Thursday Night
New York (J) at Cleveland
Looking ahead to this game the other day, I was thinking, "I'll probably pick Cleveland in this one."
Makes sense, right? Cleveland has come close in its first two games. Their defence looks really good, particularly at forcing turnovers. And they're playing against a rookie QB in only his third start.
I'm sure many will pick Cleveland. They're probably the favourite (though I don't look at odds unless I'm betting).
I'm sorry; I just can't.
There's a saying that we use around our household when something bad happens to Cleveland: "Well, that's the Brownsiest thing that could have happened. Yeah, that's right; we have a special term we use for just when things go wrong for the B****s. (I can't take credit for this, though; I'm almost positive it's something I heard or read someplace and just latched onto, as one does when something just makes perfect sense.)
And boy, do they go wrong.
Last season alone, when Cleveland went 0-16, six of those defeats were one-score losses. They lost a couple of OT games, including one where they were leading Green Bay by 14 points in the fourth quarter. And I know what you might be thinking, but it was Brett Hundley, not Aaron Rodgers, who executed that comeback. It was the Brownsiest thing that could have happened.
Already this season, we've seen Cleveland lose to Pittsburgh, largely due to a bullshit penalty that the league later admitted should not have been called, and lose to a struggling New Orleans squad, largely due to Cleveland's kicker missing two field goals AND two extra points.
Brownsiest.
Cleveland went hard against New Orleans this past Sunday. Their defence is about pressure. Fatigue on short rest could very well be a factor. Also, Cleveland's offence hasn't been much to look at. Despite being gifted with so many turnovers by the defence, Tyrod Taylor has been inconsistent, and the running game hasn't really materialized yet.
As for New York, Sam Darnold has looked like a rookie at times, making some poor decisions, but he has also shown poise and potential. As well, their defence has played well, particularly their secondary. The team as a whole shows heart, and plays hard for Todd Bowles.
This probably won't be the greatest of games, but it should be competitive. In a close contest, every little thing counts.
Every. Little. Thing.
Cleveland's offending kicker is gone, replaced by one Greg Joseph, in what will be his first regular-season game. In a close game, kicking can be THE difference.
First game. Thursday Night Football. Prime time.
What's the Brownsiest thing that could happen?
Go ahead. Pick Cleveland.
I just can't. Not yet.
Winner: New York
Come back tomorrow for the rest of my Week Three Picks.
New York (J) at Cleveland
Looking ahead to this game the other day, I was thinking, "I'll probably pick Cleveland in this one."
Makes sense, right? Cleveland has come close in its first two games. Their defence looks really good, particularly at forcing turnovers. And they're playing against a rookie QB in only his third start.
I'm sure many will pick Cleveland. They're probably the favourite (though I don't look at odds unless I'm betting).
I'm sorry; I just can't.
There's a saying that we use around our household when something bad happens to Cleveland: "Well, that's the Brownsiest thing that could have happened. Yeah, that's right; we have a special term we use for just when things go wrong for the B****s. (I can't take credit for this, though; I'm almost positive it's something I heard or read someplace and just latched onto, as one does when something just makes perfect sense.)
And boy, do they go wrong.
Last season alone, when Cleveland went 0-16, six of those defeats were one-score losses. They lost a couple of OT games, including one where they were leading Green Bay by 14 points in the fourth quarter. And I know what you might be thinking, but it was Brett Hundley, not Aaron Rodgers, who executed that comeback. It was the Brownsiest thing that could have happened.
Already this season, we've seen Cleveland lose to Pittsburgh, largely due to a bullshit penalty that the league later admitted should not have been called, and lose to a struggling New Orleans squad, largely due to Cleveland's kicker missing two field goals AND two extra points.
Brownsiest.
Cleveland went hard against New Orleans this past Sunday. Their defence is about pressure. Fatigue on short rest could very well be a factor. Also, Cleveland's offence hasn't been much to look at. Despite being gifted with so many turnovers by the defence, Tyrod Taylor has been inconsistent, and the running game hasn't really materialized yet.
As for New York, Sam Darnold has looked like a rookie at times, making some poor decisions, but he has also shown poise and potential. As well, their defence has played well, particularly their secondary. The team as a whole shows heart, and plays hard for Todd Bowles.
This probably won't be the greatest of games, but it should be competitive. In a close contest, every little thing counts.
Every. Little. Thing.
Cleveland's offending kicker is gone, replaced by one Greg Joseph, in what will be his first regular-season game. In a close game, kicking can be THE difference.
First game. Thursday Night Football. Prime time.
What's the Brownsiest thing that could happen?
Go ahead. Pick Cleveland.
I just can't. Not yet.
Winner: New York
Come back tomorrow for the rest of my Week Three Picks.
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