I almost do not believe my own eyes when I look at the preseason standings and see the Cleveland Browns at 2-0. Undefeated after two games is almost unheard of and is a dream come true for those of us that have endured the suffering that goes with being a Browns fan.
Then reality sinks in. Unfortunately it is just the preseason where games don't mean anything, especially when successful scoring drives come against second and third team defenses. Instead of being realistic, I will instead choose to relish in the fact that the Browns do look like a better team than they have in a very long time.
I realize the Vince Lombardi Trophy will not make its home on the shores of Lake Erie at the end of this season. I realize this team will likely not make the playoffs this season, but I enjoyed the victory over the Detroit Lions on Friday, August 8 and relish in the fact they had a very strong performance against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, August 16. To top it off, these wins came without their No. 3 overall pick Trent Richardson who is down with a knee injury until at least the start of the regular season. While Richardson is supposed to be a key component in the Browns' offense this season, the team is still doing well without him.
When the regular season does arrive on Sunday, September 9, I realize it will be all first team all game long. Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace will not be coming in on a regular basis to face off against a backup defense come the second half. The Browns also have a very challenging schedule but by no means should the season be considered a wash before it gets started.
In Cleveland we are used to getting our hopes up early only to see those dreams come crashing down sooner rather than later. This season may be challenging but Browns' fans should remain hopeful for the future. Perhaps the Browns have found a true starting quarterback in Brandon Weeden. Maybe Montario Hardesty will be a valuable backup to Richardson. Greg Little could develop into that true No. 1 receiver the team so desperately needs. Josh Gordon could be that "sleeper" that ends up working out better than expected. Expectations are higher for the defense as well.
So while others may argue a 2-0 preseason record means absolutely nothing, I will say it gives me hope--the one thing all Cleveland sports fans thrive on!
More Cleveland Browns Commentary from Paul Rados:
Cleveland Browns at Green Bay Packers, August 15, 2012: Fan Preview
Brandon Weeden named Cleveland Browns starting quarterback: A fan's reaction
Chris Gocong injury hurts Cleveland Browns' defense: A fan's reaction
How new Browns' owner Jimmy Haslam will get Cleveland to love him: A fan's look
Colt McCoy deserves respect from Cleveland Browns' fans: A fan's view
Sources:
All data provided by NFL.com
Paul Rados is an avid Cleveland Browns fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook.
mike wallace mike wallace chicago cubs split pea soup recipe the client list yahoo.com/mail baylor
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.