2 Weeks Down, 15 Long Weeks to Go

For the second straight week, Cleveland beat itself. 2 teams with worse records last season, Cleveland lost by a total of 5 points... But it doesn't matter.  Over the next 10 weeks, Cleveland is facing some of the best teams of last year and a couple of the surprising teams this year. 0-12 is a very scary possibilitiy early on this very less than inspired season.

Most realistic Browns fan knew this was going to be a very hard season.  But after beating themselves against Tampa (2-0) and Kansas City (also 2-0 now), Cleveland is fixing to take it in the chin against far superior teams over the next 10 weeks.  Some may say that Jacksonville is a beatable team, but these past 2 weeks of Browns football, speaks other wise.

Going to Baltimore next week, Cleveland's opponents are a combined 5-1 (KC 2-0, TB, 2-0, Bal 1-1) and all Cleveland can hope for is that Tampa and K.C are better teams then advertised.

I would like to recap this game, but the past two weeks tell the tale.  5 point difference, 5 Cleveland turn-overs, 14 penalties for 132 yards, but more importantly, a 20 point swing from turn overs combined in both games.  Cleveland easily had both these games in hand, but turn overs killed them and gave the game up.

My Question, and one that I am sure all Browns fans are wondering right now. This is a football team touted for it's running game:  Only 26 rushing attempts this week (15 the second half) and only 23 last week.  The stats for this week don't speak much, as the Browns rushed a lot more the second half then they did the first half.  This team has constantly tried to throw on first down with little success leaving a lot of second and 10s which equates to a lot of 3rd and 6 or 7.

This Cleveland team is not built to play 3rd and long situations. Even against K.C, they averaged almost 3 yards a play which would've given Cleveland 3rd and 4 situations a lot more had they tried to actually run the ball on 1st and 2nd down and maybe left them with something a little better to deal with.

Bottom line, Cleveland has a tough test these next few weeks.  K.C and Tampa might be better football teams then most people think, if that is the case, then Cleveland might have a chance, because neither KC nor Tampa beat Cleveland, Cleveland beat themselves/