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National Football League

Page 361 - Get up to date with the latest news, scores & standings from the Cycling News Community.
As to the Bills, I'd say the OL is the first issue. But their defensive front 7 as well. But they need help almost everywhere. Also, Allen needs experience, without having his confidence destroyed by going 0 for _ in wins, and seeing his name at the bottom of the QB ratings because he has no time to throw, and pockets continually collapse around him. He's not a statue, but he's not exactly Russell Wilson either.

I wouldn't exactly write off the Chargers in the AFC West just yet. They were very sloppy on offense and out of sync, plus Joey Bosa is their best defensive player and his absence on Sunday really showed. He'll miss this week as well, but should be back soon. Put it this way, even without Bosa, Melvin Ingram, their DE/OLB specialist still had three sacks in a losing cause.

I'm a huge Raiders fan, and it's good to see Gruden back, but I saw the same game you guys did. Play was uneven, their defense got tired, and Gruden so far seems way overconfident. Just seeing how excellent a marginally out of shape Kahlil Mack played for the Bears, in a system he didn't know, with teammates he didn't know, was a great example of what the Raiders lost. Their schedule isn't bad, but they really look like a 7-9 team.

BAL@CIN - The Ravens lit things up last week, but the Bengals looked good at times as well, and are at home.
 
Re:

Alpe d'Huez said:
As to the Bills, I'd say the OL is the first issue. But their defensive front 7 as well. But they need help almost everywhere. Also, Allen needs experience, without having his confidence destroyed by going 0 for _ in wins, and seeing his name at the bottom of the QB ratings because he has no time to throw, and pockets continually collapse around him. He's not a statue, but he's not exactly Russell Wilson either.

I wouldn't exactly write off the Chargers in the AFC West just yet. They were very sloppy on offense and out of sync, plus Joey Bosa is their best defensive player and his absence on Sunday really showed. He'll miss this week as well, but should be back soon. Put it this way, even without Bosa, Melvin Ingram, their DE/OLB specialist still had three sacks in a losing cause.

I'm a huge Raiders fan, and it's good to see Gruden back, but I saw the same game you guys did. Play was uneven, their defense got tired, and Gruden so far seems way overconfident. Just seeing how excellent a marginally out of shape Kahlil Mack played for the Bears, in a system he didn't know, with teammates he didn't know, was a great example of what the Raiders lost. Their schedule isn't bad, but they really look like a 7-9 team.

BAL@CIN - The Ravens lit things up last week, but the Bengals looked good at times as well, and are at home.

Yeah, was at the Raider game. They just got out-talented and Carr looks like he doesn't care. Not good.
 
CAR@ATL - I still like the Falcons as a solid contender, though losing Keanu Neal will hurt.
IND@WAS - Washington goes 2-0 to start the season.
HOU@TEN - Look for Watson to have a good game.
PHI@TB - Bucs come back to reality against a real defense.
KC@PIT - This could be a barn burner.
MIA@NYJ - Jets go to 2-0 behind Darnold.
LAC@BUF - Chargers bounce back against league's worst team.
MIN@GB - Rodgers plays, and shows how it's done, at home.
CLE@NO - Opposite of last week's NO game. This will be much lower scoring.
DET@SF - Niners at home.
ARI@LAR - Cards have no offense, against one of the best defenses.
NE@JAX - Pats simply too good.
OAK@DEN - I simply can't pick the Raiders, on the road, against a good defense.
NYG@DAL - Both teams have problems, but Dallas more of a must win here.

SEA@CHI - Mack lead Bear defense will only get better.

One last thing, Silver and Black Pride, a Raider dedicated site, really took Gruden to task, not only for the way the Raiders played, but many of the things he said. This is a good read. I didin't say much in the past, other than his contract being absurd, but I honestly don't think he's that much better of a coach than Jack Del Rio was. I think Mark Davis wanted Gruden all along, but couldn't get him to budge 3 years ago. When Gruden made waves of being interested in returning to coaching, that was all it took. Of course, time will tell on how Gruden pans out. Obviously they've traded away the present and near future (Mack) in a huge gamble that what they'll get in return will be better down the line.

https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2018/9/15/17862560/its-getting-mighty-crowded-under-jon-grudens-bus-these-days
 
Re:

Alpe d'Huez said:
CAR@ATL - I still like the Falcons as a solid contender, though losing Keanu Neal will hurt.
IND@WAS - Washington goes 2-0 to start the season.
HOU@TEN - Look for Watson to have a good game.
PHI@TB - Bucs come back to reality against a real defense.
KC@PIT - This could be a barn burner.
MIA@NYJ - Jets go to 2-0 behind Darnold.
LAC@BUF - Chargers bounce back against league's worst team.
MIN@GB - Rodgers plays, and shows how it's done, at home.
CLE@NO - Opposite of last week's NO game. This will be much lower scoring.
DET@SF - Niners at home.
ARI@LAR - Cards have no offense, against one of the best defenses.
NE@JAX - Pats simply too good.
OAK@DEN - I simply can't pick the Raiders, on the road, against a good defense.
NYG@DAL - Both teams have problems, but Dallas more of a must win here.

SEA@CHI - Mack lead Bear defense will only get better.

One last thing, Silver and Black Pride, a Raider dedicated site, really took Gruden to task, not only for the way the Raiders played, but many of the things he said. This is a good read. I didin't say much in the past, other than his contract being absurd, but I honestly don't think he's that much better of a coach than Jack Del Rio was. I think Mark Davis wanted Gruden all along, but couldn't get him to budge 3 years ago. When Gruden made waves of being interested in returning to coaching, that was all it took. Of course, time will tell on how Gruden pans out. Obviously they've traded away the present and near future (Mack) in a huge gamble that what they'll get in return will be better down the line.

https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2018/9/15/17862560/its-getting-mighty-crowded-under-jon-grudens-bus-these-days
Once again, its hard to argue with your picks.

Of course I'll take SEA over CHI.
KC over PIT
MIN vs. GB will likely come down to how well ARodg plays (and/or how much). I wonder if he will have some type of support/padding? They are calling it an "unusual" injury. If you watch the slow-mo, you can see that his tibia gets 'wrenched' while being hit. Last Sunday I thought that the injury was below the knee, and that may actually be the case. I guess we'll see how it goes.

Many moons ago I was involved in a moto crash that twisted my tibia with the other moto also landing on it. I had some small fractures in the tib, an avulsion, and a sprained knee. The avulsion took forever to feel OK again. Does AR have an avulsion?

PM EDIT:
Florida (three wins in one day)!
Fitz!
Bortles!
Mahomes!
Two weeks in a row...WHY are there ties in the NFL?!
 
Re:

Alpe d'Huez said:
CAR@ATL - I still like the Falcons as a solid contender, though losing Keanu Neal will hurt.
IND@WAS - Washington goes 2-0 to start the season.
HOU@TEN - Look for Watson to have a good game.
PHI@TB - Bucs come back to reality against a real defense.
KC@PIT - This could be a barn burner.
MIA@NYJ - Jets go to 2-0 behind Darnold.
LAC@BUF - Chargers bounce back against league's worst team.
MIN@GB - Rodgers plays, and shows how it's done, at home.
CLE@NO - Opposite of last week's NO game. This will be much lower scoring.
DET@SF - Niners at home.
ARI@LAR - Cards have no offense, against one of the best defenses.
NE@JAX - Pats simply too good.
OAK@DEN - I simply can't pick the Raiders, on the road, against a good defense.
NYG@DAL - Both teams have problems, but Dallas more of a must win here.

SEA@CHI - Mack lead Bear defense will only get better.
could have said "Cards have no defense, against one of the best offenses." Gurley went through them like a dose of salts
KC and JAX... :eek:
 
Breaking news from week two.
Devontae Davis, cornerback for my Buffalo Bills retired mid-game on Sunday.
Cameras were not there to catch the moment, but players recall a very moving scene when Vontae went to the locker room at halftime, removed his equipment and retired from the sport.
Vontae witnessed his team kick a field goal in the second quarter and realized he wanted to quit while he was on top.
He will be missed.
 
I can't believe how many picks I was wrong on. Well, I can actually, in that I said before the season that the first few weeks would see some surprises. But TB 2-0, putting up huge scores and plays behind Fitzpatrick, against the Saints and Eagles?!

Fins are 2-0 too, and have sole position of first place!

Awesome play by the Chiefs, and Pat Mahomes. 6, SIX touchdowns!

Andrew Luck really is showing why he's an MVP level QB.

The end to that Packers-Vikings game was something. Both teams should have won that one.

Jags looked for real. Defense very impressive, offense played solid as well. When will people stop saying Blake Bortles is a junk QB?

So, are the Jags the best team in the AFC right now? I think so. They play the Chiefs in 3 weeks. In all of the NFL? I think that belongs to the Rams, who have given up a total of 13 points in two games. Unless it's Tampa Bay?!?

Davis picked a good time to retire, because it's possible the Bills won't be leading another game all season with the way they are playing. They play the Vikings, then Packers coming up. Ouch.

Angry Raider fans continue to vent on Gruden. Mostly after Gruden said the team needed a better pass rush, and that's what cost them the game against the Broncos. Uh, hello? You had the best pass rusher in the NFL and you traded him away!
 
I'd be shocked if the Hawks make the playoffs this season. I know it's only week 2 and both games were on the road, but the offense is horrendous. Terrible O-line, bad choices by Wilson, head scratching play calling by Schottenheimer and the overall stubbornness of Carroll has me face palming. Their inability to change something is just crazy to me. Russ was sacked another 5-6 times last night. That's what, 12 sacks in two games?!!? Part of that is the O-line but he is to blame for it as well. Standing too long in the pocket and just not scrambling as effectively (wisely?) as everyone knows he can. I am not sure what's going on with the offense, but it doesn't matter how good your defense plays, you can't win games with that sort of offense, never mind getting into the playoffs.
 
oldcrank said:
Damn Australians, why do they think they can just show up and start doing things their way??
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-18/michael-dickson-shocks-nfl-with-drop-kick/10264362

the first time the hawks get a penalty in their favour that's enforced on the kickoff you'll see him do a really high drop kick about 20 yards and then it will be a mad scramble for possession (much like in rugby union), can't wait !

a bit riskier from the 35 yard line than the 50 for example.
 
BullsFan22 said:
I'd be shocked if the Hawks make the playoffs this season. I know it's only week 2 and both games were on the road, but the offense is horrendous. Terrible O-line, bad choices by Wilson, head scratching play calling by Schottenheimer and the overall stubbornness of Carroll has me face palming. Their inability to change something is just crazy to me. Russ was sacked another 5-6 times last night. That's what, 12 sacks in two games?!!? Part of that is the O-line but he is to blame for it as well. Standing too long in the pocket and just not scrambling as effectively (wisely?) as everyone knows he can. I am not sure what's going on with the offense, but it doesn't matter how good your defense plays, you can't win games with that sort of offense, never mind getting into the playoffs.

I think the team won't go forward until Pete Carroll is gone. Not only are his days numbered, he's not offering anything new and some of the player pick ups are just bizarre considering their needs. Think they need a fresh start and a new approach.
 
leftover pie said:
oldcrank said:
Damn Australians, why do they think they can just show up and start doing things their way??
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-18/michael-dickson-shocks-nfl-with-drop-kick/10264362

the first time the hawks get a penalty in their favour that's enforced on the kickoff you'll see him do a really high drop kick about 20 yards and then it will be a mad scramble for possession (much like in rugby union), can't wait !

a bit riskier from the 35 yard line than the 50 for example.
LOL about the Aussie comment. But really, it was a smart move. Just like LeftoverPie said, get a little more loft on the kick than a guy who has to tee it up, drop it in there, hope for someone to bobble the ball, and have it turn into a scramble. I loved it. In fact, outside of a couple of Shaquill Griffin picks, punter Michael Dickson is about the only positive thing the Hawks have going on right now. BTW, Shaquem Griffin is the Hawks feel-good thing ATM, but after his two huge mistakes in the Denver game (on one, he did not cover the RB out to the flat like he was supposed to and the cat ran it in for a TD) notice he did not play a single defensive snap against the Bears? Yep, only played ST vs Bears. Replaced by insider-trader Mychal Kendricks who signed with Seattle in the last week.
 
movingtarget said:
BullsFan22 said:
I'd be shocked if the Hawks make the playoffs this season. I know it's only week 2 and both games were on the road, but the offense is horrendous. Terrible O-line, bad choices by Wilson, head scratching play calling by Schottenheimer and the overall stubbornness of Carroll has me face palming. Their inability to change something is just crazy to me. Russ was sacked another 5-6 times last night. That's what, 12 sacks in two games?!!? Part of that is the O-line but he is to blame for it as well. Standing too long in the pocket and just not scrambling as effectively (wisely?) as everyone knows he can. I am not sure what's going on with the offense, but it doesn't matter how good your defense plays, you can't win games with that sort of offense, never mind getting into the playoffs.

I think the team won't go forward until Pete Carroll is gone. Not only are his days numbered, he's not offering anything new and some of the player pick ups are just bizarre considering their needs. Think they need a fresh start and a new approach.
It's too early to pull the plug on Carroll. But agree w/everything BullsFan said. Not only will it not be shocking if Seattle fails to make playoffs, I don't think they have a winning season and will be FAR worse than 8-8. Hawks are already 0-2 and here is their remaining schedule: DAL, @ARI, LA, @OAK, @DET, LAC, @LA, GB, @CAR, SF, MIN, @SF, ARI. I can only bet on them winning just 2 games, both vs Arizona. They should lose the rest and end up 2-14. True Russ is partly to blame by holding the ball too long trying to make things happen. OFC the OL problems are well known. Seattle tried to bolster the right side of the OL by drafting Jamarco Jones (who actually replaced RT Ifedi in the preseason but then got injured), and signing free agent RG Fluker. But DJ Fluker is also injured (replaced by awful JR Sweezy who Seattle also signed in the offseason as an insurance backup), so the entire right side of the Seattle OL is a hot mess. Now, add to that RT Ifedi having to block the likes of Khalil Mack (CHI) and Von Miller (DEN) in the last two games, and there's a recipe for disaster. I'm just glad Russ Wilson is still alive and moving upright! I'm not sure if I can watch Russ get killed when they play the Rams. Clearly, Carroll must invest in OL in off season free agency and the draft. Cuz if this mess is still a mess this time next year then ppl will legitimately be calling for Carroll's head.

Really liking the KC offense, but defense is their weak point. Mahomes getting lots of props... along with Smith and Reid for coaching him up last year.

Go Jags! And Rams, Viks, Browns, Bears, or any team whose been in the gutter over the last 5-6 years (or more) and are surging ATM. Well, Browns almost there right? NOT Dal tho. Never.

I'm all for player safety, but that personal foul penalty on Clay Matthews hit on Kirk Cousins is a head-scratcher. I did not like the call. They are saying tackler can't lift and land on the QB he's tackling, but that one was really marginal.

Vontae Davis retiring at half-time? That was another head-scratcher. But I'm not taking shots at him. He may have good personal or health concerns (or fears) he's dealing with, so that's his business.

Looking forward to technological changes like helmet sensors to improve monitoring of head trauma. My question: who would monitor the data real-time of all 22 players on the field so players can get pulled when the hits happen?
 
on3m@n@rmy said:
movingtarget said:
BullsFan22 said:
I'd be shocked if the Hawks make the playoffs this season. I know it's only week 2 and both games were on the road, but the offense is horrendous. Terrible O-line, bad choices by Wilson, head scratching play calling by Schottenheimer and the overall stubbornness of Carroll has me face palming. Their inability to change something is just crazy to me. Russ was sacked another 5-6 times last night. That's what, 12 sacks in two games?!!? Part of that is the O-line but he is to blame for it as well. Standing too long in the pocket and just not scrambling as effectively (wisely?) as everyone knows he can. I am not sure what's going on with the offense, but it doesn't matter how good your defense plays, you can't win games with that sort of offense, never mind getting into the playoffs.

I think the team won't go forward until Pete Carroll is gone. Not only are his days numbered, he's not offering anything new and some of the player pick ups are just bizarre considering their needs. Think they need a fresh start and a new approach.
It's too early to pull the plug on Carroll. But agree w/everything BullsFan said. Not only will it not be shocking if Seattle fails to make playoffs, I don't think they have a winning season and will be FAR worse than 8-8. Hawks are already 0-2 and here is their remaining schedule: DAL, @ARI, LA, @OAK, @DET, LAC, @LA, GB, @CAR, SF, MIN, @SF, ARI. I can only bet on them winning just 2 games, both vs Arizona. They should lose the rest and end up 2-14. True Russ is partly to blame by holding the ball too long trying to make things happen. OFC the OL problems are well known. Seattle tried to bolster the right side of the OL by drafting Jamarco Jones (who actually replaced RT Ifedi in the preseason but then got injured), and signing free agent RG Fluker. But DJ Fluker is also injured (replaced by awful JR Sweezy who Seattle also signed in the offseason as an insurance backup), so the entire right side of the Seattle OL is a hot mess. Now, add to that RT Ifedi having to block the likes of Khalil Mack (CHI) and Von Miller (DEN) in the last two games, and there's a recipe for disaster. I'm just glad Russ Wilson is still alive and moving upright! I'm not sure if I can watch Russ get killed when they play the Rams. Clearly, Carroll must invest in OL in off season free agency and the draft. Cuz if this mess is still a mess this time next year then ppl will legitimately be calling for Carroll's head.

Really liking the KC offense, but defense is their weak point. Mahomes getting lots of props... along with Smith and Reid for coaching him up last year.

Go Jags! And Rams, Viks, Browns, Bears, or any team whose been in the gutter over the last 5-6 years (or more) and are surging ATM. Well, Browns almost there right? NOT Dal tho. Never.

I'm all for player safety, but that personal foul penalty on Clay Matthews hit on Kirk Cousins is a head-scratcher. I did not like the call. They are saying tackler can't lift and land on the QB he's tackling, but that one was really marginal.

Vontae Davis retiring at half-time? That was another head-scratcher. But I'm not taking shots at him. He may have good personal or health concerns (or fears) he's dealing with, so that's his business.

Looking forward to technological changes like helmet sensors to improve monitoring of head trauma. My question: who would monitor the data real-time of all 22 players on the field so players can get pulled when the hits happen?

Chiefs play the 49ers this week and neither team looked good on defense last week. The 49ers were just lucky they played Detroit. Be interesting also to see Jimmy and Mahomes on opposite sides of the field. I suspect the Chiefs will run up a cricket score if the Niners secondary plays like it did last week. At least Foster is back for the 49ers so they have a better pass rush and also Goodwin back at WR.
 
NYJ@CLE - I'm actually going to pick the Browns. However, Taylor must have a good game. He's played okay so far, just okay, mostly by using his legs. The Jets are a better team on paper, but need work too, and this is on the road. Wait, I can't pick the Browns, what am I thinking?

NO@ATL - Falcons at home in a high scoring game.
GB@WAS - Healthy or not, Rodgers plays, they win this on the road.
IND@PHI - Eagles bounce back.
BUF@MIN - Vikings way too good. Lock of the week.
OAK@MIA - Fins go 3-0. But schedule gets real tough, real soon.
DEN@BAL - Ravens bounce back.
CIN@CAR - Panthers at home.
NYG@HOU - Texans at home.
TEN@JAX - Jags continue to play well.
SF@KC - Is the over on this game 70 points?
LAC@LAR - Rams are legit. They can beat anyone. Bosa not back yet for Chargers.
DAL@SEA - Two teams that need help.
CHI@ARI - Bears better team, but both solid defense.
NE@DET - Belicheck's disciples rarely beat him.

PIT@TB - Steelers show their meddle (get it? Metal?!) after locker room rumors.
 
Re:

Alpe d'Huez said:
NYJ@CLE - I'm actually going to pick the Browns. However, Taylor must have a good game. He's played okay so far, just okay, mostly by using his legs. The Jets are a better team on paper, but need work too, and this is on the road. Wait, I can't pick the Browns, what am I thinking?

NO@ATL - Falcons at home in a high scoring game.
GB@WAS - Healthy or not, Rodgers plays, they win this on the road.
IND@PHI - Eagles bounce back.
BUF@MIN - Vikings way too good. Lock of the week.
OAK@MIA - Fins go 3-0. But schedule gets real tough, real soon.
DEN@BAL - Ravens bounce back.
CIN@CAR - Panthers at home.
NYG@HOU - Texans at home.
TEN@JAX - Jags continue to play well.
SF@KC - Is the over on this game 70 points?
LAC@LAR - Rams are legit. They can beat anyone. Bosa not back yet for Chargers.
DAL@SEA - Two teams that need help.
CHI@ARI - Bears better team, but both solid defense.
NE@DET - Belicheck's disciples rarely beat him.

PIT@TB - Steelers show their meddle (get it? Metal?!) after locker room rumors.
As jmdirt has said, hard to argue with your picks. But I will agree with all your picks except for two.

One, I will go out on a limb and pick CLE over NYJ tonight. No reason. Just got a feeling.

Two, I will blasphem and pick visiting DAL over my SEA team.
Why? First this statistic:
Since the sack became an official statistic during 1982, there have been 26 instances of a team allowing 12 or more sacks during the first two weeks of the regular season. But only three of those — Jacksonville in 2014, Houston in 2017 and Seattle this year — have come within the past 10 seasons. Jacksonville and Houston each allowed 13 sacks during the first two weeks, both on their way to terrible seasons. The Jaguars went 3-13; the Texans 4-12. But neither of them had an established, top-tier quarterback like Wilson calling the shots.
Secondly:
Starting center Justin Britt injured his shoulder late in the loss to Chicago while trying to get on a fumble Wilson lost while being sacked. Carroll said Britt was sore and would be day-to-day, but he did not practice Wednesday.

Also sitting out practice was left guard Ethan Pocic, who was considered a candidate to potentially replace Britt at center.

"WE’VE TRIED TO MAKE HIM (Wilson) MORE CONFIDENT IN THE PROTECTION" said Pete Carroll.

Pocic has an ankle injury.

If Britt can’t play and Pocic is an unknown, Seattle might plug in backup Joey Hunt at center and shift guard J.R. Sweezy (to LG). D.J. Fluker, who started at right guard before injuring a hamstring during the preseason, is expected to return this weekend after missing the first two games.
And all this shuffling of the OL is supposed to make Wilson MORE confident in the protection?

Finally, the Cowboys are second in the NFL with 9 sacks through two games and last season sacked Wilson three times and limited the Seahawks to 136 total yards. Even though Seattle came away with a 21-12 win last season, I just don't think Seattle can win this time unless WR Doug Baldwin returns. If Baldwin returns, his quick separation at the line and breaks can help Wilson get the ball out quicker. However, Baldwin (knee) did not participate in practice this week. So I'm not hopeful for a Baldwin return to action this week.
 
tYrod is crap tonight. Now he's hurt, luckily for Browns, and the way the ball ripped out of Baker's hand in the 2min drill before half he was amazing. 2nd half starter for Browns should be Baker, Baker, Baker.

update - Tyrod in concussion protocol.

Edit: final, CLE 21 JETS 17.
Baker did start 2nd half, was amazing, got the game ball, and I'll be shocked if he's not named the QB#1 to finish the season. Dude has a rifle. And accurate one.
Unfortunately for Tyrod, I hear he's off to the hospital under concussion protocol.
 
Re:

on3m@n@rmy said:
tYrod is crap tonight. Now he's hurt, luckily for Browns, and the way the ball ripped out of Baker's hand in the 2min drill before half he was amazing. 2nd half starter for Browns should be Baker, Baker, Baker.

update - Tyrod in concussion protocol.

Edit: final, CLE 21 JETS 17.
Baker did start 2nd half, was amazing, got the game ball, and I'll be shocked if he's not named the QB#1 to finish the season. Dude has a rifle. And accurate one.
Unfortunately for Tyrod, I hear he's off to the hospital under concussion protocol.

So far not such a bad start to the season for the Browns.
 
I can’t possibly see Taylor playing another snap for the Browns, concussion or not. Mayfield was better in almost every way. Most important was that he went through progressions quicker, and pulled the trigger when he needed to, without forcing the ball. Props also go to the OL who improved as the night went on. But knowing your QB can deliver when needed helped that.

Props also to Greg Joseph. 2/2 on FGs and 2/2 on extra points. Loved the way the Browns fans gave him a standing ovation after kicking a FG...in warmups!

Now, what a lot of people aren’t talking about enough is the Browns defense. They looked tough, and legit. Myles Garrett was almost continuously doubled up, yet he still caused a lot of disruption. Gregg Williams has that D playing aggressive and increasingly confident. They are currently ranked 14th (6th in yards per play), but they also played the Steelers and Saints before this, with sketchy help from the offense.
 
Good assessment of Taylor vs Mayfield. Likewise regarding the Browns defense. I'll add, inserting Mayfield seemed to pick up the intensity of both offense AND defense. Almost as tho other players sensed they had a legit chance to win with Baker at QB, so played with more motivation. When Baker entered, Browns fans obviously became more lively and that prolly helped get the players going and little harder too.

Looking ahead to week 4, CLE visits OAK. The Browns "D" is better than the Raiders "D". But through 2 games, the Raiders "O" is better than the Browns "O" HAS BEEN WITH TAYLOR AT QB. If Baker Mayfield starts for the Browns at Oakland, I bet the Browns win that game.

If the Browns win away vs Oakland then beyond week 4 could be promising except they have a really hard schedule after Oakland (BAL, LAC, @TB, @PIT, KC, ATL, @CIN, @HOU, CAR, @DEN, CIN, @BAL). If the Browns can win around half their games that will be a huge success for their season. Funny, after the Browns win last night you'd have thought by their fans reaction that they'd won the SB! :cool:
 
Re:

Alpe d'Huez said:
I can’t possibly see Taylor playing another snap for the Browns, concussion or not. Mayfield was better in almost every way. Most important was that he went through progressions quicker, and pulled the trigger when he needed to, without forcing the ball. Props also go to the OL who improved as the night went on. But knowing your QB can deliver when needed helped that.

Props also to Greg Joseph. 2/2 on FGs and 2/2 on extra points. Loved the way the Browns fans gave him a standing ovation after kicking a FG...in warmups!

Now, what a lot of people aren’t talking about enough is the Browns defense. They looked tough, and legit. Myles Garrett was almost continuously doubled up, yet he still caused a lot of disruption. Gregg Williams has that D playing aggressive and increasingly confident. They are currently ranked 14th (6th in yards per play), but they also played the Steelers and Saints before this, with sketchy help from the offense.

Carlos Hyde was also a good signing for the Browns. He wasn't performing for the 49ers at least under Shanahan. He is looking much better so far this season.
 
Re: Re:

movingtarget said:
Alpe d'Huez said:
I can’t possibly see Taylor playing another snap for the Browns, concussion or not. Mayfield was better in almost every way. Most important was that he went through progressions quicker, and pulled the trigger when he needed to, without forcing the ball. Props also go to the OL who improved as the night went on. But knowing your QB can deliver when needed helped that.

Props also to Greg Joseph. 2/2 on FGs and 2/2 on extra points. Loved the way the Browns fans gave him a standing ovation after kicking a FG...in warmups!

Now, what a lot of people aren’t talking about enough is the Browns defense. They looked tough, and legit. Myles Garrett was almost continuously doubled up, yet he still caused a lot of disruption. Gregg Williams has that D playing aggressive and increasingly confident. They are currently ranked 14th (6th in yards per play), but they also played the Steelers and Saints before this, with sketchy help from the offense.
Carlos Hyde was also a good signing for the Browns. He wasn't performing for the 49ers at least under Shanahan. He is looking much better so far this season.
Carlos has always been a good back. I would liked to have had him in Seattle, but there was this guy named Marshawn.
 

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