lewisbrandon25

[lewisbrandon25]

Cleveland Browns 2017 Season Breakdown

This year marks my third year of doing one of these breakdowns, the first two years ending with me predicting the Browns to go 7-9, only to have them end up 3-13 and 1-15 respectively. Before the preseason, I was telling everybody I knew I thought the Browns were at best going 2-14 this season, thinking this will be as painful as last year. However, watching this team play in the preseason, they look a lot better than the team a year ago. Again, preseason never means a thing, but it is encouraging to see a defense that can FINALLY tackle, and to see a quarterback who can throw the ball accurately, something this city hasn’t seen since Bernie Kosar, who a lot of people are comparing Deshone Kizer to because of the way Kizer plays inside and outside the pocket. Back in July, if you would have told me that Deshone Kizer would be the Browns staring quarterback opening day, I would have thought you were crazy. It just shows how much Kizer has grown since training camp because believe me; The reason he’s starting is not just because Brock Osweiler is complete trash, the kid possesses starting caliber talent, but he and this new look Browns team will be put to the test early. I like the way this team is going, and the way the front office is running things, cutting Joe Haden was for sure a step in the right direction, showing me this front office wants to win, and that they don’t care how long you’ve been in a orange helmet, they will get the players on this team who can help us win both now, and in the future.  I do think we take a mini jump this year, but I am not setting my expectations too high. The schedule is horrendous, and it starts at home against arch rival Pittsburgh, and their newly acquired corner back Joe Haden.

VS Steelers(September 10th, 2017)

(Joe Haden signs his new 3 yr/$17m with the Steelers on August 30th after being let go by the Browns the same day.)

Over the last few years, the Steelers-Browns rivalry has missed a little something; hatred. The Steelers lost a lot of old veterans who used to kill the Browns, making this feud a little less hard hitting, and a little bit more boring. This year though, the heat has turned back up with former Brown and pro bowl defensive back Joe Haden joining the Steeler secondary. To make things more interesting, former Steeler Sammie Coates is now on the other side as well, and we will see Coates be matched up with Haden on occasion. I know both players are going to be fired up for this game, but so will other players on both sides. Le’veon Bell returns for the Steelers after sitting out all of training camp with a contract dispute, Antonio Brown looking to prove he’s still the best wide out in pro football, and Browns rookies Jabrill Peppers and Deshone Kizer debut, the tandem seeking to bring a spark to the dawg pound on both sides of the ball. The #1 overall pick Myles Garrett will be out with a sprained ankle, but I do not really think it makes a difference, This Browns defensive line is stacked, and new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will make sure this team is ready, Williams having a reputation as one of the best coordinators in the game, but also a dirty coach in large part to the bounty gate in 2009 with the eventual Super Bowl 44 champion New Orleans Saints. Bottom line, Williams is a gamer, and in his own words, HE DON’T GIVE A F*CK! This defense will be much improved, but the offense will be worse from last year. Yes, Kizer is at QB, and we have Crowell, and a OL, but we do not have any pass catchers, leading to the Browns downfall in this game. Free agent signing Kenny Britt isn’t very good from what I’ve seen, and Corey Coleman isn’t a #1 WR that can go make plays on every down. After those two, our best wide out may be running back Duke Johnson. The position is so weak that I don’t know how the Browns are going to throw it, and you cannot beat this Steeler team without some kind of offense through the air. I think the game is close, but Pittsburgh will win 27-17, and travel out of First Energy 1-0 while the Browns head to arch rival Baltimore 0-1

@Ravens(September 17th, 2017)

(Jeremy Maclin, the Ravens new wide receiver, catching a pass during training camp.)

In the offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs surprisingly cut wide out Jeremy Maclin after the 28 year old had 44 catches during 12 games last year for the club. Yes, the production was down, but the Chiefs also had other play makers, especially Tyreke Hill to make plays for them, resulting in Maclin’s role being reduced. The Chiefs I guess felt they did not need Maclin’s services, but the Ravens felt like they did. I wish the Browns could have grabbed Maclin, his game could have opened up a lot for our offense, him instantly becoming the top target. He’s in Maryland though, and the Browns cornerbacks will have to defend him. With that being said, I don’t know how well he will do in this game. The Browns don’t have great DB’s, but the Ravens offense is a mess. Joe Flacco may not even play this game, and even if he does, the Ravens are getting old, and their OL will not be able to meet the penetration of the Browns DL at the point of attack.The Browns also play well in Baltimore, and I think they squick out a victory in this one by a field goal in a defensive battle, evening the Browns record at 1-1, tying the amount of victories this team had a year ago.

@Colts(September 24th, 2017)

(Colts Quarterback Andrew Luck dropping back to pass during a game.)

I still do not understand how the Colts in three years have gone from a AFC Championship game vs the Patriots, to accusing the Patriots of using deflated balls in that game, to now a complete utter trash bin without any help for their franchise quarterback. Chuck Pagano has overstayed his welcome, and his seat is as hot as ever. This team is a train wreck with a OL who injured their starting Quarterback, a old aged running back, a depleted receiving core like the Browns have, and a old defense. With that being said, if Luck plays this game, the Colts will win since this is a typical game for the Browns to drop; a winnable game on the road. Luck is good enough to take a ok receiving core and torch the Browns below average secondary. Yes, the Browns DL can break through this OL like the Ravens game, but like the Steelers game, the Colts are going to design quick hitters and dissect this secondary apart like only Andrew Luck can. You know former Browns head coach and current Colts Offensive Coordinator Rob “Chud” Chudzinski will be motivated as well to prove to the Browns he did not deserve to get fired after one season. Don’t worry chud, you didn’t! Anyways, if Luck plays Colts win a close one. If he is inactive, whoever the quarterback for the Colts will be, they will get slaughtered and lose to this Browns defense. Andrew: I do think you do play, and you better since the fate of your coach, and your team rests on your young shoulders.

VS Bengals(October 1st, 2017)

(Bengals wide receiver AJ Green scoring a touchdown vs the Browns)

The 86th edition of the “Battle of Ohio” comes to Cleveland in week 4 when the Bengals come to town for the Browns second home game. The Bengals own the Browns, and I think it continues here. The Bengals did lose pro bowl LT Andrew Whitworth to the Rams, and starting RG Kevin Zeitler to the Browns, but again, the Bengals offense is just too good. AJ Green will dismantle the Browns defensive backs and John Ross with his 4′2 combine speed will only add to the trouble. The Bengals did finish with a 6-9-1 record last season, but they had a lot of injuries including AJ Green, Tyler Eifert, Gio Bernard, and Jeremy Hill. Now with all those toys for Andy Dalton to play with, and you add the addition of Joe Mixon, this Bengals offense is a beast, a beast that is too much for the Browns defense, even a defense run by Gregg Williams can handle. On top of it, Vontaz Burfict returns from his 3 game suspension, and you know he’ll be ready to hit. Don’t be surprised if Kizer is out by the second quarter with a concussion! Last year, I said Hue would be motivated to beat his former team. For Hue, I don’t think it’s about that. For him, it’s about just winning games and getting better. Well, sorry Hue. You are not winning today, and you will fall to a total of 2-18 trough your first 20 games as the Browns head coach as the Bengals win this game 31-14.

VS Jets(October 8th, 2017)

(Josh McCown making an audible during a Jets preseason game vs the Titans.)

If the Browns don’t win this game, I will go on the biggest rant of all time. This Jets team is the worst team I have ever see. Yes, the Lions did go 0-16, but they had Calvin Johnson. The Jets best player may be their coach, Todd Bowels. I posted a picture of former Browns Quarterback Josh McCown just to show the guy some love, but honestly I feel for him. He is on a team with no talent at any position. Their best wide out is an old Matt Forte with an OL air could blow over with 0mph wind. Their defense was ok up front until they traded Sheldon Richardson to the Seahawks for Jermaine Kerse who in my opinion is a overrated WR with a huge contract. Seattle easily won the trade. They do have #6 overall pick Jamal Adams who I think will be a stud, but not right away, and unfortunately for him, he’s going to have to go through the growing pains of being on a horrible team for it least his first four years in the league. The Browns are rebuilding with young talent, also known as, the right way to rebuild a football team. On the other hand, New York is just signing old veterans with no gas left in the tank. I do believe the Jets go 0-16, but it would be classic Browns to lose this game. DON’T DO IT HUE! This should be a no contest, and we should be getting our first W of the year at First Energy Stadium.

@Texans(October 15th, 2017)

(Deshaun Watson, the Texans first pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, rolling out of the pocket during the Texans first preseason game vs the Panthers.)

I am so hoping Tom Savage, Bill O’ Brian’s prized possession, gets hurt before this game, so we can get the battle of Deshone vs Deshaun. The Texans and Browns wheeled and dealed with each other this offseason, the Texans dumping Brock Osweiler’s contract to the Browns for a second round pick, and then in the draft, the Browns gave up the #12 pick to Houston in exchange for a 2018 first round pick. After completing the draft day trade, the Texans spent the #12 pick on QB Deshaun Watson out of Clemson, signaling the front office isn’t too high on Savage, and I am saying the front office because clearly the coach prefers Savage, O’ Brian putting Savage in the starting lineup every chance he’s gotten since he was drafted back in 2014. Savage is coming off of a concussion, and let’s see if there’s any rust from not playing any real football since December. The Texans and the Browns are so similar as well in that both teams have a   great defense, both have questions on offense, and both have offensive minded coaches. Houston though, they have a guy by the name of Deandre Hopkins who is a top 5 wide out in the NFL, catching 94 passes last year, averaging 12.4 yards per catch and adding four touchdowns. The dude is a monster, and he will win the battle with whoever is on the outside for Cleveland. Will Fuller IV is out, so that means former Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller is going to have to step up, along with tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz and running back Lamar Miller. With that being said, Houston has more play makers than the Browns, and while the Browns do have a good pass rush, the Texans have a better one, including J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, and Whitney Mercilus. Even with a revamped line, I think Kizer will be running for his life this game. No matter who plays QB for Houston, they win.

VS Titans(October 22nd, 2017)

(Corey Davis getting his hug from Commissioner Goodell after the Titans drafted him with the #5 selection during the 2017 NFL Draft.)

One of the most surprising teams in the league last year was the Titans. With rookie head coach Mike Mularkey, the team’s former OL coach before getting promoted, the team went 9-7, tying with the Texans for first in the AFC South, but missing out on the postseason thanks to tie breakers, and the broken leg to star QB Marcus Mariota. Last year, this team methodically moved the ball down the field, using running backs Demarco Murray, the former Eagle and Cowboy who was traded to Tennessee from Philly, and second round pick Derek Henry. In the passing game, they found a young stud in Rishard Matthews and added to that core in the off season with additions Eric Decker from free agency, and Corey Davis, the fifth pick in the draft. The Titans defense is opportunistic, and is led by former great Steeler defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau. They play bend, but do not break defense, making sure their opponents don’t score touchdowns, helping their offense out in the process. If the Titans stay healthy, and return to last season’s form, they will be in the postseason bracket, and they will beat the Browns in Cleveland, dropping the Browns record to 2-5. I think Gregg Williams’ defense will keep us in it for 3 quarters, but the offense just won’t be able to get enough points on the board.

VS Vikings(October 29th, 2017: LONDON GAME!)

(Twickenham Stadium, the stadium in London where this game will be played.)

The Browns make their first trip across the pond in late October, facing the Minnesota Vikings. In my estimation, the Vikings will be a bad team this year. They have no play makers on offense but Dalvin Cook and Stephon Diggs, and you can’t win with just speed. Their defense is incredible, but I am not sure that the Vikings players are evening listening to their head coach Mike Zimmer, the Bengals former defensive coordinator, anymore because of what happened during the first half of the week 16 Vikings-Packers game last year when the defense completely ignored Zimmer’s plan. Zimmer’s been through a lot over the last couple of years, including having to have eye surgery that kept him out a week. I believe this is his last year in Minnesota, and the Minnesota ship is sinking with him. Expect this to be Sam “check down Charlie” Bradford’s last year at the helm with Teddy Bridgewater recovering from his torn ACL, and Bradford on the last year of his deal. The Browns on paper match up very well with the Vikings, their defenses and offenses basically cancel out. This is a 50-50 split, a heads-tails type situation where I really don’t know who will win. I do think London is in for a boring defensive game. Since I have to chose a winner, I’ll go Vikings, because the Browns will find a way to disappoint us even at 9:30 in the morning. if my predictions stay accurate, the Browns will head back home for their bye with a 2-6 record. For the Browns, 2-6 through the halfway point is a victory, considering they only had one win all of last year.

@Lions(November 12th, 2017)

(Mathew Stafford warming up before a Lions game)

Coming off the bye week, the Browns travel to Detroit to take on the the Lions. While the Browns will be rested for this game, the Lions are just too good. If Mathew Stafford did not get his finger injured last year that prevented him from taking under center snaps, the Lions I believe would have won the NFC North for the first time since 1991. Losing Anquan Boldin’s 67 targets and 8 touchdowns hurts, but Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter is a mastermind, helping to reshape this Lions offense into something special. I have no clue how Jim Bob is not a NFL head coach. In his first two seasons with this offense, Stafford has thrown for over 4,000 yards each year. Sure, he’s thrown 5,000 yards in a season before but Cooter has helped Stafford turn down the turnovers, Stafford throwing a combined 56 touchdowns and 24 interceptions since Cooter got promoted to offensive coordinator in week 7 of 2015. Marvin Jones and Golden Tate will probably be laughing in the face of the Browns corners, and don’t forget about Zach Zenner, the Lions starting running back who took over late last year. This Lions offense has a lot of peices to cover, and in my opinion, too many for even a crazy Gregg Williams’ defense to cover. Add in the fact Darius Slay will shut down Kenny Britt, and it’s on the road against this good Lions pass rush. I think this will be a “rookie learning” game for Kizer as the Browns get punished in Mo-Town.

VS Jaguars(November 19th, 2017)

(Blake Bortles dropping back to pass vs the Bucs in week 2 of the preseason)

On paper, this Jaguar team is pretty good, like potential wildcard bound good. They have nice young players like Myles Jack, Jalen Ramsey, Leonard Fournette. and the Allen Brothers. They have a good mix of veterans like A.J. Bouye, Maurice Claiborne, Tashawn Gibson and Malik Jackson. The question for the Jaguars is their quarterback Blake Bortles, the #3 pick in the 2014 draft. Bortles had so much promise coming out of UCF, a lot of experts and myself included compared him to one of great quarterbacks Donovan McNabb. Bortles looked great in 2015, throwing for over 4,420 yards. Then, something happened, and Bortles doesn’t look the same. During the Jaguars second preseason game vs the Bucs, Bortles floated a pass down the right sideline to a wide open Allen Robinson, and he missed him by about ten yards. After the game, Doug Marone, the new Jaguars head coach after being promoted from the OL coach, declared that Chad Henne now had a shot to win the job, and somehow Bortles won it back. I like the direction Tom Coughlin is building this team, but as long as Bortles is under center unless he is fixed, the Jaguars are not going anywhere. The coaching staff sure seems to like him, but the players are looking like they are turning on him. During training camp one day, Bortles missed a wide open Allen Robinson and threw the ball 20 feet out of bounds. Robinson then screamed: “KEEP THAT SH*T IN BOUNDS BRUH!” Last year I predicted the Jaguars as my surprise team of the year. This year, I am predicting the Jaguars to go 5-11, and one of those 11 losses will come here. Gregg Williams is going to blitz Blake Bortles all day, making him feel uncomfortable. Kizer will have a bounce back day, and the Browns will get a nice November victory, heading into Cincinnati 3-7.

@Bengals(November 26th, 2017)

(Andy Dalton fired up)

The Browns and Bengals battle once again this season in a rematch from week four. If my week four prediction is accurate, the Bengals will be going for the sweep here. I talked about it in the first match up. The Bengals OL is not good, but their offense runs a lot of quick screens, and power inside runs that I don’t think the OL is a big deal against this Browns team. The Browns have a good DL, but it’s strength is with it’s defensive ends and it’s linebackers. I like Cooley, but he can’t do it alone inside the trenches. Shelton will have to have a big game here to give the Browns a chance at getting to the red rifle. The Bengals will rotate their 3 good backs, and use the electrifying John Ross to open up single coverage for A.J. Green who will once again torch this secondary. The Browns do play well in Cincinnati, and just like last year it will be a shootout, and the Bengals will pull away victorious.

@Chargers(December 3rd, 2017)

The Browns and Chargers start December the way they ended it last year, facing each other, except this time it’s in Los Angeles in that very small stadium. I don’t even have to describe the GIF above. We all know what happened the last time these two teams met. It was Christmas Eve, Santa struck coal into the Chargers players’ stockings, and the Browns won their first and only game of the season after Josh Lambo missed a cheep shot that would have sent this game into overtime. Now, the Chargers play in Los Angeles, they have a new kicker named Younghoe Koe from Korea, they have a new coach named Anthony Lynn, the former Bills OC, and they should have a healthy Keenan Allen. The Chargers will look very different, but the one thing that will remain the same will be Phillip Rivers with the cast of Melvin Gordon, Travis Benjamin, Hunter Henry, and Antonio Gates along with Allen to support him. That is a great offensive combination, and much like the Bengals, it will be too hard to cover. On the road in LA dealing with a time delay, this is a very tough game for the Browns. I say 24-7 Chargers. Up next, it doesn’t get any easier for the Browns as Aaron Rodgers is coming to town!

VS Packers(December 10th, 2017)

(Aaron Rodgers poised to throw a pass to Jared Cook on 3rd and 20 during the divisional round of last years playoffs vs the Cowboys. One of the most incredible throws/catches in the history of the league.) 

For the first time since 2009 when First Energy Stadium was still called Browns Stadium, the “bad man” enters Cleveland with the Packers on a quest to get back to the super bowl for the first time in seven years when they won it against the Steelers. Gregg Williams is a phenomenal defensive coach, but the Browns have no shot here. The Packers are used to the cold, and Aaron Rodgers can play pitch and catch with Jordy Nelson, Martellus Bennett  and Randall Cobb all day. This game reminds me of the Patriots game last year where we knew we had no shot. Coming into this game, let’s just pray it’s not 31-0 by halftime! Kizer: protect yourself buddy because this day is going to be a long one. If it’s close in the 4th, it will just show the strides the Browns have made this season, but I doubt it will be. For those of you without NFL Sunday Ticket or RedZone, prepare your Xbox One or PS4 for a long day of Madden, because this game will not be interesting from the opening kickoff.

VS Ravens(December 17th, 2017)

(Ravens new strong safety Tony Jefferson, formally of the Arizona Cardinals.)

The last two times the Browns have played Baltimore in Cleveland, we had the “kick six” and the Browns blew a 21-0 lead. This time, the Browns will finish off the “dirty birds.” As referenced in the first match up 13 weeks prior, the Ravens are getting old and are not the same team they used to be. I’ve thought over the last couple of years that the Browns were the better team. Well this year they show it by sweeping their old selves and sending a big screw you to Art and David Modell up in heaven for moving the team, and then saying “it’s like they never left.” I’ve always hated Baltimore more than Pittsburgh, and I hope we dominate this game. The addition of Tony Jefferson won’t make the biggest difference in the world, and the Browns will be motivated, considering the fact Jefferson took lower money from the Ravens then what the Browns gave him. To me, this is a game Kizer shines since Baltimore’s pass rush will be weakened with the missing links of Elvis Dumerville and Timmy Jernigan. Crowell will eat too. My dad should get a good birthday present, and so should the fans as this game is the home finale, the final home game giving the Browns just another reason to play their hearts out and win this game. 

@Bears(December 24th, 2017)

(Bears Quarterback Mitch Trubisky holding up his jersey with commissioner Goodell after the Bears moved up in the draft to get what they hope is their franchise quarterback.)

On draft night, the Bears gave up a 2017 3rd round pick, a 2017 4th round pick, and a 2019 3rd round pick all to move up one spot to take quarterback Mitchell Trubisky from North Carolina with the #2 pick. I thought it was a dumb move by the Bears. I don’t love Trubisky. I didn’t think he was worth all that the Bears gave up. If you are the #2 pick and you give up that much for a guy, that guy better be ready opening day. On opening weekend, Mitch will be the backup to Mike Glennon who got paid $16m to go play starter for it least the year. My hope for this game is that it’s snowing, and Mitch starts. Of course, we all know Mitch is from Mentor Ohio, so it would be cool for him to go up against the Browns and show them why he should have been taken over Myles Garrett. The Browns however, want to show they were right by having Kizer beat the Bears. By this point, both squads will be looking towards the draft, but it will be cool to see too young quarterbacks potentially battle it out in a blizzard to see who is superior. Gregg Williams loves rookie QB’s, and you better belief the Browns defense will be bringing some heat. For the first time all year, I believe Kizer has the better wide receiving core on the field with Markus Wheaton the former Steeler, becoming the Bears best wide receiver with Cameron Meredith out for the year. Sure Zach Miller is a good tight end, but he will be blanketed by Kirksey. The Browns in my opinion will improve to 5-10 while the Bears look forward to being in the top 3 of the 2018 draft with the Jets and another horrible team. For the second year in a row, Santa will bring Cleveland a Christmas gift right before the Cavs battle the Warriors.

@Steelers(December 31st, 2017)

(Steelers star running back Le’veon Bell throwing off Browns defender Jamie Collins during a Steeler-Brown game last season.)

The season finale is once again in Pittsburgh where last year the Browns lost to Landry Jones and the Steelers back ups in overtime. Before this article, I did my NFL 2017 Predictions, and I predicted that the Steelers would win the AFC North and be locked in to the #4 seed before week 17. Let’s hope that’s the case, so then the Steelers can play their reserves again, allowing the Browns to have a better chance at winning. Knowing our luck though, I doubt it will happen. In a meaningless game for the Browns, no matter who plays for the Steelers. they will play their hearts out. I just want to see good effort, and I do think we’ll get effort with Gregg Williams at the helm on defense and Hue Jackson’s motto “We gotta get better” applying to the offense. I’ll pick Pittsburgh though, and that will help our draft position as ultimately the Browns I predict will finish the year a strong 5-11, competing in most games, a 4 game improvement from a year ago.

Conclusion:

This Browns team has a lot of promise in the future. If Kizer is who I think he is, the Browns have found themselves a franchise quarterback. Jabrill Peppers looks really good, adding to a defense that will be brutal under Gregg Williams potentially a top 5 defense behind Seattle, Kansas City, Houston, and the LA Rams. Im still not sold on Garrett, but he hopefully can prove me wrong. It’s his effort i’m worried about. I don’t see it constantly. I like David Njoku, but he needs to catch on quick to help this offense because Kenny Britt looks like a waste of money, and Coleman is a #2 WR at best. I really wish we kept Pryor. The OL is solidified besides the RT, but hopefully Shone Coleman can prove he’s a starting right tackle in the National Football League. Overall, this season is about keeping Kizer healthy and growing for the future. The Browns have the 21st hardest schedule this year according to ESPN, tying with the Lions, so 5 wins is a great step in a bright future. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS THINK IN THE COMMENTS!

[lewisbrandon25]

Why Deshone Kizer Should be the Browns Starting Quarterback

A lot of people have been proposing me this question since the Quarterback competition began, “Brandon, who do you think we should start week 1?”

At first, my answer up until training camp actually was Cody Kessler, thinking like a lot of Browns fans Kessler would take a jump from year 1 to year 2. Surprisingly and unfortunately for him, he has digressed, Cody looking like a lost soul on the field with no confidence in his ability. I know Cody’s arm was a problem coming out of USC, but I thought he would develop a stronger arm over time. I was wrong.

When I heard how bad Kessler was doing in camp, I thought Osweiler had the starting job locked, my brain telling me there was no way Kizer was ready since he was a developing project, and we had zero plans to put him on the field in meaningful games this campaign. I even wrote a article last week after the Saints game where I said it was pretty much Osweiler’s job as long as he did not play like crap, and going into last night’s game against the Giants, I still thought it was Brock’s job to lose. His stat line in the two preseason games are not bad, they are just not good enough to win football games, especially considering the talent the Browns have as pass catchers might be the worst in the league. With a group of wide receivers this awful, you need a guy who can make plays with his feet. Yes, Osweiler is sneaky athletic, his 6′8 frame earning him a scholarship to play small forward in basketball at Gonzaga, but he just does not have that WOW factor! 

Now, hold your horses here. I am not saying Kizer is great. He still needs development when it comes to some of his throws and awareness inside and outside the pocket, but you can teach that stuff on the field. I am comparing this situation to the 2016 Eagles situation. Remember, they had rookie Quarterback entering camp as the third stringer, telling him he was going to red shirt the season behind Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel. He impressed so much during training camp and his only preseason game however, that Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman traded Bradford to the Vikings eight days before week 1, and Carson jumped over Daniel, started week 1 against the Browns, and now the Eagles have a franchise signal caller. The Browns need to find their franchise signal caller now, and if the coaching staff thinks it is Kizer, throw him into the fire. The only way the kid will learn is by playing, and you can not get much worse than Osweiler and Kessler right now. Unless of course, your name happens to be Blake Bortles. You want Osweiler Jacksonville? You can have him for a second round pick since we have our starting Quarterback on the roster, something you wish you did.

[lewisbrandon25]

Five takeaways from the Browns 20-14 win over the Saints

1. Gregg Williams was the biggest addition to this Browns team

Browns new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is the real deal, the former Saints and Rams defensive coordinator making sure his guys play hard even in preseason. The first drive was a little shaky, but as time went on, the Browns defense got better, including getting a redzone stop late in the game to seal the W.  Channel 5(WEWS Cleveland) analyst and former NFL defensive back Solomon Wilcots keep repeating on the air that Gregg Williams was the Browns biggest pickup in the offseason. I couldn’t agree more. Williams preaches hustle and tackling no matter what the situation is in the game, and he is known to light a fire under a team wherever he goes. His 26 years of experience in the NFL is exactly what the Browns need.

2. Danny Shelton does not look good

Danny Shelton looked completely overpowered by the Saints offensive line, Shelton struggling to break through the line especially on run plays. On the other hand, Trevon Coley looked like a beast. He flashed off my screen, making tackle after tackling, including a BS holding call on him. The Saints ran a play action, but Coley not knowing it was a fake, tackled the running back, and the refs called him for holding. In no world is that holding! The dude does look like a monster, and I am excited to see more from the 310 pound defensive tackle

3. The Quarterback battle is still a battle

In my eyes, no Quarterback for the Browns stood out as the starter last night. Osweiler started the game rusty, under throwing his receivers and not putting the ball on the money. On his last drive however, he looked like he did back in his Denver days, putting zip on the ball, including a lob pass to Ricardo Louis in the back of the endzone that would have been a touchdown if Louis could get his feet down. Two plays later on 4th down, he delivered a strike to Kenny Britt on a slant route, but Britt unfortunately could not come up with it. 

Kessler was next in line, and he took advantage of a short field thanks to a Saints turnover and punched it into the endzone. Overall, Kessler looks comfortable in the short game, but not in the long game. I see no improvement from year 1 to year 2 so far, and that does not do well for his chances of winning the job.

Kizer played the entire 2nd half, leading two touchdown drives thanks to two beautiful bombs down the field. However, those bombs were open because of the bad man coverage from the Saints. If you take away the two deep shots, Kizer doesn’t even have 60 yards throwing. He looked calm in the pocket, but some throws looked disastrous and at times, he held the ball for way too long, trying to make a play instead of just throwing it away. He’ll learn, but I think he needs to sit a full season and study from the Quarterbacks ahead of him. 

4. Hue Jackson’s play calling was iffy at best

At the beginning of the offseason, former Browns offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton left to take a job with Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, leaving the Browns without a play calling. Instead of hiring another one, coach Jackson decided to take on the play calling duties himself. Well, let me just say, I was not impressed by his play calling. Too many times he would call for short passes that had no chance at converting into points down near the goal line, especially the 2 point conversion play late in the 3rd. I have no idea what the hell that call was at the end of the first half when Kessler just threw it out of bounds. I think Hue needs to get someone to call the plays and focus more on the whole team. I have never been a fan of a head coach calling plays. The reason why we have coordinators in football is so they can focus on one side of the ball while the head coach focus’ on the whole team.

5. It’s just the first preseason game

There’s still plenty of time to get better! Remember, it’s only preseason game numero uno.  We have a month left to go till the actually season begins. That’s a lot of time to improve. There’s no need to overreact to anything. We are going to teach, practice, and get better! It least the guys played hard, and that’s really all you need to see for a first preseason game.

[lewisbrandon25]

Cleveland Browns 2016 Season Breakdown

On January 3rd, 2016, after losing the 2015 season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Browns owner Jimmy Haslam announced he was relieving both Head Coach Mike Pettine and General Manager Ray Farmer of their respective duties. Following the move, Jimmy announced he wanted a culture change and new leadership both in the front office and on the field, therefore promoting Sashi Brown to the Executive Vice President(VP) of Football Operations. On January 13th, 2016, Hue Jackson was announced as the new head coach. From what I’ve seen in the preseason, the Browns are building for the future and are confident in their new regime to make the Browns a winner again. However, preseason does not mean a thing. The real battle begins on the 15th anniversary of 911 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

@ Eagles:(September 11th, 2016)

(Carson Wentz making an audible during the Eagles first preseason game.)

Everybody besides me wants the Browns to tank for Desean Watson. Look, I get it, the kid is good. However, I want to see the current players on our roster first before even thinking about tanking. With that being said, this is the game everybody wants the Browns to actually win this year. On April 20th of this year, the Browns traded away the #2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft to the Eagles for the #8 pick, a 3rd round pick, a 4th round pick, a first- round pick in 2018, and a second round pick in 2018. The Eagles used the pick on Quarterback Carson Wentz. The original plan was to start than Quarterback Sam Bradford the entire season and sit Carson Wentz the entire 2016 season. However, plans changed as the Eagles traded away Bradford to the Minnesota Vikings one week ago for a first-round pick, and a 2018 4th round conditional pick.  As an Eagles fan my whole life, I know more about them than anybody in Ohio arguably. This year, the Eagles are going to be trash on offense and have a top ten defense. The Eagles fired former coach Chip Kelly, the new coach of the San Fransico 49ers, on December 29th, 2015. We all know the drama there, we will not get into it. Personally, I do not like the move, but it is what it is. Doug Pederson’s offense can run the ball, but they can not pass the ball to save their lives. This may be different with Wentz, but with that being said, the Browns have no defensive line stuffers that can stop the run. The Eagles should have a field day running the ball. The Browns, on the other hand, should have a hell of a lot of passing yards with new Quarterback Robert Griffen III, throwing to rookie Cory Coleman, Andrew Hawkins, and Tight End Gary Barnidge, against a garbage group of Eagle corners. It’s the air vs the ground in week one for the Browns. The Browns suffered defeat against a rookie head coach, coaching in his first ever game, Todd Bowels last year. This year, in a defensive game, Hue Jackson walks out of “The Linc” with his first W by a final of 17-7 because I don’t think even with Carson Wentz, Philly can make enough plays in the passing game to win week one.

VS Ravens:(September 18th, 2016)

(The play known as the “kick six” from the Ravens-Browns game last year.)

Ok, I know the quality of the picture is blurry, but we all know what happened the last time the Ravens entered First Energy Stadium. They were injured and won on a miracle considering the fact Will Hill jumped offsides. The Browns remembered they got hoodwinked and want revenge. You have to remember; the Browns are not trying to tank; they are trying to win football games. In this game, the Browns may have the advantage against the Ravens again. Even if Joe Flacco, Terell Suggs, and the rest of the Ravens players have recovered from injury, they are still going to be weak. It takes it least a half of a year for players to fully recover from knee and leg tears; which is what most of the injured Ravens have. The Browns should be fired up for their home opener. You know there is a bullseye on how weak the Ravens are health wise. If the Browns can play smart football, take their shots when needed, and manage the game, they should be heading to Miami 2-0.

@ Dolphins:(September 25th, 2016)

(Adam Gase, left, during his first press conference as Dolphins head coach.)

In week 3, the Browns will once again, be going up against a rookie head coach. This time, it is Adam Gase, who I am thankful the Browns did not hire. In my opinion, I just do not think Adam Gase is ready to be a head coach. In 2013 and 2014, he was the Broncos Offensive Coordinator with Peyton Manning under John Fox. Let us be honest; Peyton did all the work. Then, in 2015 he went with John Fox to Chicago where he was the Offensive Coordinator working with always controversial Quarterback Jay Culter. A lot of people say Gase did wonders with Cutler. I disagree. In 2014, Culter had 28 touchdowns compared to 18 interceptions. Last year, he had 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. While the interceptions went down, so did the touchdown tosses. Bears were still middle to bottom in the league in almost every statistical category. I expect the same for the Dolphins. They have an average Quarterback, an average Running Back, an average receiving core, an average Offensive Line. I’m sure you see the trend; average. The Dolphins defensive line is one of the best, but it will not make a difference with an average secondary. The key to beating the Dolphins is passing. Whether it is quick screens, or throwing the ball down the field, you can win against them. Even without Josh Gordon, the Browns have a stellar group of pass catchers who can get the job done. I expect the big boys up front to protect Griffen enough to get the ball out. The Browns should be very successful down in South Beach.   

@ Redskins:(October 2nd, 2016)

(Kirk Cousins saying “You Like That” after his comeback vs the Bucs last year.)

The Browns start October in the Nations Capital. 37 days away from the election and much like Ohio, the Browns will enter as a battle city. The Redskins won the NFC East last year with a 9-7 record. They added Pro Bowl corner Josh Norman to help boost the weakest part of their team; secondary. Kirk Cousins has fast WR’s on the field such as Desean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, and rookie Josh Doctson along with the fact he always plays well at FedEx Field. This is a tough matchup for the Browns. They have a chance if they can manage the clock, but I think Cleveland’s football team starts October with their first L on the year.

Vs Patriots:(October 9th, 2016)

( Tom Brady smiling during a Patriots game.) 

Not only is #12 for the Patriots returning from a four game suspension, so is the other #12 who missed all of last year with a suspension for the home team. Now guys, I am not trying to stir you up. Josh Gordon being back does nothing when Tom Brady is returning from suspension. Some think he will be rusty. I think the complete opposite. As a Browns fan, I do not even want to watch this game. Tom Brady will be motivated to prove he can win without deflated balls. He already did, but he has not faced a bogus suspension like this one. Last year, it was overturned. This year, Brady said screw it; I’ll murder the Browns week five. Of course, It is what always happens to Cleveland. Ok though seriously, the final score will be 56-0. Tom Brady will break the NFL record for most passing touchdowns in a game with 8. He’s going to whip the brown ball all around First Energy Stadium. Is that sarcasm? I do not think so at all. There’s nothing you can do against an angry, motivated first ballot hall of famer. Good luck Browns! Try to score a touchdown!

@ Tennessee Titans:(October 16th, 2016)

(Demarco Murray during Titans practice.)

On March 9th, 2016, the Titans acquired Running Back Demarco Murray from the Philadelphia Eagles for a 4th round pick. To me, it is a great deal for Tennessee. Murray was the 2014 rushing champ. He claimed the reason he struggled in Philly is because he struggles running out of the shot gun and prefers to be under center. For me, Demarco was just lazy and wanted to screw the Eagles. He seems to be happy though in Nashville. However, this is a rematch of week 2 last NFL season. The Browns won the game behind now Texas A&M student Johnny Manziel on a lucky throw to current San Diego Charger Travis Benjamin. The Titans though, are not much better. They have no defensive players what so ever. This game reminds me a lot of the Eagles game opening day. Much like Doug Pederson’s squad, Mike Mularkey will want to pound the ball because their passing game is still in development. Marcas Mariota has nobody to throw to besides Delanie Walker. If RG III can have time and throw the ball down the field, the Browns should be 4-2 heading across the river for the “Battle of Ohio”.

@ Bengals:(October 23rd, 2016) 

(Hue Jackson as the Bengals Offensive Coordinator.)

This is Hue Jackson’s first game against the team who he ran a scoring machine during his two seasons as Offensive Coordinator. We all know Hue wants to win this game. He has an advantage where he knows the traits of those guys on the other sideline that he can tell his coaching staff. Who knows? He could tell us if Ventes Burfict was on a bounty for knocking out Steeler players last year! All jokes aside, this should be a very even contest. Bengals Offensive Coordinator Ken Zampese has been their Quarterback coach since 03 so, the Bengals should not lose a drop off on offense. They still have A.J. Green, Gio Bernard, Jeremy Hill, Tyler Eifert, signed Brandon Lafell, and drafted  Tyler Boyd. Losing Muhammad Sanu should not be a problem. This game is so evenly matched. I am actually going to go Browns 27-24 in overtime. I think Hue having extra motivation for this game will give the Browns just the edge they need to squeak out a victory and shock the world in Cincinnati. 

Vs Jets:(October 30th, 2016) 

(Ryan Fitzpatrick smiling on the Jets sideline.)

The week one battle last year turns into a week eight fight this year at First Energy Stadium. Last year, I thought the Browns would win due to the Jets struggling for the first time under Todd Bowels. I was wrong. Josh McCown ended up getting injured in that game by now Browns linebacker Demario Davis, and the Jets dominated the Browns 30-10. The Browns remember and want payback. The Jets are the same team. The only reason they competed for the playoffs last year is because of Ryan Fitzpatrick playing at a pro bowl level. I do not think he repeats it. The Jets have two star wide outs in Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. They added Running Back Matt Forte to now replace Chris Ivory who take his talents to the Jags. I do not see the same running threat though. Matt Forte is a pass catcher. He has lost his edge as a runner. Not to mention, the Jets let go of Antonio Cromartie and Dee Milliner. They are really thin at safety and linebacker. Demario Davis should be able to give the players some in sight on the defense of Todd Bowels and lead this team to a tough gritty win coming off a big win at Cincinnati.

Vs Cowboys:(November 6th, 2016)

(Ezekiel Elliott on draft night about being drafted #4 overall by the Cowboys.)

The Dallas Cowboys used the #4 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft to take Ohio State(OSU) legend Ezekiel “Zeke” Elliott to make him their new Running Back of the future, Ohio loves Zeke. As Ohio State fans, most of Cleveland loves Zeke, except for, maybe this game. Look, it does not matter if Tony Romo, Dak Prescott, or Mark Sanchez starts this game for the Cowboys. Dallas’ plan is to run the ball down the defense throats. They have the 3rd worst secondary in the NFL and the 8th worse front seven on defense according to Pro Football Reference. Defense is clearly not their strength. When Dallas went to the NFC Divisional Round in 2014, they controlled clock. That is their plan this year as arguably, Elliott will be more of a work course than Murray two years prior. Behind a great OL at OSU, Zeke broke a lot of records held previously by NFL Hall of Famer Eddie George. Dallas has the best OL in football. Zeke should run like a bat out of hell with them. If he is healthy for this game, he will run for 200+ yards against a terrible front seven for the Browns. The 2nd half of the schedule for the Browns is very tough. To start the last half of the 2016 season, I predict Dallas wins in a low scoring affair as the Browns get destroyed by Zeke’s amazing athletic ability to derail the Browns of all their momentum. Final: 20-10 Cowboys.

@ Ravens:(November 10th, 2016)

(Steve Smith SR running out of the tunnel before a Ravens home game.)

Two days after the most controversial election arguably in history, the Browns will be right across from Washington DC in Baltimore Maryland to take on their former self. Last year was supposed to be Steve Smith’s last season, but he tore his ACL week five. If he is healthy on November 10th, he should be playing his final game against Cleveland on a Thursday night in Maryland. Think about the storylines that could a rise from this game. Are the Browns playoff bound? Are the Ravens healthy and back on the rise? Is Steve Smith playing his final Thursday game? Will another “kick six” happen in primetime? All this, and certainly more. I know I predicted in their first meaning Cleveland would win at home due to it being the home opener, and the Ravens being injury prone. This time, I think Baltimore grabs a home win. They should be more healthy than week two plus the Browns are coming off a big loss at home on a short week. For the Browns, they have played good in primetime before. It’s not they are afraid of the moment. It is that they will be playing against a fired up divisional rival trying to make a playoff push. The one advantage the Browns may have is knowing after this game, they do not travel for a month. That is always a good mindset on the players. However, I do not think it matters. No, I do not think another dramatic play in primetime will happen, but I do think it is a close, good competitive November game. I am predicting 23-13 Ravens.

Vs Steelers:(November 20th, 2016)

(Antonio Brown making a catch vs Joe Haden last year.)

Back to back divisional rival games is tough along with the fact the Browns and Steelers at this point will be going in the opposite direction. Pittsburgh on an upward trend and Cleveland on the downhill. People will be wondering whether this is the Browns trying to get a higher draft pick, or just a result of a harder schedule this time of the year. I think it is the harder schedule. The Steelers always play the Browns hard and have an unstoppable offense. If all their weapons are healthy, look out. The Browns have an average secondary and below average front seven. These statistics will not do well against Antonio Brown, Marcus Whetten, Le’von Bell, and Deangelo Williams. The Steelers should be able to air the ball our and run it at the same time. I would not expect a lot of running from the Browns because they are going to be playing catchup. I actually expect a cremation here from Pittsburgh even if the Browns do get ten days to prepare as by this point, Cody Kessler may be the Browns starter under center. Steelers win 34-17 and the Browns after starting 6-2, will drop to 6-5.

Vs Giants:(November 27th, 2016)

(Odell Beckham Jr making “The Catch” vs the Cowboys on SNF.)

If my predictions are right, the Browns are trying to make it even at two a piece with the teams in the NFC East division with this game. Look, the Browns are going to struggle against a team who can pass the ball this season. They just do not have the talent at corner to lock down top wide outs. If the Giants read this, their eyes will light up. They have a top three wide out in the league along with other weapons. First year head coach Ben Mcadoo has put an emphasis on passing the ball. He knows the Giants running game is shot, and his best chance to win is to have Eli lob it up to Odell Beckham and allow him to have a 150+ receiving game. The Giants defense is also expected to be better as they put 200 Million Dollars to bring over Janoris Jenkins, Oliver Vernon, Damon Harrison, and Keenan Robinson to revamp the 2nd to worst defense(behind TEN). I expect the Giants to be competing for the NFC East crown this year along with the Redskins. The Browns will once again fall at home which will again bring up questions on if they are finally tanking after starting 6-2.

Vs Bengals:(December 11th, 2016)

(Bengals Linebacker Vontaze Burfict laying out Steeler Antonio Brown.)

We all remember this hit last year in the AFC Wild Card game. Now, if the Bengals do lose the week seven match up to Cleveland, I am worried Burfict will try to injury the Browns. He is a dirty player. I love players with emotion, but they need to keep it in check. Anyways, the Bengals are going to be motivated for this game. They are competing for the AFC North crown. Their former Offensive Coordinator stunned them six weeks ago with a victory at Paul Brown Stadium. They will be out to kill. The last two times the Bengals have walked into first energy, they have killed the Browns. This time, it is no different. It is simple. When you lose four games in a row in November like the Browns should, you should be thinking about the draft and if a top 10 pick is likely with a 6-10 record. At this point in the year, expect all new faces in for the Browns and not many entertaining games in the final quarter of the 2016 NFL Season. Browns will go to 2-5 at home even after a bye. 

@ Bills:(December 18th, 2016)

(Bills Head Coach Rex Ryan during a press conference.) 

Snow Bowl II? In December at the newly named New Era Field, it is always snowing. Often times, the snow is as bad as it gets around the country. I hope you can’t even see the field this game. With that being said, the Bills will be playing hard this game to try to lock up an AFC wildcard spot. Sammy Watkins will be looking to show Cleveland they should have drafted him in 2014. LeSean McCoy loves the snow; rushing for 217 yards on 29 carries in the first “Snow Bowl” back on December 8th, 2013 when he was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Former Browns Defensive Coordinator Rob Ryan, Rex’s brother will look to redeem himself this season as a DC. Add in the fact Rex is fighting for his job and both brothers are feeling the emotion of the loss of their dad Buddy, the Ryan bro’s should be very tough to deal with this year. At this point, Browns players will be waiting till the new year comes. I expect Buffalo to win a defensive, snowy game 15-3.

Vs Chargers:(December 24th, 2016)

(Chargers Quarterback Phillip Rivers throwing a pass.)

On this Christmas Eve, the Browns will be playing their last game for 2016 under the Dawg Pound. There may not be a worse team in the NFL than the San Diego Chargers. They do not have a OL, a running game, a secondary, and there #3 overall pick Joey Bosa reluctantly signed with them. I am predicting the Chargers to have the #1 pick in the 2017 NFL draft. Phillip Rivers is it on this team. The team stinks. They are just waiting for the move to Los Angeles to happen in my opinion. San Diego has ran out of football spirit the way I see it. The Browns, no matter who is playing, should be able to run and pass the ball down this defense's throat. This is a good game for the Browns to build off of late in the year and see who are keepers, and who are cuts. The day before the NBA Finals rematch takes place at Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland will get one more final win from its football team in 2016 on a special Saturday edition of NFL Football!   

@ Steelers:(January 1st, 2016)

( Ben Roelisburger throwing a pass vs the Browns last year.)

Wow! This is going to be a miserable game to watch. The Browns will enter 7-8 if my predictions are correct, with no playoff chances. They will be playing for pride. If I am correct on Pittsburgh, this is a win and in for them. A win crowns them the champions of the hardest division in football. There is just too much on the line for them to loose, and the matchup is too good. I mentioned it in the first meeting, Pittsburgh’s playmakers can dominate Cleveland on defense. If the Steeler front four on defense can get pressure, it will be a long afternoon for the team in orange helmets. I predict this is a blowout: 31-7 Steelers.

Conclusion:

Last year, I predicted the Browns to go 7-9. They ended up going 3-13. This year, everybody predicts Cleveland to win a maximum of three games. I say 7-9 again. The Browns will not try to tank; nor should they try. You have to see who is available on your roster who can play football first. Now, their second half of the schedule is much harder. Their teams in the first half of the season have a combined 64-64 record. The second half teams have a combined 59-69 record last year but they are much-improved teams like Dallas, New York Giants, and Buffalo. If the Browns do start 6-2 and then only win one more game, do not be surprised. Let me know what you guys think of my predictions down below!

#cleveland browns #Philadelphia Eagles #baltimore ravens #miami dolphins #washington redskins #New England Patriots #tennessee titans #cincinnati bengals #new york jets #dallas cowboys #pittsburgh steelers #new york giants #buffalo bills #San Diego Chargers #hue jackson #jimmy haslam

[lewisbrandon25]

My Thoughts on the Cleveland Cavaliers Firing David Blatt

580 days ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers hired long time successful oversea’s head coach David Blatt as the team was looking to move on from the second stint with former coach Mike Brown. Twenty days after the hire, the most beloved athlete currently in sports, Lebron Raymone James made a announcement via Sports Illustrated he was coming back to Cleveland. 43 days after the Lebron announcement, the Cleveland Cavaliers traded the #1 overall pick in the 2013 and 2014 draft Anthony Bennett and Andrew Wiggins to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the #5 overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft Kevin Love to form the next big three with Lebron, Love, and Kyrie Irving(the #1 overall pick in the 2011 draft.) 

Didn’t start well, but finished strong in 1st Season:

The Cavs started our really slow in Blatt’s opening campaign losing the home opener to the New York Knicks 95-90 on October 30th, 2014. The Knicks finished the season 17-65 while the Cavs finished 53-29 and made their 1st trip to the NBA Finals since 2007.  It wasn’t always looking pretty however. The Cavs on January 13th, 2015 after a 107-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns were #6th in the weak eastern conference with a 19-20 record. Many people, including myself, signed petitions to fire Blatt right then and their. David Griffin, Cavs General Manger and team owner Dan Gilbert went another direction. They gave Blatt a vote of confidence especially after the Cavs traded away Dion Waiters on January 7th, 2015 for J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert and the next day, traded for big man Timofey Mozgov. According to Griffin, the Cavs would be fine and the new players needed a couple games to get used to their new team. Well, he was right. The Cavaliers finished the regular season 34-9 and 2nd in the east. The Cavs would go on to cruise through the east, but then lose the NBA Finals in six games to the Golden State Warriors. However, the Cavs were shorthanded with a lot of injuries going in to the Finals giving the city hope 2016 could be the year.

What Led to Blatt being dismissed this early?

The Cavaliers got healthier and better over the off season after the NBA Finals crushing defeat. By adding Mo Williams, Jared Cunningham, Richard Jefferson and by getting Kevin Love, Kyrie Irving, and Anderson Varejao back from injury, the Cavs have cruised out to a 30-11 start this season. Many people are wondering what led to David Blatt’s downfall. In my opinion, I think it points to two things:

1. Lebron James never actually fit in with Blatt and most of the time would talk to Tyronn Lue(assistant on Cavs while with Blatt, now current head coach) during time outs. Lebron and Lue have a great relationship and it’s all about making the King happy.

2. David Griffin and Dan Gilbert didn’t believe Blatt could win the big one. I think after watching the Cavs get beat by the Warriors at home by 34 points MLK day, the owner and General Manger did not believe the Cavs could win the big one with David Blatt. I think they believed the players were not sold on Blatt and Blatt couldn’t win when it counted the most.

We will see if this move is the right one or the wrong one. I can not tell you. I truly do not know. Me, and the best city in the entire universe, Cleveland Ohio will figure it out together, Make sure to leave your thoughts in the comment section.

#David Griffin #David Blatt #Lebron James #Cleveland Cavaliers #Dan Gilbert #NBA #Kyrie irving #Kevin Love

[lewisbrandon25]

Breaking down Chip Kelly’s First two and a half Years as head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles

First year:

Chip Kelly’s 1st year at the helm of the most controversial team in the NFL was his best by far. Now clearly, at the start of the season, the Eagles did not look like a good team. Beating a injured RG3, a sorry Giants team, and a Mike Glennon Bucs team, was Chip’s only three wins in his first eight games. With Michael Vick struggling, Nick Foles injured and Matt Barkley looking nothing like his potential before his shoulder injury in his senior year at USC, Chip’s team was reeling going into a week 9 battle with the Oakland Raiders out by the bay. Well... That’s when the season turned around as Quarterback Nick Foles coming off a concussion and starting for the injured Mike Vick, never would lose the job back as he threw for 7 TD’s in the Eagles win. He finished the season with a 7-2 starting record leading the Eagles to victories over the Bucs, Green Bay(without Rodgers), Washington, Arizona, Lions(snow bowl), Bears, and Dallas as the Eagles finished 10-6 and won the NFC East. Along with Foles, Lesean McCoy won the rushing title, and the defense looked the best since 2011. Chip’s slow start turned into a rocket blast off a second half as he did a great job of setting his team up for the future. He was a coach of the year candidate and even though he struggled the first half of the year, I think what he did the second half of the year combined gives him a grade of a B+. 

(Nick Foles and Lesean McCoy during the snow bowl which the Eagles won 34-20 on December 8th 2013.)

Year Two:

Year two for Chip’s team had a lot of potential. With drafting Marcus Smith II out of Louisville, Jordan Matthews out of Vanderbilt, and Josh Huff out of Organ in the first three rounds of the 2014 draft, along with trading for Darren Sproles, and signing Malcolm Jenkins in free agency, this team looked poised, even after letting Desean Jackson go. In the 1st game, the Eagles were down 17-0 at halftime to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 2nd half however, set up a eventually great first half of the season as after the Eagles beat the Jaguars 34-17, they would end up going 5-2 in their first seven games to start the season. Tragic though fell over in Houston in week 9 as Nick Foles broke his clavicle in the second quarter against the Texans as that game would be Foles’ last in a Eagles uniform. Mark Sanchez came in of relief of Foles and threw 2 TD’s and 2 INT’s in the game as the Eagles won. Mark Sanchez looked to be a different Mark Sanchez through week 13 as the Eagles were 9-3, and had sole possession of the NFC East looking for a first round bye. Then, we saw “bad Mark” as the team loosed three straight games knocking them out of the playoffs by week 17 setting up the Eagles for a meaningless game against the Giants which they won, finishing 10-6 for the second straight year, however no playoffs. Chip Kelly did A work with a 6-2 first half team and did B- work with a 4-4 team in the 2nd half. The fact the Eagles were 9-3 and missed the playoffs is a disgrace but with the job Chip did trying to keep the team together deserves him a B rating. It’s not higher because of no playoffs, and it’s not lower because of the 10-6 record.

(Mark Sanchez as an Eagle last year in his first start with the team against the Panthers. The Eagles would win 45-21 on November 10th 2014.)

Year Three:

Wow! Year 3 has been a rollercoster for the Philadelphia squad. Chip Kelly got complete power of the team on January 2nd 2015, and look what he did with it:

2014 members no longer on the team: Nick Foles, Matt Barkley, Chris Polk,  Lesean McCoy, James Casey, Jermany Maclin, Brad Smith, Evan Mathis, Todd Herremans, Damion Square, Najee Goode, Casey Mathews, Trent Cole, Bradley Fletcher, Cary Williams, Brandon Boykin, Jaylen Watkins, Nate Allen, Earl Wolff, Ed Reynolds. This a total of 20 members more than 1/3 of the roster is gone and so far only Byron Maxwell who replaced Bradley Fletcher and Walter Thurmond who replaced Nate Allen looks to be the right move. Kiko Alonzo has done nothing and neither has Sam Bradford to make me think trading Foles and McCoy were worth it. OL has struggled all season making Demarco Murray look like he’s the worst starter in the NFL. This receiving core looks like the worst in the NFL and it’s because of this offense. We don’t take shots down the field whether it’s Bradford or Sanchez. The Eagles are more predictable than the shitty product that is WWE right now and it is sad. Chip has tried his best but this guy’s just don’t like him. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported, “Chip and the Eagles can’t stand each other.” It feels like Chip dug himself a hole here in Philly that he won’t get out of. This game tomorrow against the Lions determines Chip’s fate in my opinion as he’s done a D+ job this year as coach.

Let me know your opinions about this racket ball of a team and what happens to Chip down below! Thank you!

#chip kelly #Philadelphia Eagles #nick foles #lesean mccoy #snowbowl #arizona cardinals #detriot lions

[lewisbrandon25]

Breaking Down the Eagles 1/4 of the 2015 Season

The Eagles have no doubt been the team to talk about this season; not for their successes, but there failures. There has been a lot of people putting the blame on head coach Chip Kelly’s off season of no other in NFL history, but I’m here to say it’s not entirely on Chip’s shoulders.

              Yes indeed chip did completely reshape the Eagles this off season. Yes the offensive looks like it has nothing. However, the problem is not Chip Kelly’s moves, the problem is the production from the offensive line. I don’t care how good your team is, no offensive line will equal failure. Chip’s move of letting go pro bowl guard Evan Mathis has been the most criticized of Chip. Yes, both guards have played horrible but so has both tackles. Pro bowl left tackle Jason Peters and pro bowl right tackle Lane Johnson are both struggling to protect Quarterback Sam Bradford which is making it hard for pro bowl Runningback Demarco Murray to run the ball. 

                      The offensive line is to me, the single reason why the Eagles are 1-3 and not 4-0. You do have to wonder though, why the offensive can play great in the 2nd half when the defense is not tired because you haven’t done anything in the 1st half. Chip’s offensive system looks like magic if it can be done for four quarters. It gives the d time to recover from being out there so long and running no huddle during practice. The Eagles defense gave up the WAS game because theu were too tired from being on the field 50 minutes. If Chip slows down the tempo just by 2 seconds it would make a whole lot better for the defense and it may give time for the offensive line to set communications. I do believe this Eagles team can get it right. It’s like a chemistry experiment; you fail to your experiment is a success even if it takes a long time. Remember the Eagles team of 2013 that started 1-3 and finished 10-6 with a winning NFC East Title. Anything is possible and with the NFC East still wide open the Eagles are by no means dead. This week they play the Saints, the team that beat the Eagles 26-24 in the 2014 wild card game at the Linc. It’s time for the Eagles to get revenge on the Saints, play four quarters of ball of foot, go out there and win, and prove the haters wrong. I think they will do that.

#philadelphia eagles #chip kelly

[lewisbrandon25]

Cleveland Browns 2015 Season Breakdown

The Cleveland Browns have had a eventful off season filled with a lot of emotion. They made some smart moves during the time away from the football field including Josh McCown and Danny Shelton. However now is the time to really take that all in. In one day the Browns will be in MetLife Stadium getting ready to take on the new look Jets. Now’s the time to break it down and see how much Josh McCown and their stacked defense can take the team in 2015. 

@ Jets:(September 13th 2015)

(Brandon Marshall catching a pass with the jets during practice.)

The Jets are not a walk in the park at all this season. Jets General Manger(GM)  Mike Maccagnan has done a great job in his first season with the team. He got the coach he wanted in Todd Bowels who did magical work with the Arizona Cardinals defensive unit last year. Mike knew that the jets also needed upgrade at corner and wide receiver. He went out in free agency and got two top five defensive backs in Darrell Revis and Antonio Cromartie. On the offensive side of the ball he traded for a top 15 wide out in Brandon Marshall for only a fifth round pick. That’s impressive! The only downfall of the Jets this year will be the quarterback. We know all about the Geno Smith situation and is unfortunate. However, if the Jets are going to make the playoffs they are going to have to depend on good play early by Ryan Fitzpatrick. That’s why this game is so intriguing. We have two veteran quarterbacks making their 1st start with their new clubs. In the interior both teams are pretty good at the offensive line(OL) even though I will say I think CLE has a little advantage. We have two great young defenses and are very even all the way around. Should be fun. I think the difference in this game will be experience at coaching. Yes, Todd Bowels is a great defensive coach but this is his first NFL game as a head coach. Mike Pettine got experience last year and with a healthy OL I think CLE gets off to a good start in a close game in New Jersey.

Vs Titans(September 20th, 2015)

(Marcus Mariota throwing a pass during training camp with the Titans)

Look, the story of the Titans off season was when they picked what they hope to be the future of their franchise Marcus Mariota with the #2 pick in the 2015 draft. However, the Titans have had a lot of hopefuls not turn out such as Vince Young who was drafted by the team with the third pick in 2006. After his experiment failed they tried Jake Locker who was selected eighth overall by the team in 2011. He’s retired now. Anyways... The Titans have had bad luck trying to find a franchise. Let’s hope it’s Mariota. For now though, the Titans have no pieces to surround Mariota including one of the weakest OL’s in football. It’s simple... I wouldn’t be surprised if the Titans are in the top five picking for the next three years and they are no where near competing, especially this year. Should be a easy win for the Browns in their home opener.

Vs Raiders(September 27th, 2015)

(Amari Cooper getting his number as a member of the Raiders.)

The Browns more than likely will enter this game entering 2-0 and the Raiders may enter 0-2. Even though their first 2 games are at home, they are against two tough AFC North opponents in Cincinnati and Baltimore. Yes, the Raiders first away game is on the east coast, but this team is talented. The Raiders feel like they have their quarterback-running back combo for the future with Derek Carr and Latavius Murray. They’ve started building their wide receiver core with Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, and Andre Homes. There defense is stacked up front. A little work on the offensive line and in the secondary, this team could be really good again. This game could be a trap game early for the Browns. On paper, it looks like a victory. However, the Browns have to play well. Both teams have changed a lot since week eight of last year when the Browns blew out the Raiders. This time around it should be closer. However, if the Browns play well all the way around and become the “lock-down on the lake” secondary, the Browns should be heading to San Diego 3-0.

@ Chargers(October 4th 2015)

(Phillip Rivers pumping up the Chargers during a game.)

The Browns could potentially walk in to their first west coast trip of the year 3-0. To this date, the Chargers will be the Browns toughest opponent. The Browns have done historically really bad on the west coast and especially against the Chargers. The Chargers are always a team that’s on the bubble every year so for them, they need this game early, but so does CLE. The Browns have Baltimore and Denver after this game which are tougher opponents than San Diego. To sum it up: This game will determine how far the Browns can go this year. This game will determine if Cleveland can hang with the best of the AFC West. If Josh McCown plays well, the Browns have a shot. However, on the road and a three hour time difference will play a factor as the Browns drop this game to fall to 3-1 but a 3-1 start is a great start!   

@ Ravens(October 11th 2015)

(Joe Flacco holding up the Lombardi Trophy.)

Now of course Joe Flacco hasn’t had the best last two years after his incredible year in 2012-2013 leading the Ravens to their second Super Bowl in Super Bowl XLVII. However, Joe is proven he can lead the Ravens to the promise land and he NEVER has had a problem with Cleveland. Joe in his career he’s only lost once to the Browns and that was in 2013. Joe likes to carve up the Browns only throwing seven interceptions in 14 career games compared to 18 touchdown passes. History is on the Ravens side in this one: The Browns haven’t won in Baltimore since 2007; the last time the Browns had a winning record in a season. If the Browns are going to win this game, it’s going to have to be through the air. The Ravens were the 8th worst team in the league last year when it came to stopping the pass but 7th best when it came to stopping the run. There secondary is damaged with Lardarius Webb being injury prone, the Ravens only have Jimmy Smith as a good outside defensive back. I expect a lot of throws from Cleveland this game. It’s the only way they have a chance on offense. If the secondary can lock down Steve Smith SR and Breshad Perriman, the Browns have a chance but I don’t see it happening. I think it’s close but I think the Ravens are just too overpowering for the Browns to get to 4-1 on the year.

Vs Broncos(October 18th 2015.)

(Peyton Manning at the line of scrimmage during a game.)

If my predictions are right so far, the Browns would be returning home to take on a 3-2 Broncos team who are winners of two straight. Likewise, the Browns would be returning home losing two important road games to make their record 3-2. The Browns do have a chance in this game if there defense can give them a chance. If the Browns get behind early, it will be a no contest. Peyton Manning is undefeated against Cleveland going 6-0 and his teams have only won however by five points a game and he has 2 TD’s and 3 INT’s against them. Browns fans will be encouraged by that stat and it is for sure a possibility this year. The Browns just have to hang with DEN which will be very difficult. It will be tough for Cleveland to swallow but I think they lose this one too by a wide margin dropping their record to 3-3. They just can’t hang with DEN or the top teams in the AFC. Simple.

@ Rams(October 25th, 2015.)

(Nick Foles getting introduced as a Ram.)

Maybe the most intriguing game of the Browns first half of the season is in ST. Louis. On March 10th 2015, the Rams traded for Nick Foles as they think they have their franchise quarterback. I do too. Look, there will never be a season again like Foles had in Philly in 2013 but he can still produce decent numbers. Nick is tall and feels comfortable playing QB, just like Josh McCown. The only problem with Nick this year is he doesn’t have the weapons or the OL to produce huge numbers yet. In two years, he may have the Rams in legit contention. For now, it’s making progress. Nick has never started against Cleveland and will be a good test for the Rams offense. Much like the Jets and Raiders games early, these are very intriguing games. We got two teams who have talent but are not ready to take the next step. Very even on both sides of the ball. I think the Browns offensive line will protect Josh McCown more than Nick Foles will be. McCown should make some decent throws and play good enough to give the Browns the w and get their record back over .500 at 4-3, The only problem is that the Rams are coming off a bye and more than likely entering around the .500 range. So you know they want the game bad as well. It’s up to the Browns front to knock Nick around and win this game with a team effort because you don’t want to be playing Arizona with a four game losing streak.   

Vs Cardinals(November 1st, 2015.)

(Bruce Arians doing a Cardinals press conference.) 

This will be Arians third season in Arizona and he’s done a amazing job turning around the franchise. The Cards did lose defensive coordinator Todd Bowls this off season as he is now of course the Jets head coach but that shouldn’t matter because of Arizona’s talent. The new coordinator, James Bettcher, was the Cardinals linebacker coach last year so he knows the defense. The Browns will have a hard time moving the ball in this game. None of the wide outs can match up against Patrick Peterson and the front seven is too stacked to run. I just don’t see how the Browns have a chance in this game even at home. 

@ Bengals(November 5th, 2015.)

(A.J. Green working against Joe Haden during a game.)     

We all remember what happened in this match up last year. The Browns dominated the Bengals in every part of the game and went to 6-3 at that point of the season. Well, 364 days later, here we are. I think the Browns are going to be motivated to do it again, but I just don’t see it. I think the Bengals are going to have too much pride to let it happen again. I expect a close game but the Browns have gotta throw the ball more to win. Remember, they ran the ball 52 times in that game for 170 yards! Well, guess what? Marvin Lewis put a stop to that in week 15 when Cleveland only ran 17 times for 50 yards in a 30-0 loss in Johnny Manziel’s first career start. Well, if Cleveland can get balance, they have a chance. There just not going to dominate in the run game again. We will see how much pride the Browns have in this one. If they come to play, they believe. If not, their season is over cause I believe they drop to 4-5 after this one and lose five out of their last six. 

@ Steelers(November 15th, 2015.)

(Antonio Browns nails Spencer Lanning with a big boot during a punt return.)

Everyone remembers this play from September 7th, 2014. Well, Antonio Brown can’t do it again because Lanning is now a free agent. Could he do it to Andy Lee? Yes, but I do doubt Brown will be getting a chance to return! Anyways...  Cleveland has a great chance to win this game. Pitt’s secondary is completely awful and with this pass rush not being as good Cleveland should be favorited. The Browns OL will protect and create holes in this one so there should be no reason to lose in this one. Yes, the Steelers offensive is very good but the Browns can get penetration up front with the stacked defensive line and they have the secondary to stop Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. They proved it last year and they will again this year. Cleveland is on the rise and Pittsburgh is slowly declining on the defensive especially now that #43 and Dick Lebaeu are gone. The Steelers are just no match for Cleveland period as the Browns will get back to .500 after this one evening their record at 5-5.

Vs Ravens(November 30th, 2015.)

(Steve Smith SR catching a pass during training camp.)

The Browns will come off a win against Pittsburgh and a bye heading into a home game with the team that stole their Super Bowl away in 2000. Steve Smith SR will be making his final trip to Cleveland and it’s under the bright lights. Like I said back in week 5:  The Browns have the potential to lock down Steve Smith and the Ravens and I think they do it this time. Yes, Joe Flacco does carve up the Browns but I think the Browns will feel like they have momentum and play a lot better than in Baltimore. They would have 15 days off before there next game and be mentally into it because they won’t be traveling. Plus, with the noise of the crowd, it will be tough for the Ravens to overcome. The only thing that benefits Baltimore in this game other than they know how to beat Cleveland, is that this will be their first road game since Monday October 26th. That’s a lot of time away from the road, That always scares teams though because sometimes the players get used to not traveling and then their tired from traveling. Indeed, Harbs is a great coach but with a young team it is a possibility of that happening. As a matter of fact, I think it does happen as the Browns win on Monday Night Football for the first time in seven years!

Vs Bengals(December 6th, 2015.)

(Andy Dalton during training camp.)

The Browns have a rematch with the Bengals about a month from the last contest in Cincinnati. This one also comes on a short week for the Browns as they would be coming off a game against the Ravens. The good news though for the Browns is this game is at home and they would have momentum. I predict the Browns enter this game 6-5 and winners of two straight. Living in the land, I know fans and the players will be pumped for this one. This is the chance for the Browns to avenge their 30-0 loss last season at First Energy Stadium and more than likely avenge the loss on November fifth. They always say the home team has the advantage and I believe that here. Andy Dalton is not a elite quarterback. He struggles in big games and this is a huge game with playoff implications. I think simply that Dalton chokes and the energy in the building leads the Browns behind a red hot Josh McCown to a win as long as “lock down on the lake” holds up. Once again, the Browns won’t be able to run the ball that well but if they can do it enough to create plays against the Bengals weak and tired secondary, my money is on Cleveland to get to 7-5. \

Vs Niners(December 13th, 2015.)

(Jim Tomsula during first press conference as Niners head coach.)

Wow! The Niners are a dysfunctional franchise. Half their defense is gone and they for some reason hated Jim Harbaugh as their head coach even though he took them to three championship games in his first three seasons! Then on top of that, instead of looking for a coach with head coaching experience, they chos Jim Tomsula who was the Niners defensive line coach under Harbaugh. I don’t know what Jed York is thinking of his franchise, but he must have conflicting feelings. I don’t know what General Manger Trent Baalke has done. The Niners have talent on offense no doubt but there front office is so bad we don’t know what to say. The Niners need someone to come in and get the ball rolling and have leadership. Until then, all the players will do is sit and watch the playoffs at a local bar especially with the tough NFC West. I just don’t see the Niners competing this year at all. At this point, I see Cleveland playing a meaningful December game at First Energy and winning for two reasons: 1. Travel and 2. The Niners are a mess and there play on the field will be sloppy.

@ Seahawks(December 20th, 2015 

(The 12th man flag at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington.)

The toughest place to play in the NFL is where the Browns will be in week 15. Pete Carroll and John Schneider have built the Seahawks into a dynasty. Two Super Bowl appearances in back to back years and the favorite to go back. Now even though I am not a huge fan of SEA because of their offensive, there defense is amazing. If that OL of SEA’s can play better and they can find better WR’s they would be my Super Bowl favorite. However, I do think they are a playoff team and this a huge game for both. Now, this will be the first time the Browns would have to travel since November 15th. That is a concern especially against a great d, I just don’t see how the Browns can score any points. Much like the Cardinals game, the defense is too good and SEA will find  a way to score. I don’t care how good up front you are, Marshawn Lynch will tare you apart. While the Browns secondary will keep Wilson in check, Marshawn will help SEA win a defensive game in the rainy state of Washington dropping Cleveland down to 8-6, there first loss since November fifth.   

@ Chiefs(December 27th, 2015.)  

(Jamal Charles scoring a touchdown at Arrowhead Stadium.) 

The Browns all time are 0-5 against Andy Reid. While the games have been close, that stat is upsetting. The Browns last played the Chiefs in Andy Reid’s first year as Chief’s head coach in 2013. While they kept Jamal Charles in check they lost 23-17. Dwayne Bowe makes his return to the loud and vocal fans of Kansas City but I don’t think he will have a great performance against a terrific Chiefs defense. The Chiefs adding Jeremy Maclin in the off season makes a huge difference for the team as they look to take the next step. I think the Browns secondary does their job but that the Browns offensive comes up just short in this one. I think these two teams are pretty even but Kansas City is more experience and at home can get the Browns rattled by the fans. Yes, it’s a huge loss for Cleveland and will more than likely knock them out of contention but they will try to fight there way cause the Browns now believe they can make it. Only problem is: Kansas City believes they can too. This game will determine the season if my predictions are correct and I just can’t see the Browns having the fire power on the offensive side to win this one.

Vs Steelers(January 3rd, 2015.)

(Big Ben warming up before a game.)

This game is for pride for the most part. If the Browns would be able to make the playoffs at 9-7, they would more than likely need some teams to lose. You know that Cleveland would love to finish 9-7 and I think they do just because of the energy and the pride standpoint. I see Cleveland finishing 9-7 and Pittsburgh finishing 4-12. I just don’t see them as a team that’s good this year with their schedule and with how bad their offensive line and defense are. Pitt;s about to go full rebuild on their defense.

CONCLUSION

So yeah, as you just read, I think the Steelers are really bad this year. That’s my bold prediction. I think the Browns build on there success last year and finish above .500 for the first time since 07 but once again, just barely missing the playoffs. I think Ray Farmer and Mike Pettine have built a foundation that they can build on getting into the playoffs in 2016 or 2017. Let me know what you think of the article down below as this is my first article. 

#cleveland #browns #new york jets #tennesee #oakland #san deigo #baltimore #denver #peyton #peyton manning #st louis #arizona #cincinnati #PittsBur #pittsburg steelers #sanfrancisco #seattle #kansas #kansas city #JoeHa #JoshMcCown