Can Cleveland Keep Their Unlikely Contention Going?
Jan 1, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) reacts after and interception against the Washington Commanders during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Not to be cliché, but we have officially hit the point in the year where every game is the most important game of the season for the Cleveland Browns. And while that may sound silly to some, when you are in a playoff run you can’t overlook anybody.
The Browns have been on the kind of historic streak you’d rather avoid, as they have four different starting quarterbacks with a win on the season. Yet, perhaps improbably they are still in a legitimate battle for a division title and have a 90% chance of making the playoffs (prior to Sunday’s games).
What’s fascinating about this team is the sheer number of injuries they’ve fought through. It’s not just Deshaun Watson out for the season. Right now, the Browns’ offensive line is down to one original starter and the fourth and fifth offensive tackles. The secondary is down to safeties four and five on the depth chart. Many other key players have missed time with health woes.
But somehow, someway, Kevin Stefanski and Jim Schwartz have continued to give this team a chance to win every single week. When Denzel Ward was out and Myles Garrett could barely lift his arm above his head, Joe Flacco and this offense put up 31 points against the Jaguars. When the offensive line was battered and Flacco gave the Bears 14 points off two horrid interceptions, the defense held the Bears to 17 total points.
For all of you keeping track at home, it felt like for years it was the Browns against the world, and luck was never on Cleveland’s side. This year it has been different. Dustin Hopkins is making every kick, the opposing teams are missing kicks, and the Browns are finally catching some breaks when it comes to the referees. Trust me, I’ve been through it all with the Browns as well and these changes are hard to get used to.
The one thing that is abundantly clear right now is that the leadership in the locker room is exceptional. That starts with Stefanski and includes the motivation from Schwartz and the locker room pick-me-up from guys like Flacco and Dalvin Tomlinson who have made deep playoff runs in the past.
When people say this team is different, they’re absolutely correct. Cleveland can take every card that is dealt to them and make the best of it.
Pressure Shifts to Browns
With the Houston Texans’ rookie QB sensation C.J. Stroud once again missing practice on Thursday, it’s looking more likely Cleveland will see Case Keenum under center on Sunday. Stroud entered concussion protocol on December 10 and as of Thursday was still suffering symptoms.
At the beginning of the week, most Browns fans felt like Stroud would return, and on his home turf to boot. The Texans were nearly a field-goal favorite in Vegas. The Stroud news quickly turned the books around and now the Browns are a field-goal favorite.
With Stefanski being so familiar with Keenum, and Stroud out, this becomes a game the Browns must win to get to 10-5. At this point it feels like 10 wins will get them into the playoffs, but you would certainly rather have the No. 5 seed over No. 7 so you don’t have to travel to Miami or Kansas City for the first round of the playoffs.
The next three games are winnable, but with the Jets’ defense and the Bengals fighting for a playoff spot, you can’t count either as an easy victory. As banged up as this team is, if they could win the next two weeks, they can rest a ton of guys in Week 18 and try to get healthy going into the playoffs.
The Biggest Areas of Concern
Undoubtedly, the biggest question right now for the Cleveland Browns is the offensive line. At this point, it’s unclear if Joel Bitonio will be able to suit up on Sunday, and the group really struggled against the pressure from the Bears last week.
The good news is Ethan Pocic should be back, which will be a lift at center. And if Pocic is back, that means Nick Harris could fill in at left guard vs. Michael Dunn who played last week. Pocic, Wyatt Teller, and Harris should have a favorable matchup with the Texans, who have been bad against the run.
The bad news, is DeMeco Ryans is as gifted as any coach in the league when it comes to defense, and he will know exactly what to do to slow this Browns offense down. That means pressure off the edge and blitzes to confuse these tackles.
Geron Christian has played well at left tackle, but Montez Sweat was a nightmare for James Hudson last week, and you can bet after watching the tape, Texans DE Will Anderson can’t wait for this game.
I’ve noticed Stefanski helping his tackles more and more with the running back and tight end, but the chips need to happen even more. I don’t care if Harrison Bryant is only brought in to chip, giving Flacco time is more important than having an extra guy in the route at this point.
If the Browns’ O-line can give Flacco a fighting chance, this offense should be able to move the ball and score 25-plus points. If they can get pressure on Flacco and force him to rush things, you could see a few more turnovers like we saw last Sunday.
As much as I enjoyed that win over the Bears last weekend, we all know that spotting a team 14 points and winning isn’t sustainable no matter who you play.
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