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December 10, 2018That’s right Cleveland Browns fans, it sure feels good to be a Browns fan tonight. After the Panthers easily drove down the field and scored to open the game, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield dropped a 66-yard bomb on the Panthers for the first Browns offensive play of the game. And two plays later, Cleveland tied the game with a touchdown.
Do not make the mistake of dismissing this as a couple of good plays – This was a statement. A statement to the Panthers. A statement to his teammates. A statement to Browns fans. This is Baker’s team, and Baker….. is a winner.
The Browns would finish this game in victory formation, with Baker taking a knee as the Browns won 26-20. As if that was normal. As if it was expected. Baker bounced back from his worst day as a pro, finishing 18/22 for 238 yards and a touchdown, leading the Browns to another win in front of the Cleveland home crowd. As expected.
The Browns had trouble containing Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and running back Christian McCaffrey, as the Panthers unleashed scrambles, draws, and screens to the tune of 200 yards and 20 points. The Browns committed untimely penalties that allowed the Panthers to extend drives and put points on the board.
But as mentioned earlier, this is not your brothers’ Browns team. This team is Baker’s team. This team is one that can take a punch and keep moving forward. Baker’s Browns, while not perfect, would not relent, ever moving forward, gaining yards and scoring points. There was bend in the defense but little break, as the Browns thwarted the Carolina offense again and again over the final 40 minutes of game time, forcing punts and long field goal attempts as the Browns offense progressed and slowly added points as they buried the Panthers in a shallow grave at FirstEnergy Stadium.
As if it was expected. As if it was exactly what we all knew would happen.
Welcome to the new reality. A reality where the Cleveland Browns roster a quarterback that will slit your throat and watch you bleed at the 50-yard line, savoring the victory. He, and so the Browns, are no longer content padding the records of playoff-bound teams or enjoying moral victories after losses against superior opponents looking forward to bigger prizes. This team’s edges are perilously sharp. This team….is out for blood.
The Browns enter Week 15 at 5-7-1 with games against the Broncos, Bengals, and Ravens to close out the season. Next week’s game against the Broncos is on in Prime Time on Saturday.
Who among you wants to bet against Bakers‘ Browns?