Cleveland Browns: The surprise team in 2017?
The Cleveland Browns recently got a little bit of praise from their greatest conqueror, but will they really be a praise-worthy team in 2017?
The Pittsburgh Steelers won their season-opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. In doing so, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger became the quarterback with the most wins in Cleveland since the team returned in 1999.
Obviously, Big Ben has seen his fair share of Browns teams over the years.
Therefore, we should probably take a bit of notice when Roethlisberger says something positive about the team he has now beaten 11 times in its home.
There's hope Browns fans. Ben Roethlisberger just now: "That team is going to surprise a lot of people. I'm glad we played them in Week 1."
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) September 13, 2017
Could Cleveland really pull off some upsets this season? It’s possible. The team we saw in Week 1 isn’t going to be the best Browns team we see this season. If not for a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown, the Browns could have beaten the Steelers. The Cleveland offense actually outscored the vaunted Steelers offense 18-14.
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Presumably, Cleveland will be able to cut down on serious mistakes and play better as a team. There are a lot of new pieces on the roster who were playing a full four quarters for the first time together. As the New England Patriots proved last Thursday, even the best teams can struggle when it has yet to gel.
Let’s also not forget that this was the first ever NFL regular-season start for quarterback DeShone Kizer. Despite dealing with poor performances from the players around him — not to mention drops from Kenny Britt — and being sacked seven times, Kizer played well enough that Cleveland could have won.
Let’s also not forget that the Browns were without their prized draft acquisition, former Texas A&M pass-rusher Myles Garrett. In the most Browns-iest of developments, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft suffered a high ankle sprain during practice the week before the game.
Garrett said this via the team’s official website:
"“It is rough, but I know that when I come back I am going to be a boost to my defense. I am going to do whatever I can to make a difference.”"
Having Garrett on the field might have been enough to shift the game in Cleveland’s favor. The Browns defense did a terrific job of limiting the Steelers offense—except for Antonio Brown, of course—but couldn’t consistently pressure Roethlisberger.
Many folks, including Steven Ruiz of USA Today, believe Garrett is already one of the league’s scariest pass-rushers. It’s hard to believe he wouldn’t have at least made a pressure play or two during the contest. Having Garrett back on the field, having a more experienced Kizer under center and a team that is in sync should make Cleveland a rather formidable foe.
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The Browns aren’t likely to be a playoff team this season, but don’t be surprised if the Browns do indeed surprise a couple of teams—especially later in the season when the aforementioned pieces have fallen into place.
Perhaps Roethlisberger should be glad he got to face the Browns in Week 1.