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Cleveland Browns Win Biggest Game Since Team’s Return In 1999

By Glenn Moore

Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Miles Austin (19) celebrates after defeating the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Browns won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Miles Austin (19) celebrates after defeating the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. The Browns won 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Browns beat the Cincinnati Bengals, 24-3, Thursday night and now sit tied for first-place in the AFC North.

With Thursday’s win against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns guaranteed themselves a record of at least .500 going into the month of December.

The primetime win improved the Browns’ record to 6-3 on the season and tied for first-place in the AFC North. They went on the road on national television and came out with a convincing win.

Winning big games hasn’t happened in Cleveland since their return in 1999.

After playing three straight teams from the bottom of the NFL, record-wise, the Browns went into Thursday’s contest as underdogs and many predicted a season-ending loss.

And why not? The Browns hadn’t won on the road in their division for 17 games, dating back to 2008. And every time the Browns have played a must-win game, they have fallen short.

Not this week.

In a game where at the beginning of the season, you would have thought the storyline would be Johnny Manziel playing in the primetime slot. All eyes were on Brian Hoyer and the Browns’ defense.

Hoyer hasn’t put up fantasy-friendly numbers, but he’s doing what fans in Cleveland care about the most: win.

He’s 9-3 dating back to last year as the Browns’ starting quarterback and the boy from Northeast Ohio continues to keep Manziel on the bench with his play.

What’s amazing about Hoyer’s win-loss record this season is what he has had to work with offensively. With Josh Gordon suspended for ten games, Jordan Cameron nagged with injuries and Alex Mack suffering a season-ending injury few weeks back, Hoyer is winning and producing with three Pro Bowlers out on offense.

Also, the running back position has been fueled by two rookies, including one who wasn’t even drafted. It’s been a three-headed monster in the backfield and while the running game took a hit after Mack’s injury, they got back on track Thursday against the Bengals.

Injuries have also hurt the Browns on defense, especially the defensive line. Teams were able to run on the Browns whenever they wanted. Key plays by the linebackers and the improved secondary bailed out the line in previous weeks. On Thursday, it was a team effort and they dominated Andy Dalton and the Bengals’ offense.

Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

One man who deserves a lot of credit for the success this season is head coach Mike Pettine. He wasn’t the first, second, or even the third choice for the job, but so far, he’s proving to be the right choice for owner Jimmy Haslam.

Pettine has changed the culture when it comes to Browns football. His motto “Play Like A Brown” has sunk in with his players and they have bought into his philosophy. That has translated to wins on the field.

He’s had some bumps in the road, like every first-time head coach will have. With clock management and play calling, he’s seemed lost at times. But that has happened rarely and he’s made up in trusting the players that have produced for him this season.

While there is still seven games left in the season, Pettine should be talked about as an early Coach of the Year candidate. And like Hoyer, he’s had to work with what has been given to him on offense and defense. Being able to fit the right players in the right spots.

Whether it be giving undrafted rookies Taylor Gabriel time at wide receiver or K’Waun Williams looks at corner when first-round draft pick Justin Gilbert has struggled, he’s trusting players that normally wouldn’t be put into those situations on other teams.

The second half of the season will be a true test for the Browns and if they want to keep their contender status. While the first half of their schedule saw opponents hold a winning percentage of only .322, second half opponents hold a winning percentage of .508.

Key games include another one against the Bengals in December, back-to-back games against the Bills and Colts and their season finale against the Ravens on the road. Their game against the Ravens could decide the champion of the AFC North.

The division has been the toughest this season, with every team sitting over .500 going into this week’s games. The AFC North will have to be earned and whichever team does win the crown will be battle tested come playoff time.

No one outside of Cleveland gave or are giving the Browns a chance. They have flown under the radar for most of the season. After Thursday’s win on the national stage, the league will have to take notice.

“Only In Cleveland” has described the heartbreak of the fans in Cleveland for years. “Play Like A Brown” has taken on a whole new meaning. The city should enjoy the ride. Their final destination could be their first playoff game since the 2002 season.

The Cleveland Browns are for real.

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