Things can change quickly in the NFL. That doesn’t mean the Cleveland Browns utter dismantling of the Miami Dolphins in Week 7 all of a sudden puts them in playoff contention or even a discussion as a good
team. The quality of the opponent matters in both wins and losses.
Hopefully, the Browns learned to lean on RB Quinshon Judkins and continue to listen to all the good ideas that DE Myles Garrett has. If those two things continue to work, the NFL trade deadline and rumors surrounding it could change dramatically for Cleveland. It helps that the AFC North is a mess.
It all comes down to Week 8 against the New England Patriots. Much like it did in 2022 when, instead of selling, the team stayed the course with their roster after a big Halloween win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Prior to the season, the Patriots were seen in the lowest tier of the NFL. Selecting near the top of the NFL draft for a few years in a row tends to lead to low expectations for any team. What looked like either an easy win or a winnable game for Cleveland now comes against the top team in the AFC East (5-2), on the road.
With Browns bye week coming before the NFL trade deadline on November 4th, GM Andrew Berry could be very active selling off veteran pieces a week earlier than most teams. That is, if Cleveland loses to New England. With the Browns bye week happening the week before the deadline, Cleveland’s front office and coaching staff will get extra time to scour the league for players that they think could add to their roster for the rest of the season. That is, if the Browns beat the Patriots in Week 8.
That much is riding on Cleveland’s game with New England this week. It is possible that the Browns could be one game out of the AFC North race with a victory or in fire sale mode. A whole lot of pressure for HC Kevin Stefanski and his team as they prepare to face Mike Vrabel, whom they spent all of last year with, and his squad.
