The Dogs Stop The Music
After a disappointing primetime showcase, the Cleveland Browns looked like a whole new team this past sunday. Deshaun Watson was reading the field & slinging perfect balls, the play calling was cleaned up, & the line looked to be more in sync. The Defense did their thing as usual, but the offense was the true story of this game. Now Tory, how can you say that with the defense only giving up 94 total yards of offense. Well, because we just got our first real glimpse of the quarterback we gave 230 million dollars to.
Let's get the defensive talk out the way now because it was once again another lights out performance. Only giving up 94 yards in total offense to an offense that contains Derrick Henry & Deandre Hopkins is the textbook definition of ELITE. The story on defense was Myles Garrett who had 3.5 sacks on the day and just him existing was too much for Tennessee. Garrett’s presence alone was enough to scare the Titans as we saw in the clips of the two Tennessee tight ends following him around as he was in motion. Honestly there really isn't much to say about the performance, the numbers speak for themselves.
The true story of the game is what we saw out of Deshaun Watson. 27/33 in the passing game (81% completion) for 289 yards and two (2) Touchdowns with a QBR of 123.4. Most everyone around the league & around the world have agreed this is easily Watson’s best game since being able to play for the Browns. He looked comfortable throwing the ball, poised in the pocket, & most importantly in control. His accuracy looked like Watson of old when he was dotting up Donovan Peoples-Jones & Amari Cooper on the sidelines. Coach Stefanski & Deshaun shared an embrace after a job well done and fans around the world could breathe a sigh of relief, for once our head coach & quarterback are on the same page. Stefanski showed his appreciation for his QB by giving him one of the few game balls on the day. After the game, Coach then made sure to go hand deliver a game ball to the heart & soul of the Browns, Nick Chubb. It is very clear moving forward that this team will dedicate any type of success to their fallen brother.
What's next for this Browns team at 2-1? How about our third divisional game in four weeks? Baltimore comes to town after losing in overtime to the Gardner Minshew lead Colts. This will be Deshaun’s first true test, how will he respond after having his best game since coming to Cleveland? The Ravens are always going to compete year in & year out, he has a chance to make a statement against a premier football team. If the Browns need any extra motivation, all they have to do is watch Roquan Smith’s interview yesterday of him saying “We going over to beat their tails in front of their wife & kids”. There were a lot of positives to build off of Sunday's win, but the true test is here. Beat Baltimore & the Browns will have a 2-1 divisional record & 3-1 overall record going into the bye week. This matchup could have huge playoff implications for seeding later down the road, rest assured that Coach Stefanski & Coach Schwartz will have his men ready for war. AFC North football will be on full display this Sunday at First Energy.
Tory Pierce
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