• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Baker and Odell

Cleveland Browns Editorial: Sometimes It’s Good to be Overrated

August 26, 2019
AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021
Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II

2021 Draft Profile: CB Patrick Surtain II

February 24, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

February 24, 2021
AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight

February 24, 2021
A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

February 24, 2021
Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

Patriots 2021 NFL Draft Prospect: RB Jaret Patterson

February 24, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Kadarius Toney

February 24, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Two Hellish Years

February 24, 2021
NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

NFL Free Agency: Are We Sure The Patriots Can Still Win Over Free Agents?

February 23, 2021

This Or That: Eric Fisher Or Mitchell Schwartz?

February 23, 2021
Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

Ja’Marr Chase or Devonta Smith: Best Fit for Miami with No. 3 Pick?

February 23, 2021
Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden

Raiders Opinion: Erasing Past Draft Failures

February 23, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Thursday, February 25, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

Cleveland Browns Editorial: Sometimes It’s Good to be Overrated

Ben Kuhlman by Ben Kuhlman
August 26, 2019
in AFC, AFC North, AFC North, Around FPC, Cleveland Browns, Featured, NFL, Uncategorized
Reading Time: 4min read
0
Baker and Odell
1.5k
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Last year was a good year for the Cleveland Browns – Baker Mayfield’s coming out party, a defense that could make plays and keep the Browns competitive, and a lot of close games, some of which they actually won.  There were some hiccups (what was the name of that quarterback from Buffalo who got hurt? It started with a “T,”), and some disappointments (Josh Gordon!).

We also had a pretty good offseason, with some key additions (like our new head coach, pass rushers like Olivier Vernon, and one of the best wide receivers in the game) and a few departures (Duke!  And Kevin Zeitler.).

More FromFPC

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021

2021 Draft Profile: CB Patrick Surtain II

February 24, 2021

49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

February 24, 2021

A Gentleman and a Scholar: Neal Pionk Officially Receives Business Degree

February 24, 2021

So, now, the Browns are suddenly tied for the fifth-best odds to win the Super Bowl, according to Oddsshark.com.  Who are they tied with? The Bears, who have an outstanding shut-down defense, and the Eagles, who won the Super Bowl only a few seasons ago.

While the Browns finished solidly in the middle of the standings, and drafted in the middle – not at the top – for once, they might not quite deserve odds like this.  I think everyone in Cleveland wants to see them win the Super Bowl this year, but they remain unproven. It might be premature to rank them among the best in the league. It’s true that they’ve improved significantly, but let’s calm down a little.  I’m not saying that things are going to slide back into what they were before. But we might not run the table this year.

Of course, when people are excited about your team, things start to happen that didn’t happen before.  The most obvious thing is that people are talking about the Browns. I mean, like, everyone. ESPN is having regular conversations with itself about them, and several anchors (like Mike Greenberg) have said they are excited about the Browns and expect great things.  Some, like Colin Cowherd, are a bit more realistic. Cowherd isn’t predicting that the Browns will fail utterly, or that they will win the Super Bowl. He makes a reasonable prediction that the Browns will struggle early in the season, “get hot” in the middle, and then “crash” in the playoffs.  Cowherd, though, appears to be more the exception than the rule.

While it’s true that sportswriters and people like Colin Cowherd are going to talk about football all day and probably never affect the outcome of anything, some of this hype can have real consequences for the Browns.  Their improved record and reputation has earned them a harder schedule than last year (their two games based on their previous record will be the Broncos and Titans), and they play the NFC West and AFC East.  This means that they have to play the Patriots and Rams, as well as the Seahawks.  (Fortunately, so does everyone else in the AFC North.)

But this hype has also given them many more nationally-televised games. The Browns have two scheduled Monday Night Football games (against the Jets and the 49ers), a Sunday night game against the Rams, and a Thursday night game against the Steelers.  They played an important game on Thursday night last year (it was their first win of the last two years, so it was a big night against the Jets), but they didn’t play ANY Monday Night Football games in 2018, 2017, or 2016.

While playing Monday Night Football doesn’t make them a great team, there’s definitely a different atmosphere on a Monday Night.  Perhaps most importantly, some players shine in the national spotlight. Players who crave attention and drama. I’m thinking of Randy Moss, Tom Brady, Steve Young, and Jerry Rice, and perhaps, Baker Mayfield and Odell Beckham, Jr.

The September 16th Monday Night Football game is almost a story in itself.  It’s the 50th anniversary of the Monday Night series, and it will feature the two teams – the Jets and the Browns – who launched the program in 1970.  It will also feature a former New York Giant, returning to his home stadium (MetLife Stadium), with a huge chip on his shoulder.  And, the last time Beckham played on Monday Night Football, he had over 140 yards in receiving and set a record for the fastest receiver to reach 5,000 yards in his career.

I don’t think I’m off base in saying that Baker Mayfield, who has never played on Monday Night, might also want to make a statement.

The hype helped the Browns get two shots at Monday Night Football this year.  I suppose it helps that they also played several nail-bitingly close games last year, and won or lost in spectacular fashion several times.  (How many missed field goals were there again?)

The national spotlight gives the Browns a chance to make a strong statement about their new identity.  They are a team that can win. There are lots of people who doubt their consistency and their experience (maybe even me), but they now have a venue where everyone can see who they are.

I think what Browns fans really want, maybe even more than they want a Super Bowl, is to have a team that has a chance every year.  Okay, maybe not more than a Super Bowl, but I’m pretty sure Browns fans wouldn’t be very happy about a Florida Marlins-style win (winning the World Series, then having the worst record in baseball the following year).  Browns fans want a dynasty – old-school Otto Graham style (six straight NFL Championship games, and three titles), and the young core of this team has a chance to become exactly that.

So I think this is the year that the Browns change their reputation, permanently.  It might be a stretch to say that they will win the Super Bowl this year – although I would absolutely love to see them do that.  It’s not a stretch, though, to say they have a good shot at winning the whole thing two or three times in the next five or six years. When you’ve been winning for a few years, it’s no longer hype.  It’s who you are.

Ben Kuhlman is a Cleveland Browns writer for Full Press Coverage. So follow him on twitter @bkuhl2you.

Tags: Cleveland Browns
Share598Tweet374
Previous Post

BREAKING NEWS: Colts QB Andrew Luck Announces His Retirement

Next Post

Raiders DE Ferrell Must Own the Edge

Ben Kuhlman

Ben Kuhlman

Ben is a middle school science and reading teacher living in the Chicago suburbs. He grew up in northeast Ohio and attended college there, and his large family is all over the state. He is a lifelong Browns and Indians fan, and a fair-weather Cavs fan. He usually blogs about books and teaching, but he's been following sports his whole life.

Next Post

Raiders DE Ferrell Must Own the Edge

Oakalnd Raiders Safety Johnathan Abram

Raiders S Abram: High Expectations Ahead

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep.67: Lightning Strikes
    by Full Press Coverage on February 25, 2021 at 3:12 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9051375543.mp3
  • Ep.66: Back with the Atlanta Tigers
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 6:06 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6056998385.mp3
  • Ep.56: Carr Extension, Honest Assessments
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5122049759.mp3
  • Ep 30: Pro Football Hall of Famer John Lynch Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43617711/eyetest_ep30.mp3
  • Ep.65: The Darrell Crawford Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:46 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2561778107.mp3
  • Ep. 64: The Kelly Marsh Interview
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 3:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5086812743.mp3
  • The Game Spring Training Edition
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 2:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43609359/the_game_223.mp3
  • Ep. 190: Knowledge, Power, and Responsibility
    by Full Press Coverage on February 24, 2021 at 12:47 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9146904875.mp3
  • Full Press EP 6: Offseason Predictions, Free Agents, Draft Talk
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 10:03 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43606334/full_press_ep_6_mon_1132_01.mp3
  • Points Three Out of Four - Feb. 23, 2021
    by Full Press Coverage on February 23, 2021 at 9:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9962807538.mp3?updated=1614113395

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

  • WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion
    by Evan Gomes on February 22, 2021 at 3:33 am

    WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion A.K.A. The One Without A Women’s […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 51: The Rock Part Three – Hollywood Star
    by Evan Gomes on February 20, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 18, 2021 at 4:18 am

    AEW Dynamite Results, Grades & Opinion: February 17, 2021 A.K.A. The One With A Gender Reveal […]

More Wrestling News

  • Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?
    by Murray Pam on February 25, 2021 at 6:02 am

    While there are no plans to name one this season, Brady Tkachuk should be the odds-on favourite to […]

  • Manitoba Moose Showing Flashes of Future Brilliance
    by Carter Brooks on February 24, 2021 at 11:21 pm

    It's been just a small five-game sample, but the 2020-21 version of the Manitoba Moose appears […]

  • Ned, Nino and The New Guy
    by Joseph Wills on February 24, 2021 at 11:00 pm

    Just over a quarter of the season completed, Carolina Hurricanes fans have a lot to cheer about The […]

  • KHL Western Conference Playoff Teams Confirmed
    by Aivis Kalnins on February 24, 2021 at 8:43 pm

    The KHL is fast approaching the most important part of the season the KHL Playoffs and we finally […]

  • Offense, Goaltending Shine Bright in Rockford
    by Elaine Shircliff on February 24, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    The Cleveland Monsters and Rockford IceHogs goaltending and offense stood out during their midweek […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage