Cleveland Browns: Predicting the Final 3 Weeks of the Browns 2011 Season

The Cleveland Browns have a tough schedule ahead the rest of the way in 2011. Tough is an understatement in comparison to the previous three games the Browns have struggled their way through. Expectations weren’t supposed to be high for the 2011 Cleveland Browns.

But were you expecting digression?

I had tempered my expectations for the 2011 campaign. The original schedule was supposed to have been easier than most—the AFC North had the doormat NFC West on their plate after all. But the Browns’ struggles lingered further into the season than many, including myself had anticipated.

Is it possible that the Browns—with more talent added to the roster—can finish worse off than they have in their previous two unimpressive 5-11 seasons? With three daunting challenges on their plate, not only is it possible, it is pretty likely to happen.

Who is to blame for this digression in Berea? Is it the lockout and the late start head coach Pat Shurmur had to install his offense? Could it be Dick Jauron’s 4-3 defensive front? Or how about failure by general manager Tom Heckert to pick up offensive playmakers?

Whatever the case may be, the Browns have again taken a step backwards. Whether or not that digression was necessary to happen in order for larger growth and success remains to be seen.

Ask yourself this question: Can the Browns win any of their remaining games? If you had to truthfully think about the Browns’ chances down the stretch, you feel like I do in that they have a lot further to go than was advertised prior to the start of 2011.

Can the Browns even beat the Arizona Cardinals at this point? Are they even capable of upsetting the divisional leading Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens?

Week 15: Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals

Matchup Analysis: The Cleveland Browns have played tough football during their AFC North gauntlet over the past three weeks. Unluckily for the Browns, they face a surging Arizona Cardinals team who have won five of their last six contests.

There isn't much the Cardinals are not doing right. Kevin Kolb has struggled to stay on the field in 2011, however, the Cardinals' offense is beginning to click without him. John Skelton threw for three touchdowns in Week 14, in an upset victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

On the other hand, the Browns have not fared so well as of late. Injuries, offensive struggles and poor decisions from rookie head coach Pat Shurmur have all stalled the growth of this young Cleveland team.

To make matters worse, former Ohio State standout running back Beanie Wells looks to be returning to full strength. He needs fewer than 100 yards to get to 1,000 yards on the season and will likely more than adequately surpass the century mark against a very suspect Browns rush defense.

I'd like to say I can see the Browns winning this game, but the odds are beginning to stack against them.

Predicted Winner: Arizona Cardinals

Final Score: 24-13

Browns' Record: 4-10

Week 16: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens

Matchup Analysis: The Baltimore Ravens have their eyes set on home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Another win against the rebuilding Cleveland Browns in Week 16 seems less and less like a question and more of a certainty.

The Week 13 matchup between these two divisional rivals could not have been more one-sided in favor of the Ravens. Their rushing attack pummeled the poor Cleveland defense into submission. Amazingly, the Ravens racked up 290 yards on the ground in that previous encounter.

Does anyone believe the Browns defense, sans Scott Fujita, has a chance to halt the imposing Ravens offense?

Neither do I.

Predicted Winner: Baltimore Ravens

Final Score: 20-10

Browns' Record: 4-11

Week 17: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

Matchup Analysis: The Cleveland Browns' Week 14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers resonates with me still as being the Browns' upset that got away. Late in the fourth quarter, the Browns had the opportunity to steal a huge game away from their arch rival, but they came up just short. This Week 17 rematch should be refueled with a lot of emotion for this Browns team. Their play and effort in this game and in the others down this stretch will say a lot about their commitment to rookie head coach Pat Shurmur and his system.

In Cleveland, with nothing to lose, the payback-minded Browns will come out firing on all cylinders. Colt McCoy cannot be delighted following the concussion Steelers linebacker James Harrison handed him and the interception he threw into the end zone to thwart Cleveland's comeback attempt.

A bruised and battered Steelers team, already having clinched a playoff berth and nursing its wounds heading into the playoffs, is easy pickings for what some like to call a trap game.

Even then, it will not be an easy task for the Browns. Points have come at a premium for the Browns this season and it will take their very best offensive cohesion of the season to put up enough points to upset the Steelers.

Predicted Winner: Cleveland Browns

Final Score: 13-10

Browns' Final Record: 5-11