CLEVELAND, Ohio – Scribbles in my Browns notebook as they prepare to face Cincinnati:
1. Yes, I’m picking the Browns to beat the Bengals. Part of the reason is I’d love the season to start with something positive. It would be fun for an opening dose of “Wacko For Flacco,” as Joe Flacco starts the opener. The fans deserve a good moment like that. It would be such a fun story to write.
2. Think back to a year ago. Flacco wanted to sign with the Browns for the 2024 season. He was the 2023 NFL Comeback Player of the Year after signing with the Browns with five games left in that season. But the Browns rejected him. They’ll never say it, but the Browns feared the “Wacko For Flacco” fans would start booing Deshaun Watson, demanding their guy play. They were worried about Watson’s confidence level.
3. A year ago, Watson was on the opening day starter. Jameis Winston was the backup. Dorian Thompson-Robinson (DTR) was the No. 3 quarterback. Flacco was a backup for the Colts. As the Browns turn back to Flacco, Winston is a backup with the Giants. DTR was traded to Philadelphia for Kenny Pickett. DTR has been cut by the Eagles. Pickett was traded to Las Vegas for a fifth-round pick. The Browns also sent a fifth-rounder to the Eagles along with DTR for Pickett. Now, they added a fifth-rounder from Las Vegas. Watson is recovering from his second Achilles operation.
4. It’s part wishful thinking, but I do believe the Browns can beat the Bengals. Cincinnati has been terrible early in the season. QB Joe Burrow has a 1-4 record in opening games. Coach Zac Taylor is 1-11 in the first two games of the season. The Bengals have problems with the Browns. Burrow is 3-5 vs. Cleveland in his career.
5. Perhaps the biggest reason I’m upbeat about the Browns’ chance is the team’s defense. Coordinator Jim Schwartz said, “Our defensive line is much, much improved over last year, and I think we’ve got back to our personality.” The Browns made some key moves adding defensive tackles Mason Graham and Maliek Collins. They keep raving about rookie middle linebacker Carson Schwesinger. Myles Garrett is back and loves to torment Burrow. Schwartz is excited about young defensive ends Isaiah McGuire and Alex Wright.
6. The Browns having a more balanced offensive game plan with an emphasis on the run will help the defense. It will allow them to get some rest. It still is mind-boggling that the Browns led the NFL in pass attempts last season. Then again, so much about the approach to offense last season made little sense as they made unnecessary changes to try and revive Watson’s career.
7. This from Pro Football Focus (PFF) on Flacco: While his mobility is limited — understandably so at age 40 — he remains effective when he has a clean pocket. However, his lack of improvisational ability could pose challenges in Cleveland, where the offensive line ranked just 27th in pass-blocking grade last season.
8. PFF raises a good point on the Browns’ line. Will it return to its 2023 form when it was a top 10 unit? The Browns believe so as they have returned to the 2023 zone-blocking scheme. They dumped it in 2024, and the change backfired.
9. A year ago, the Browns opened with a 33-17 loss to Dallas. It was much worse than that. At half, the Browns were down 20-3. They had one first down … that’s right, one first down at halftime! For the game, Watson threw two interceptions, was sacked six times and looked overwhelmed. The Browns were penalized 11 times for 64 yards. Eight of those penalties were “pre-snap,” such as jumping offsides.
10. The 2024 opening game was a horrific preview of what was to come in that 3-14 season. The Browns looked ragged and disorganized in training camp, and it was all on display in front of the home crowd. Their new Watson-friendly offense was a disaster.
11. Given that history, it’s important that the Browns look prepared and organized today. One of the reasons for starting Flacco is his experience and poise. This training camp seemed more focused and demanding – unlike a year ago. Let’s see if the Browns can make a good first impression.
12. Final score: Browns 24, Bengals 17.
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