more and more bizarre, and we've lost them in EVERY SINGLE WAY possible (no need to rehash them, LOL).
We could very easily start out the year 2-4, no doubt, but I like our chances break even or better in the first half of the season if we can FINALLY win a season opener. On one hand, the scheduling gods gave us a break with having a home game (thank GOD), but on the other, it's against a team that was 9-7 last year. If we don't stop the run, they will beat us. Again, I hate to be overly dramatic, but the season opener is basically going to be the barometer for our 2019 campaign. Win the damn opener, go to New York and beat them up, and then get ready for a Sunday night PARTY against the NFC Champions, Rams.
Damn...now I'm all pumped up for football and it's the 19th of April!
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Nah... but we need to actually win games.
Being 2-4 after six games is a real possibility. That will test the cohesion of a young team trying to gel... not to mention a fan base with oversized expectations.
Week 6 will be huge. We will face a good Seattle team, who has 10 days to prepare for us (their Week 5 game is hosting LAR on TNF), on the Sunday after our MNF game at SF. We will take the result of that game into the BYE with NE waiting on the other side.
Both the first two are winnable Tour. That happens, the train starts a rollin'. Don't see 0-4 after that... I agree playing the 49ers on MNF, and then a real short week to play the Seahawks coming off a bye in Cleveland, the schedule makers didn't exactly do us a favor there...
Both the first two are winnable Tour. That happens, the train starts a rollin'. Don't see 0-4 after that... I agree playing the 49ers on MNF, and then a real short week to play the Seahawks coming off a bye in Cleveland, the schedule makers didn't exactly do us a favor there...
True... winnable... but despite the fact that I see week's 1 and 2 supplying the "Ws" in my 2-4 tally, they are not won.
Ag's on his Henry horse early, but of more concern to me is facing a healthy Mariotta. Of the first two weeks TN is the better test, but I don't see their D being strong enough to prevent a "W"... even if it takes a shootout to post it.
Week 2 has the look of an opposite... a defensive struggle. NYJ adding Moseley in the middle and Jonson at one corner helps them immensely. And while I don't fear Darnold, Bell lining up behind him adds a run dimension that has to be honored and a pass option that has to cool our pass rush.
Even should we emerge an unscathed 2-0, the competition level rises hosting the Rams on a short week, visiting BLT, traveling to SF and then facing SEA. That's a schedule that could blunt a helluva lot of momentum.
Seattle playing a 1pm eastern game isn’t easy for them either
True, but Pete has 10 days to reset his team's bio-clocks.
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Zombo said:
This "we" you spoke of has nothing to do with Dorsey and Mayfield and this current team, and everything to do with a damaged fanbase.
I understand, and it's cool for some of you to go "whoa, let's not put the cart before the horse", I do get it.
Garret, Ward, Schoebert and Landry were Pro Bowlers with the Browns. We've added Pro Bowlers Vernon, Richardson, Hunt and OBJ. That's 8.
Mayfield set the rookie passing mark. Chubb and Nojoku look like big-time playmakers of the future.
We were 5-2 Down the stretch ... It's OK to be optimistic too.
Agree... enough water has flowed under the bridge... carrying GMs, HCs, QBs and others with it... to render any connection with 2007 illogical. ANd while other stops along the way have felt different-ish, this time is clearly different.
It was before my time here or any sports forum for that matter, but after 2007, I told anyone who would listen that we needed to trade both Derek "one read" Anderson and Braylon Edwards while they were "hot"... that 2007 was a dual, high-water fluke that they'd never approach again.
I think I pretty much nailed that one...
I got no such feeling from this roster... and that was prior to all JD's off-season moves.
So I understand the optimism of you and others. BION I'm optimistic, too... just being realistic at the same time. While there are others who have zipped right past "optimism" and are steaming towards "delirium".
Just the take from the guy who was mocked for calling the 2018 Ravens the class of the AFCN... a mantle we have a legit shot at taking in 2019... it's just not going to be easy.
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Browns open as 5 point favorites over the Titans.
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Zombo said:
Zombo
-- Oh, I guess we should draft first
Might help a tad.?
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Zombo said:
Wow ... I made two picks.
Zombo
I made 3 picks before I moved my office and then went on vacation. Just now, today, an hour ago I finally got my computer up and running again. I will still beg off making any more picks because it is far too late to catch up...and all y'all are doing fine nevertheless.
And you never know....I may even do a Browns draft history trivia thread now that I can do things proper.
Who is in favor of that?
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Hotel room is booked for the MNF game vs the jets. Check out GNATS event in the tailgate section. All are welcome.
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By the way....I see that the Stadium in Arizona has undergone a name change: It is now State Farm Stadium.....formerly University of Phoenix Stadium.
Damned corporate naming rights BS
As long as I had to dredge up this thread....is there any more comment about the schedule, or what road trips to games anyone may be thinking about?
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Another comment on the stadium naming issue. As I see it, only 5 or maybe 6 stadiums do not have corporate names:
Arrowhead Stadium Kansas City
Broncos Stadium at Mile High Denver
Lambeau Field Green Bay
Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati.
Soldier Field Chicago
....and maybe Ford Field in Detroit.....depends on whether the stadium is named for the family that owns them....or the auto Company
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By the way....I see that the Stadium in Arizona has undergone a name change: It is now State Farm Stadium.....formerly University of Phoenix Stadium.
Damned corporate naming rights BS
As long as I had to dredge up this thread....is there any more comment about the schedule, or what road trips to games anyone may be thinking about?
By the way....I see that the Stadium in Arizona has undergone a name change: It is now State Farm Stadium.....formerly University of Phoenix Stadium.
Damned corporate naming rights BS
As long as I had to dredge up this thread....is there any more comment about the schedule, or what road trips to games anyone may be thinking about?
I reluctantly have to say no to the MNF game against the Jets. Sandwiched between two drives up to Cleveland. Too far to drive (10 hours) and too expensive to fly. Plus the good friend I would have gone with can't make the trip due to family issues. Arizona is probable, but I'm going to have to do my own itinerary Gipper- other than the game, regardless whether the wife decides to go or not. At least one, and probably two friends that live in Arizona we will want to spend time with. Unfortunately, doing the walk-up of Humphreys Peak- knocking off another state high point- if the wife doesn't go is problematic, as it looks like there's already a lot of snow up top by that time of year. .
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By the way....I see that the Stadium in Arizona has undergone a name change: It is now State Farm Stadium.....formerly University of Phoenix Stadium.
Damned corporate naming rights BS
As long as I had to dredge up this thread....is there any more comment about the schedule, or what road trips to games anyone may be thinking about?
I reluctantly have to say no to the MNF game against the Jets. Sandwiched between two drives up to Cleveland. Too far to drive (10 hours) and too expensive to fly. Plus the good friend I would have gone with can't make the trip due to family issues. Arizona is probable, but I'm going to have to do my own itinerary Gipper- other than the game, regardless whether the wife decides to go or not. At least one, and probably two friends that live in Arizona we will want to spend time with. Unfortunately, doing the walk-up of Humphreys Peak- knocking off another state high point- if the wife doesn't go is problematic, as it looks like there's already a lot of snow up top by that time of year. .
I reluctantly have to say no to the MNF game against the Jets. Sandwiched between two drives up to Cleveland. Too far to drive (10 hours) and too expensive to fly. Plus the good friend I would have gone with can't make the trip due to family issues. Arizona is probable, but I'm going to have to do my own itinerary Gipper- other than the game, regardless whether the wife decides to go or not. At least one, and probably two friends that live in Arizona we will want to spend time with. Unfortunately, doing the walk-up of Humphreys Peak- knocking off another state high point- if the wife doesn't go is problematic, as it looks like there's already a lot of snow up top by that time of year. .
OK, I may still consider Phoenix in December. I have some thing I want to "knock off" as well. (but I ain't climbing mountains). I have a friend that wants to go to AZ, but he has no interest in actually going to the game. He only wants to watch them on TV, and I understand that. I could end up going to AZ and not bother going to the game. They want $300-400 a night for the hotels near the stadium. And as you know from a couple of times we went to away games...I am not all that thrilled with the stadium experience myself. The constant assault upon the senses is completely irritating to me.
Also, I got this wedding and cruise coming up next summer, so my travel budget is going to be stretched with that. Plus, between now and Dec. I have trips to NYC, Lake Ozark Missouri, and Jackson Hole WY. I may not make a decision until late Oct.
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Wife just came home with some fall scented candles.
'What does this one remind you of?'
'They all remind me of being really angry about a football game.
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