Despite the loss, Cleveland makes a statement in thrilling Monday night game
After Cleveland suffered the week one loss against the Ravens, no one expected the 2020 rematch to be the game of the year. Both teams are in the playoff hunt and Baltimore needed this win to stay alive while win or lose, Cleveland would remain the 5th seed.
This primetime game literally had it all. Storylines for days, back and forth offensive touchdowns all night, in-game injuries to star players, turnovers, multiple sacks, and ultimately two teams that played their hearts out and left it all out on the field. Unfortunately for the Browns, they ended up losing in the final seconds thanks to a 55 yard field goal by the reliable Justin Tucker. The biggest downfall for the Browns was the defense and their inability to contain Lamar Jackson in the running game. That and the interception thrown by Baker Mayfield made this game a shootout. As heartbreaking as this loss was, Browns fans and players should be proud. This team is special.
Anyone who has watched the Browns in the past several years knows that this 2020 team is different. Past teams would have gotten down by two scores and easily folded. Not this team. They’re different, and that’s why the “same ole Browns” statement is dead and gone. They proved to be resilient and Baker Mayfield displayed why he was drafted with the 1st overall pick in 2018. He’s a baller, no way around it. Even with the loss, it isn’t infuriating like it has been in past years. Why’s that? Because this team has heart. This team is meant to be in the playoffs. All Browns fans wanted that win so bad, especially against the Ravens, but there is no doubt that Cleveland is trending in the right direction.
Baker Mayfield put the Browns in position to win that game. It’s just very unfortunate that the defense and special teams lost it. The accuracy of his throws in key moments and watching him drive them down the field time and time again is very encouraging for the future of this team. We have our franchise QB. We’ve always had him really… Coaching matters. Kevin Stefanski has built a system that Baker is comfortable in. We’ve seen in recent weeks how dynamic it can be. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt continue to be threats on the ground and young players, some rookies such as Donovan Peoples-Jones, are stepping up in crucial moments.
There is no doubt that GM Andrew Berry has his work cut out for him in the offseason. There are massive holes on the defensive side of the ball. Every single draft pick should be on defense in 2021, there’s no way around it. It will help getting Grant Delpit, Ronnie Harrison, Greedy Williams, and Denzel Ward back on the field together next year too. If Berry can find at least one more talented linebacker, this team has a window to be a Super Bowl contender. Unfortunately, the 2020 Browns will struggle to be contenders because of this lackluster defense. Making the playoffs is the goal now, and it is a very realistic goal to achieve.
If you’re a Browns fan, hold your head high. As tough of a loss as that one was, there are plenty of reasons to be encouraged. The remaining games are crucial and facing the Giants in New York next Sunday night is a must win. Regardless of how this season turns out, it has been the most exciting Browns team to watch in over a decade. The future is bright.
