Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken took a risk by opening the season with Deshaun Watson at quarterback.
By now, everyone knows the story of Watson’s tenure in Cleveland, which has been marred by injuries and ineffective play on the field, and animosity from the fan base off the field.
Monken could have taken the easy route and named second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders the starter. The PR boost would have been tangible given Sanders’ popularity, both in Cleveland and nationally, which would have pleased
ownership.
But there is little to no reason to believe the Browns would be in first place of the AFC North Division had Monken gone that route.
It’s not that Watson has been lighting up opposing defenses, but since the Week 1 disaster he has been good enough when the Browns needed him, which is evident by the team’s current three-game winning streak built on a trio of fourth-quarter comebacks.
While that has all been exciting – it is easy to forget how good it feels when the Browns win since they do it so rarely – Monken cautioned on Wednesday that there is still a long way to go:
“We still have a marathon in the rest of the season to go, but up until this point, I think our guys have just done exactly what they’ve done since I’ve gotten here. And that’s just practice and work and believe, stay connected. So, we’ll just continue to push the envelope. They should have confidence in themselves as individual players, in their ability to make plays, and they’ve done that.”
That confidence should only grow if the Browns take care of the New York Jets this week to set up a big home game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 18.
But to get to that point, the Browns need practicing, working, and believing that they can make this a special season.
All right, let’s get the day rolling with the latest edition of the Daily Dawg Chow.
Dawgs By Nature
Browns defense: ‘Jared Verse setting everyone else up,’ man coverage at an ‘absurd’ level (Jared Mueller): Cleveland’s defense is doing OK for itself even with two of its biggest names no longer in the building.
Browns, Jets Week 5 injury report: 10 sit out practice, including key players (Jared Mueller): The first injury report of the week was mostly … as expected?
Trade whispers: 2 pass rushers might be available if the Browns are interested (Barry Shuck): It started with a whisper …
Browns have a chance to prove they belong at the top of the AFC North (Abby Mueller): The Browns have long been a team that struggles to deal with a little bit of success. They have an opportunity to change that this weekend.
Scouting Browns Week 5 opponent: These aren’t the same old New York Jets (Curtiss Brown): Until proven otherwise, the Browns can’t overlook anyone.
The Feed
Deshaun Watson not getting injured has to be on the list, yes? Have your say in this post at The Feed.
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Cleveland Browns
Denzel Boston becoming big-play target for Browns QB Deshaun Watson (Beacon Journal): A wide receiver with big-play potential is a quarterback’s best friend.
Todd Monken excited about Dillon Gabriel’s return to practice, in no hurry to activate him from IR (Browns Zone): “I don’t have to feel anything at this point (about keeping four quarterbacks). We still have three weeks.” How can you not love Monken?
How Browns’ defense reemerged as a strength after Week 1 (ESPN): From a disaster in Week 1 to slapping around the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns defense has been finding its footing.
Deshaun Watson on folks, including some of his harshest critics, acknowledging he can still play: ‘Appreciate it’ (cleveland.com): Good enough so far. But can he keep it going?
NFL
Ravens trade for Eagles Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens (Baltimore Beatdown): Baltimore lands a former Pro Bowl center from Philadelphia.
Why Jaguars play 26 of next 30 regular-season games away from Jacksonville (ESPN): Because of planned stadium construction, Jacksonville will become the first NFL team since the Duluth Eskimos to play in 12 or more stadiums in a single season.
Odell Beckham Jr. signing with Vikings following release from Giants (The Athletic): Aging and much-traveled wide receiver signs with Minnesota’s practice squad.
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