The Cleveland Browns have started to roar back after a slow start. After a disappointing 0-2 record to start to the beginning of the season, the Browns have won two straight. Their wins have come against the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals in the Battle of Ohio. The Browns are looking to increase their record to 3-2 and stay at the top of the AFC North standings on Thursday against the Buffalo Bills.
After the 0-2 start, the Browns made headlines by trading away star running back, Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts for their first-round draft pick in the upcoming May 2014 draft. Many of the fans thought they were throwing away their season in order to stock up on talented rookies in the next draft.
“Typical Cleveland,” responded Mr. Long when asked about his reaction to the trade.
Mr. Merkel, however, was trying to look at the trade with a glass-half-full-kind-of-view.
“The way I was looking at it, I thought he would get injured at some point in the season, and he wouldn’t have as long of a career that you would hope for out of a number three pick. I do think that we should have gotten more than just one pick for him, at least a first and third pick.”
Even after losing their top runner, the Browns have found a way to win. This is mostly because of the great play of new Quarterback Brian Hoyer, who was given the starting spot after original starter Brandon Weeden hurt his hand in week two. Hoyer has thrown for 590 yards and five touchdowns in his two starts. A quarterback is only as good as his receivers, however and Hoyer’s receivers are playing like All-Pro receivers. The two that stand out the most are tight end Jordan Cameron and wide out Josh Gordon. Cameron has 150 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Gordon, who came back after a two-game suspension, has caught 14 receptions for 217 yards and a touchdown.
“The team is playing way better than I thought they were at the beginning of the season,” said sophomore Christian Ross, “The coaches have really gotten them playing at a really high level.”
Despite the strong play of the offense, the defense has been the strongest point of the Browns team so far this early in the year. Led by the likes of nose tackle Phil Taylor, linebacker D’Quell Jackson, and cornerback Joe Haden, the defense has posted games where opponents have only scored 23, 14, 27, and 6 points so far this year. They are fourth in the NFL in total yards and eighth in points per game given up.
The Browns on both sides of the ball are getting better every week, cuasing the buzz about the team to be at an all time high. Fans are all hoping the Browns can keep up their winning ways further into the season.