Greetings Club Members and Browns Fans!Well, the Browns are now 1 – 1 after slugging it out with the Jaguars last Sunday. Next up, we host the 0-2 New York Giants at the Stadium. More on that in a bit,
Enjoy it while you can–both Baltimore and Cincinnatti are 0-2 to start the season. Unfortunately, That Team From Western Pennsylvania is 2-0.
I also wanted to confirm to you we are not charging dues again this year. However, what I would like to see is more people coming to the Den to watch the games. I know it’s a bit inconvwenient for some, but the availability of a location with the NFL ticket that gives us a private room is nearly impossible to get. So, come on over to the Den when you can!A TALE OF TWO GAMES, A TALE OF TWO HALVES
To say that the Cowboys game was bad would be an understatement. The Offensive line got pushed around like rag dolls by Dallas, allowing six sacks. (I, for one, miss Bill Callahan!)Watson played like he was confirming all the bad things his critics have been saying about him (and the 51.1 QB rating didn’t help).The Defense looked lackluster in the first half, allowing 20 of Dallas’ 33 points; but, to their credit, they did step it up in the second half–although it was too little, too late.And, Special Teams looked shaky–an uncharacteristic poor kick by Bojorquez and the punt return for a TD just added to the agony.I had a bad feeling before kickoff when watching the warm ups–all the players seems too happy/flippant/unconcerned–almost like they bought into the hype. In the end I think the game may have been a blessing in disguise because it woke them up to reality.
Then last Sunday, the Browns got some Florida sunshine and a well-deserved win against Jacksonville. It wasn’t pretty by any standard–and it almost ended in disaster–but a Win is a Win.The team looked a lot more serious when taking the field and showed it with their play.The Offense looked much better in the first half, even Watson looked efficient. That 9 minute 14 second TD drive in the first quarter was masterful.The Defense lived up to expecations this game, keeping the Jaguars offense stymied for most of the first half.Hopkins was his reliable self, like the second coming of Phil Dawson. Three field goals and a PAT, just another day at work.However, that second half was something else entirely.I will give the Defense props for playing well in the second half, save for 1. The blown coverage that allowed the 66-yard reception and set the Jaguars up for a TD; and 2. Allowong Jacksonville to put together a nearly seven minute drive, capped off with a field goal that put them back within stricking distance.The Offense, however, couldn’t do a lot that second half. Amari Cooper is a concern–I hope he hasn’t copped an attitutde from the whole trade fiasco. It was apparent that the Jaguars’ defense made adjustments in the second half; but apparently we didn’t bother to counter those adjustments on offense. One field goal and five punts in the second half…Ugh! I will, however give them props on the nearly six minute series they ran in the 4th and got it under two minutes left to play did redeem the offense a bit.Speaking of punts, that punt by Bojorquez at the end of that series was an absolute thing of beauty! Watching it hit the turf and bouce sideways out of bounds at the two yard line has to be the paly of the game. Especially since it led to a defensive rush that ended up with a Safety and gave us a bit more margin.The Defense closed it out and prevented Jacksonville from scoring the go ahead TD with no time left gave me heart palpitations, but the underthrown ball sealed the Jaguars fate.I’m wondering if there’s any remorse in Jacksonville in giving Lawrence that huge extension? Oh, and of course, ruining the special naming day for (TR)Ever Bank stadium!
THE GIANTS COME TO CLEVELAND
OK, as I mentioned early on, the 0-2 New York Giants will be hosted by our 1-1 Browns this Sunday. Kickoff is at 1 pm. Cleveland is favored by 6.5 points.
The Detroit Fox affiliate will be broadcasting the Packers – Titans game, NOT THE BROWNS – GIANTS game.
The only way to see the game is by joining Susan and Dave at the Northville Sports Den (or buying NFL Ticket). So come on over to the Den and join your fellow club members and Browns fans to sheer on the Browns against the Giants!
That’s it for this week except, of course, always and forever…
GO BROWNS!!! |
