@sdbacker80 said:

As far as the rankings- I was surprised by some of the low Oline Rankings.  Baker had time and we had over 200 yards.  Penalities were held in check- how else do you evaluate an offensive line. They have Bitonio scored well but everyone is pretty average. If Bitonio is playing this well chances are he’s not covering up much for the guys next to him.  My eyes told me a different story Sunday.

Bear in mind that the grades/ranks I post are cumulative... and some of our OL started in a very deep hole.

@jiggins7919 said:

I was surprised too!  Apparently Kush had a terrible game, but I only really noticed him getting owned once.  There's a good chance we might see Wyatt Tellar soon, but a part of me says...why mess it up?  Let these guys continue to gel, right?  We'll see I guess, but one thing I know about Wyatt Tellar that not everyone will know is the kid is an absolute BEAST in the weight room.  He is completely devoted to getting strong, and he was one of those dudes that threw around 225 like 35 times or something stupid like that.  I kinda want to see him, but also don't want to mess with the chemistry!  ?

Trading two picks tells you he’s in the fold eventually 

@sdbacker80 said:

As far as the rankings- I was surprised by some of the low Oline Rankings.  Baker had time and we had over 200 yards.  Penalities were held in check- how else do you evaluate an offensive line. They have Bitonio scored well but everyone is pretty average. If Bitonio is playing this well chances are he’s not covering up much for the guys next to him.  My eyes told me a different story Sunday.

I was surprised too!  Apparently Kush had a terrible game, but I only really noticed him getting owned once.  There's a good chance we might see Wyatt Tellar soon, but a part of me says...why mess it up?  Let these guys continue to gel, right?  We'll see I guess, but one thing I know about Wyatt Tellar that not everyone will know is the kid is an absolute BEAST in the weight room.  He is completely devoted to getting strong, and he was one of those dudes that threw around 225 like 35 times or something stupid like that.  I kinda want to see him, but also don't want to mess with the chemistry! 

Oh, one quick prediction for next week that's random, but I feel like Mack Wilson is going to make a huge play soon.  Pick-6, fumble return, or strip-sack...SOMETHING is coming from this kid, I feel it!  (I've been wrong about all my random predictions so far, so I have to be right eventually)

?

@jiggins7919 said:

It's funny, I'm listening to John Kosko from PFF, and while I don’t put 100% stock in what they do and say, I do believe they’re good as a general guide.  Kosko basically confirms what many of us knew, in that we didn’t necessarily play all THAT great, especially on defense.  We forced the timeliest turnovers on the planet, AND we had a ton of luck.  The deep throw where we blew the coverage and their WR stepped out somehow, the 2 awful drops by Brown (thank God, he’d still be running on the one pass), and the miscommunication on 4^th.  I mean, if Lamar recognizes that wheel route with Andrews on 4^th down and hits him in stride, that’s probably a TD.  At the very least it’s 20 yards.  But hey, they screwed up!!  Let’s be honest, we were DUE for some freaking good luck, and we also MADE our own luck, too.

Many of us have been critical of our TE’s (ahem, me), specifically Pharoh Brown and Demetrius Harris, but let me tell ya, they blocked their ASSES off against the Ravens.  Time after time our TE’s sealed guys, got to the next level, and helped block all over the field.  They didn’t drop a pass, and Seals-Jones is establishing himself as a legit target.  The evidence doesn’t come from the wide open TD, or even the 59 yard reception.  The evidence for Seals-Jones becoming a viable target stems from the 3^rd and 6 catch on the sideline where Mayfield told Seals he was getting it, and he made a gorgeous one-on-one catch in a crucial moment.  THAT means your QB trusts you, and THAT is so important.

This next game is going to be difficult, no way around it.  We’re not likely to be gifted 17 turnovers like the Steelers were (and somehow lost btw), so the next game will come down to holding them to 3 points because I’m pretty sure they’re going to move the ball.  That also means that WE’RE going to need to fix our red zone issues, and Baker and Freddie need to develop some plays that have a better chance of working.  I’m not against trying a fade to Seals-Jones, a QB draw, a shovel-pass, or whatever.  What I DON’T want to see is us going empty backfield and our receivers running a bunch of congested patterns that don’t really have a chance. 

This next game has the possibility of being VERY fun, and we need to find a way to stack some wins.  I don’t love playing teams after their bye, as it seems like everyone is healthier than us, but whatever.  From what I’ve heard on the radio waves, neither Denzel OR Greedy are likely to play.  That doesn’t mean they’re 100% out, but a hamstring injury on a DB is a death knell because it’s just so easy to re-injure it.  Also, like I said in another post, several reporters (including Jim Donovan) said they’d expect to see Landry playing, as his concussion was especially minor and getting that one extra day is vital. 

We are on the same page with the Secondary. It’s a great story but I fear with a little more execution we are going to get lit up.  The Rams had a hard time for 2 1/2 quarters and Lamar as you pointed out didn’t get a lot of help and didn’t help himself at other times.   We have been assured by folks on here that the game plan will change as Jimmy G will be dinking and dunking Monday night.

I haven’t heard if Ward or Greedy have even tested their injuries.  I think the first step is actually suiting up during the week or before the game and seeing what transpires.

As far as the rankings- I was surprised by some of the low Oline Rankings.  Baker had time and we had over 200 yards.  Penalities were held in check- how else do you evaluate an offensive line. They have Bitonio scored well but everyone is pretty average. If Bitonio is playing this well chances are he’s not covering up much for the guys next to him.  My eyes told me a different story Sunday.

@tour2ma said:

Patience, Grasshopper, patience...

They ain't wearing Orange and Brown so......

It's funny, I'm listening to John Kosko from PFF, and while I don’t put 100% stock in what they do and say, I do believe they’re good as a general guide.  Kosko basically confirms what many of us knew, in that we didn’t necessarily play all THAT great, especially on defense.  We forced the timeliest turnovers on the planet, AND we had a ton of luck.  The deep throw where we blew the coverage and their WR stepped out somehow, the 2 awful drops by Brown (thank God, he’d still be running on the one pass), and the miscommunication on 4^th.  I mean, if Lamar recognizes that wheel route with Andrews on 4^th down and hits him in stride, that’s probably a TD.  At the very least it’s 20 yards.  But hey, they screwed up!!  Let’s be honest, we were DUE for some freaking good luck, and we also MADE our own luck, too.

Many of us have been critical of our TE’s (ahem, me), specifically Pharoh Brown and Demetrius Harris, but let me tell ya, they blocked their ASSES off against the Ravens.  Time after time our TE’s sealed guys, got to the next level, and helped block all over the field.  They didn’t drop a pass, and Seals-Jones is establishing himself as a legit target.  The evidence doesn’t come from the wide open TD, or even the 59 yard reception.  The evidence for Seals-Jones becoming a viable target stems from the 3^rd and 6 catch on the sideline where Mayfield told Seals he was getting it, and he made a gorgeous one-on-one catch in a crucial moment.  THAT means your QB trusts you, and THAT is so important.

This next game is going to be difficult, no way around it.  We’re not likely to be gifted 17 turnovers like the Steelers were (and somehow lost btw), so the next game will come down to holding them to 3 points because I’m pretty sure they’re going to move the ball.  That also means that WE’RE going to need to fix our red zone issues, and Baker and Freddie need to develop some plays that have a better chance of working.  I’m not against trying a fade to Seals-Jones, a QB draw, a shovel-pass, or whatever.  What I DON’T want to see is us going empty backfield and our receivers running a bunch of congested patterns that don’t really have a chance. 

This next game has the possibility of being VERY fun, and we need to find a way to stack some wins.  I don’t love playing teams after their bye, as it seems like everyone is healthier than us, but whatever.  From what I’ve heard on the radio waves, neither Denzel OR Greedy are likely to play.  That doesn’t mean they’re 100% out, but a hamstring injury on a DB is a death knell because it’s just so easy to re-injure it.  Also, like I said in another post, several reporters (including Jim Donovan) said they’d expect to see Landry playing, as his concussion was especially minor and getting that one extra day is vital. 

They ain't wearing Orange and Brown so......

@icecube said:

The 2 greatest QBs of all time (Montana and Brady) were/are masters of not blindly pretermining where to go. Heck, Joe used to make 4 reads and then go back to read #1 after doing so.

A great QB has a good idea of where he is going to go pre-snap and then adjusts during his drop based on whether the post snap look is developing along the lines of what he saw pre-snap. I loved Joe, but the two that set the standard here in my mind are #12 and P. Manning.

There's another term for going thru all your reads that is more accurate IMO... it's "looking for someone that's open". And that happens either because your pre-snap was wrong or the D has executed to perfection and blanketed all who are out in the pattern.

And there's a third alternate to boot called "get yo' ass sacked"... something Joe had happen a little over twice per start in SF on average.

@icecube said:

You nailed it. That is the biggest difference from being just OK to great. ALL great QBs do NOT predetermine where to throw a pass (unless it's obvious like most screen plays). Great QBs drop back and make reads. The 2 greatest QBs of all time (Montana and Brady) were/are masters of not blindly pretermining where to go. Heck, Joe used to make 4 reads and then go back to read #1 after doing so. Bad QBs blinding assume where to go. 

It's funny, you know how sometimes you just need a bit of luck? Well, we got a good amount Sunday and it was great. You want Exhibit A of Baker predetermined good luck? I believe it was 1st and goal before half and Baker did the RPO (I think) and fired the ball to the inside receiver. This is the pass that got knocked down by the DL, and this was extremely good luck because a defensive back completely read the route and jumped in front of the ball. It would have likely been a pick 6 and changed the game entirely. Go back and watch this play...it's terrifying, lol. 

That play HAD to scare Baker straight, lol. But I'll tell you what, there isn't a QB in the league I'd rather have than Baker when it comes to setting his feet and firing the ball down the seam. He had some gorgeous balls that were NAILS. Most of the Landry throws were dead on and I so hope he's back soon. 

@jiggins7919 said:

The problem comes in the form of the predetermination. THAT'S what he has to avoid, and he needs to trust himself and read the defense. The other thing to work on is the occasional "feeling imaginary pressure and rolling right for no reason" hiccup.

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/10/how-baker-mayfield-stopped-rolling-into-chaos-and-started-throwing-from-the-pocket-vs-ravens-film-review.html

You nailed it. That is the biggest difference from being just OK to great. ALL great QBs do NOT predetermine where to throw a pass (unless it's obvious like most screen plays). Great QBs drop back and make reads. The 2 greatest QBs of all time (Montana and Brady) were/are masters of not blindly pretermining where to go. Heck, Joe used to make 4 reads and then go back to read #1 after doing so. Bad QBs blinding assume where to go. 

@jrb12711 said:

along with our starting OLB

Mack Wilson was on track to replace Kirksey in the starting lineup this season.. game 3 probably wasn't the plan, but Kirksey definitely was at best just keeping the seat warm.

@kvoethe said:

I just watched some post game comments on the ny post website.  Lamar Jackson...i couldnt understand a word he said...bizarre.

Is it?

@jiggins7919 said:

... and I likely will after my interview.

Wait... WHAT?

If the above is literal, then who is "predetermining now?"

This is definitely not a bash against Mayfield. We know he's young and he's not going to be perfect. The problem comes in the form of the predetermination. THAT'S what he has to avoid, and he needs to trust himself and read the defense. The other thing to work on is the occasional "feeling imaginary pressure and rolling right for no reason" hiccup. On the red zone incompletion to Ratley, Mayfield had the ENTIRE left side of the pocket/field to use, and had he done so he could have fired an EASY TD bullet to Seals-Jones, as his defender fell down. Again, not bashing Mayfield, but these are the kind of plays he needs to make for us to score 7, not 3. 

I could write a hundred good things about Baker from Sunday, and I likely will after my interview. He really grew up in a tough game, but that running attack won't always be there, and we'll need him to finish off more drives from the pocket if we're going to be the team we all hope to be! 

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/2019/10/how-baker-mayfield-stopped-rolling-into-chaos-and-started-throwing-from-the-pocket-vs-ravens-film-review.html

@sdbacker80 said:

Close we had one on the first drive and one after they cut the lead to 6.

...and the next play put us up 12.

-----------------

are we now fixed or are the Ravens not that good?

...both....and neither.

Both teams have young, learning QB's.  They're going to have good games and not so good games.  And teams go, as their QB's go (the running game rarely carries a team to victory).   < is Nick Chubb fast or what >   I'm happy to see that we've reduced the number of dumb penalties.  I can understand that you hold a guy in order to keep the QB from getting creamed....but the false starts, illegal shifts, off sides, kick a guy in the head, etc......it's hard enough  playing against the opponent.  

@tour2ma said:

If you are missing the word "level" where I inserted it, then that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard...

There's a reason that there are First team, 2nd team, etc., players or else a DC would just draw names out of a hat each week.

Now if he meant "know the playbook, work hard, no blown coverages, do your best" that's a different thing...

In his explanation, he did say that if they had no confidence in the player and they didnt think he could do the job, then he wouldnt even have made the roster......

Of course, at that moment, I was praying someone would ask him about Austin Corbett......hahaha.....

@choco said:

In case you haven't noticed,wilks changes the scheme for the opponent. Sounds like you think the D that beat the rats is gonna be the same for the 9ers. Carrie and mitchel have started in this league, the defense does not hinge on the youngins availability

• Upvote

@canton-dawg said:

I would say a little of both.

The Browns are a young team with a rookie HC.

The offense looked good today...but the defense surprised me.

Kudos to the offensive line, they surprised me as well.

I’m glad I had this game on the DVR, it’s a game I could watch over again. ?

Email that to me!!! I'm stuck out here in Cheifs Kingdom!

Some of both...

Works for me.

@d-bone said:

I didn't see the game yesterday

Probably why we won...

@texasag1969 said:

And I liked what Freddie said about expecting the backups to play up to the starters LEVEL(???) or they would not even be on the team.

If you are missing the word "level" where I inserted it, then that's the stupidest thing I've ever heard...

There's a reason that there are First team, 2nd team, etc., players or else a DC would just draw names out of a hat each week.

Now if he meant "know the playbook, work hard, no blown coverages, do your best" that's a different thing...

@atom said:

the D surprised you ? thats why i felt we would win as far as the O seems to me they are gelling  and the ratbirds are over rated

It's both. But the improved play calling was the largest factor. Almost any team having the QB drop back 40-50+ times is doomed. 25-30 pass attempts is much wiser. And the proof was in the pudding. Chubb set up the passing game, and Baker benefited.  

@mddawg said:

We're a good team, potentially very good but not great yet. Watched the last two minutes of KC vs the Lions, now KC is a great team.

I'll tell you what, I know we were intentionally playing uber soft in our secondary to keep things in front of us, but it seemed to be a little TOO soft.  Garappolo is a very accurate passer and that soft coverage isn't going to fly against the 49's.  I know, I know, our defensive scheme was probably adjusted to be super soft, but this is a game where we REALLY need Greedy and Denzel back, and unfortunately, I don't believe either is slated to return.  Garappolo doesn't like to hold onto the ball and he'll let it fly when somebody is open, so the best thing you can do is cover like crazy because I believe he can be rattled.  You have to get him off his first read because when he drops back and plants that foot, he's as accurate as anyone.  If you can force him to survey the field, I think Myles Garrett can wreck the game.

I'm going to say a prayer to the hamstring gods, and hopefully we get our young DB's back!  ?

Quick edit:  I also believe we're going to see the return of our down-field passing game.  Have you noticed that we really don't go deep that much?  Well, that's probably going to change.  Why?  Antonio Calloway.  This last game was a total eye-opener in terms of seeing just how much attention OBJ gets.  Just watch Seals-Jones TD catch, and his 59 yarder.  On both plays the defenders cheat off Seals-Jones and leave him COMPLETELY wide open.  Jarvis Landry isn't a burner, and neither is Higgins.  Ratley has decent speed, but we've never used him in that capacity.  On the other hand, Antonio Calloway DOES have vertical speed, so if you're going to try and double OBJ or bracket him with a safety, Calloway is likely to get some single coverage and opportunities to get deep.  It might not sound like a huge deal, but it is.