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NFL Week 5: Browns lead winners, Raiders remain losers on Sunday

By Cody Williams

CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 07: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders runs in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - OCTOBER 07: Running back Marshawn Lynch #24 of the Oakland Raiders runs in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on October 7, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 07: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 07: Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws a pass in the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Winner: Cleveland Browns

They say that, in the NFL, teams have to learn how to win. It seems that we are watching the Cleveland Browns do that before our eyes, and they picked up a valuable lesson in that — and actually got the W — in NFL Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Browns defense proved that they are a potentially elite unit in the way that they stifled the Ravens offense, but it was the fortitude of Baker Mayfield and the offense that really shined. Despite continued questionable play-calling and coaching, the rookie quarterback kept coming up against pressure and making plays. The result was moving this team to 2-2-1 on the year and inspiring hope that this team could compete for a playoff spot in a down AFC.

Winner: Arizona Cardinals

When it comes to talking about winners and losers, it’s all relative. Looking at the Arizona Cardinals win over the San Francisco 49ers, the reality of the situation is that a bad team beat another bad team. That happens in the NFL from time to time.

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However, it can’t be lost how incompetent this Cardinals team has looked through four weeks. Subsequently, for them to not only get out to an early lead, but then close the door late is a big step for a team being led by rookie Josh Rosen.

Loser: Tennessee Titans

Thanks, Tennessee Titans. I go out of my way to champion this team to get the respect they deserve, and they go out on Sunday and repay me by losing to the Buffalo Bills. See if I ever say anything nice about another NFL team ever again.

Jokes aside, this was a back-to-Earth game for the Titans, but not in the traditional sense. This team has the potential to win almost any game they play, including their Week 5 matchup with Buffalo. However, this is also a team that tends to ugly games up and try to win that way. That then leaves them susceptible to losing a defensive struggle like they did against Buffalo. For the Titans to actually get the respect they deserve, they need to find more ways to win, particularly by improving on offense.

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