Wow! I know Cleveland can light defenses up when they’re rolling. But I did not expect this today! The Browns notch their 10th win of the season in Houston, as they improve to 10-5 on the year! It was a complete team effort. How’d they get it done? Let’s take a look at today’s Keys to Victory!
Houston, you have a problem. And his name’s Amari Cooper!
I haven’t seen this great of a day for a Browns receiver in probably a decade. There were a couple times I saw Josh Gordon go off like that in 2013 or 2014. He had a couple 200-yard games that I can remember. It’s about time Cleveland has a true number one wideout again!
It didn’t matter what kind of throw it was. Deep bombs. Out routes. Comebackers. Slants. Fades. He caught just about everything! He caught 11 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns!
I know Browns GM Andrew Berry is going to have to be careful with cap space, and navigating that whole situation whenever the offseason gets here. But if it’s possible, Cooper should get paid whatever he wants. He’s earned it, and they need to keep him. He’s also the first receiver in Cleveland Browns history to have back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. In the storied 77-year history of this team, he’s the only receiver to ever do that.
Not only that, but Cooper also now passes Josh Gordon’s 261-yard game, with a 265-yard explosion. That’s the new single-game record for the most receiving yards in Cleveland Browns history! Wow! Absolutely incredible! Congratulations to him!
Have defense, will travel!
This was probably where I was most concerned going into this game. Usually great defense travels. But for some reason, this has been one of the few weaknesses for Jim Schwartz’s group.
Going into this game, the defense looked like a Jekyll and Hyde situation. In Cleveland, the Browns have held opponents to 13.1 points per game, while they’ve surrendered 30.7 points per game on the road. As for total yards? They’ve held opponents to 223 total yards at home, while giving up 358 total yards on the road.
But today, there was a whole unit of Mr. Hydes, and they were absolutely NASTY! Aside from a couple garbage time touchdowns late in the game, the Browns only gave up eight total points and 250 yards.
This was a very encouraging sign. If the Browns make the playoffs like they probably should at this point, the defense is going to need to travel if they expect to win a playoff game or two.
If they play like they did today? There might be a chance of that! I was very happy to see it. I have waited for years, to see a Cleveland Browns defense that has a killer instinct, and the ability to slam the door shut.
This team has played like starving, sick puppies for decades. It’s about time they morph into angry, bloodthirsty Pitbulls and Rottweilers, and get after opposing offenses! Teams used to fear playing the Browns.
And a big reason for that was because of the defense. The original Dawgs were hard-hitting, unforgiving, disciplined, and just flat out MEAN! It’s great to see this team channeling that 80’s Browns defense! Proud of them today!
Joe Flacco doing Joe Flacco things!
I’m still flabbergasted by how great Joe Flacco looks. He’s going to be 39 years old in January, and he’s still slinging it. He went 27-42 for 368 yards, three touchdowns, and two picks.
Minus a couple bad throws with the game already in the bag, he just torched the Texans. Yes, he was facing a bad pass defense. But all someone can do is play and beat the teams in front of them. And Joe’s doing that. He may not be Cleveland’s answer long term. But he’s most definitely the answer for 2023. I’ve never seen a guy come in off the couch, and do what Joe has done since he’s been here.
And yes, I know Deshaun Watson has a massive contract. But one has to wonder: If Joe Flacco helps us get to the Playoffs, and then leads us to a win or two, and Watson struggles again in 2024, what will the Browns do?
Money shouldn’t dictate a starter in that situation. The team needs to go with the best quarterback. They need to start the guy who gives them the highest chance to win. If that’s Joe Flacco over Deshaun Watson? So be it.
But that’s looking a little bit far too ahead. I don’t know about you all, but I still want to enjoy the games we have left for this year. 2020 was fun, but I think 2023 tops it. This team is just finding ways to win. It doesn’t matter who’s hurt, or who they’re facing. They just get it done.
With the number of injuries this team has sustained (including now losing kicker Dustin Hopkins to a hamstring injury), I’ve wondered if there are people out there who are doing everything they can to make sure the Browns don’t win. But they’re just wasting their time trying to stop this team. They just win anyway!
The Browns now have just two games left. Two games separate them from playing some January football for the first time in four years. And they could also officially clinch a Playoff spot with a win on Thursday night against the Jets too!
Are you excited, Dawg Pound?! BECAUSE I SURE AM! WOOF WOOF WOOF! LET’S GO BROWNS!
Statistical Leaders
Joe Flacco: 27-42, 368 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
Amari Cooper, 11 catches, 265 yards, 2 TDs.
David Njoku: 6 catches, 44 yards, TD
Sources: ESPN, Reddit
Picture Credit: lineups.com
