Guest blog (Ben Lawrence): Only the Browns…
Ben Lawrence returns…
“Only the Browns”
Well, we’re a quarter of the way through the 2016 NFL season and I thought this would be a good time to follow up on my last blog post (titled ‘Optimism by the Shores of Erie’). Clearly my optimism was a little premature… I mean we’re the only winless team left in the league at this point. And that includes the dreadful Bears – who will undoubtedly sweep in at the last minute to secure the 1st overall pick right in front of us. Just wait and see… However, the record doesn’t even begin to sum up the rollercoaster ride it’s already been as a Cleveland fan this year. Below is a quick recap of the shit we’ve dealt with so far this year;
- Only the Browns would sign RG3 with the plan to actually build an offense around him only to have him hurt after the 1st game of the season. He will probably never play in a Browns uniform again…
- Only the Browns would pass on Carson Wentz at the #2 pick in the draft only to see him emerge into what looks to be one of the next great QBs. Oh yeah, and he beat Cleveland (and RG3) in week 1…
- Only the Browns could blow a 20-2 first half lead in week 2 against Baltimore. Not that the refs helped us with a taunting penalty on the game-winning drive that moved us out of TD range… To put a cherry on top, backup veteran QB Josh McCown (RG3’s backup) breaks his collarbone and is out (leaving us with 3rd string rookie QB Cody Kessler for the foreseeable future).
- Only the Browns could lose their 1st round draft pick (WR Corey Coleman) to a broken hand after his breakout 2 TD performance against the Ravens…
- Only the Browns could lose their kicker to a season ending knee injury (during walkthrough) before our week 3 matchup against the Dolphins. But hey, it’s OK, we signed Cody Parkey in time to miss 3 field goals (including the game winner).
- Only the Browns could wait around for 2 years for Josh Gordon to straighten his life up only to see him check himself into rehab 4 days before he was allowed to return to the field. I’m still waiting for the report of another failed drug test/arrest… He is now on indefinite suspension and likely done in the NFL (at least Josh and Johnny No-Job will have more time to party now).
- Only the Browns could fumble the ball, standup up with it in their hands, and still see the refs call possession for the other team. Didn’t hear about this last week, feel free to watch; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6GBPpFo0to
- Only the Browns could lead the entire league in rushing after 4 weeks and still be winless. I’m betting that has never happened before…
Aside from all that, it’s been a great year so far… Cleveland truly is a factor of sadness this year (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRBDMMVctu8). However, there are some bright spots to cling to (lots of rookie’s showing promise, a good new coach, a nice running game, etc.). To be honest, it’s the only thing we fans can cling to. And in typical Cleveland Browns fashion, there’s always next year… If you’re a fan of a normal team and think the above is just some freak coincidence, it’s really not. Someone actually made the video to prove it; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6qrW1mdRmQ.
- Stay Classy Cleveland –