 |
| Pat Shurmur has a record of 6-19 as the Browns Head Coach, something that would make anyone hide from. #fireshurmur |
The Cleveland Browns (2-7) hit the Bye Week this weekend, and as there wasn't much of an expectation for this Browns squad this season, they have had plenty of chances to archive a better record, to this point of the season. However, the Browns have been unable to make a number of "winning plays", they haven't won on the road yet this season (0-4), and have won just one out of four games vs. their AFC North rivals. Let us take a look back at the Browns first nine games, and peak ahead at the remaining seven games of the 2012 campaign. Changes are coming with this organization, unfortunately, later rather then sooner.
- The Browns defense harassed Michael Vick & Co. all day (forcing five TO's), however, the Browns offense could not capitalize (four TO's) with rookie combo QB Weeden & RB Richardson. In the end, the Browns D allowed Vick to go on a GW 91-yard touchdown drive, dropping their 13th out of 14th season opener since 1999 in heartbreaking fashion. GO THE FOR 2-POINT CONVERSION.
Week 2 @ Cincinnati Bengals (L 34-27)
- The difference in this one was Adam Jones' 81-yard PR for a touchdown. Big plays by the Bengals offense, doomed the Browns D all day long, as they played without CB Joe Haden for the first of four games due to league suspension. Weeden & Richardson, had nice outings throwing for 300+ yards and 100+ yards rushing in this shootout.
Week 3 vs. Buffalo Bills (L 24-14)
- After falling behind 14-0 in the 1st quarter, the Browns had chances in the 4th quarter, but could not manage a score, as they gave up a late Bills touchdown that put the game out of reach, frustration setting in for Browns fans.
Week 4 @ Baltimore Ravens (L 23-16)
- The Browns fought hard in Baltimore against the Ravens in this one, on national television in the TNF game of the week. However, a costly pick-six, a dropped touchdown pass, and three 50+ yard Phil Dawson FG's later, the Browns rally fell just short in pulling off the upset in this one. The fourth game, that the Browns were in position in the fourth quarter to pull out a victory.
Week 5 @ New York Giants (L 41-27)
- The Browns jumped out early in this one, taking a 14-0 lead in the opening stanza. Unfortunately, the Browns where outscored 41 to 13 from that point on in the game. Eli Manning threw three TD passes to WR Victor Cruz and RB Ahmad Bradshaw racked up 200+ rushing yards vs. the Browns D. Browns scored late to make this one a two-score victory for the defending Super Bowl champions.
Week 6 vs. Cincinnati Bengals (W 34-24)
- HEY! Browns win! Facing the franchise's record 12th-straight loss, the Browns finally made a number of "winning plays", most notability in the 4th "money" quarter, outscoring the Bengals 21 to 10 in the final stanza. Montario Hardesty, the Browns back-up RB sparked the Browns offense with 56 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Browns D forced Bengals QB Andy Dalton into turning the ball over four times in this one.
Week 7 @ Indianapolis Colts (L 17-13)
- Unable to use any momentum from the previous weeks victory, the Browns allowed Colts' rookie QB Andrew Luck to rush for TWO touchdowns. The Browns offense looked impressive on their two scoring drives, however, a missed PAT after their first touchdown proved to be costly in the end, as the Browns were forced to try and score a touchdown and not kick a potential tying FG, twice in the fourth quarter. Ugh! This marked the Browns 4th loss decided by 7 points or less on the season.
Week 8 vs. San Diego Chargers (W 7-6)
- Played in a rainy down pour all afternoon, the Browns held on late in this one, to win a one-point snoozer, the teams 2nd win in past three weeks. The Browns rookie RB Trent Richardson rushed for 122 yards and the games lone touchdown. The Browns D held the Chargers offensive attack to just two FG's and forced the Chargers to turn the ball over on downs as they were driving late, for a potential GW score.
Week 9 vs. Baltimore Ravens (L 25-15)
- The Browns played another opponent from behind, falling down 14 to 0 after the 1st quarter. However, following Phil Dawson's FIFTH field goal on the day, the Browns took a one-point lead in the 4th quarter (15-14). Again, the Browns D could not hold up after forcing the Ravens to go 3 & out five-straight times, giving up a late touchdown & field goal, losing by 10-points. The Browns offense was unable to do anything in the red zone, as they had to rely on Dawson's five FG's to provide the scoring. It was the 6th game this season, that the Browns were held to 16 points or less. The Browns went into the Bye Week with a disappointing 2-7 mark.
The Browns remaining 2012 schedule:
@ Dallas Cowboys, hey, force Romo into a couple INT's and fresh off the bye week, who knows the Cowboys could get caught looking ahead to their Turkey Day game vs. RG3 & the Redskins.
vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, if the Browns want to beat the Steelers, they need to do it in front of their home fans.
@ Oakland Raiders, the Browns go up against an old-nemesis (Raiders QB Carson Palmer) out in the Bay Area.
vs. Kansas City Chiefs, at this point the Chiefs could be coming into this game at 1-11 (maybe not even holding a lead in a game), a "must-win" for the youthful Brownies.
vs. Washington Redskins, the Browns welcome RG3 & Co. to Cleveland for the teams home finale, a game that your's truly will be in attendance for. Yah...
@ Denver Broncos, the only chance the Browns have in this one, is if Peyton Manning is sitting out due to the Broncos clinching a playoff spot already. If Peyton plays, the Browns will be in trouble.
@ Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL schedule makers have no mercy for the Browns, as they finish up the 2012 campaign on the road in the Steel City. Keep it close boys...
Finishing it up here, the Browns have had chances to win a few more ballgames in the 1st half, but were unable to do so. With just two win's so far, the Browns youthful roster is getting some experience despite the poor results in the win column. I think the early experience helps, and the Browns surprise some folks in the 2nd half, potentially finishing the season with five or six win's overall, and recording a season record of 5-11 or 6-10. At this point a 6-win season would be something the Browns can build on during the off-season, as they ultimately start all over again with a new coaching staff, haha.
