Don't Write the Cleveland Browns Off Yet, It's Only Been One Preseason Game

Are you tired of reading all the articles and hearing all the critics say that the Cleveland Browns' season is already over?

I too am tired of hearing this, and it is really pathetic that all the haters have to look so negatively at the Browns after just one preseason game.

There are many factors that these critics are not looking at because they are so focused on all the negatives of the game against the Packers on Saturday.

I have heard many comparisons of the "New Mangini Browns" to the "Old Crennel Browns" and how the Packers game was like watching the same exact team from a year ago.

One thing I have to ask these haters: Do you really have Brown blood running through your veins, or do you always start every NFL season as a Browns fan, then jump ship and hitch a ride on another team's bandwagon?

First of all, have you forgotten that Saturday was the first time the Browns had played in an actual, organized game against an opponent while using a new playbook with many new players?

Getting the entire team on the same page will take a few weeks, and that's why training camp and preseason games exist.

Secondly, yes, the offense did look horrible, but again: The Browns have a first-time offensive coordinator who will need a few games to get used to the game day feel of calling plays and running the offense.

But at least one part of the offense looked good: quarterback Brady Quinn.

Quinn might not have gotten the team in the end zone, but he was able to move the team down the field on the Browns' first possession and in the two-minute drill. That is positive progress for the offense to build on in the preseason.

The defense looked bad too, and the Packers' first team offense absolutely destroyed the Browns' first team defense. However, the Browns' defense did not do too badly when you look at the entire picture.

Okay, the Packers ran all over the Browns for over 200 yards, but there were bright spots.

The defense did show good pressure, and seeing them blitz (more than the last several years combined) was very refreshing.

Several rookie defenders, such as Coye Francies and David Veikune, made their presence felt and looked promising. Cornerback Eric Wright shut down the Packers' No. 1 receiver, Greg Jennings, in the first half.

In conclusion, I love the passion that I see out there with all the articles I have read regarding the Browns, but everyone needs to chill out a bit. Give the team a chance: This means giving it more than just one preseason game to prove itself.

If the Browns are still terrible once the regular season starts, then you can let your voice and negativity be heard and complain about the team. But don't start complaining after one preseason game.

Seriously, give the Browns a chance to grow as a team first before you stick a knife into them.

Optimism (noun): 1. Hopefulness and confidence about the future or the successful outcome about something. 2. The belief that good must ultimately prevail over evil in the universe.

Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper: An Unofficial Cleveland Browns News Source.