1. It's hard to win road games against division opponents in the NFL.
2. It's hard to recover in the moment from losing the heart and soul of your team, one of the best running backs to ever play the game, as a result of a dirty play by your opponent.
3. It's especially hard to win in the NFL when you're playing against your opponents *and* the referees. Just like last year's game in Pittsburgh, the Browns were flagged for at least 2.5 times the penalty yards as the Steelers. The Steelers' mediocre offensive line wasn't called for a single hold against the Browns' top flight pass rush, yet the Browns Pro-Bowler-laden offensive line was flagged for holding four times, including at least two drive-ending ticky-tack calls that don't get flagged 99 times out of 100. The Steelers were also allowed to rip Watson's facemask around to the back of his head and commit obvious pass interference on the game's last play, both right in front of the refs. We knew going into the season that it would be Cleveland Against the World and last night sure made that clear.
4. Players who cause injuries by diving into an opponent's lower leg should be subject to severe penalties, fines, and suspensions.
5. The ball bouncing off of Harrison Bryant's hands in the first quarter wasn't Deshaun's fault. Jedrick Wills giving Highsmith a free pass into the pocket wasn't Deshaun's fault. Yes he needs to play better but there's every reason to believe he will as he gets his legs back under him and with more experience in Stefanski's offense.
6. The Steelers didn't run a single play in the red zone last night. They had nine first downs, 255 yards of offense, were 4/14 on third down, and only had the ball for 24 minutes. This still looks like one of the best defenses the Browns have had in decades. But for a couple of fluke plays it would have been a dominating win for Cleveland last night even despite the awful officiating.
7. If you want to watch authentic competition go to a high school game. The NFL is WWE-style football-like entertainment substance.
8. On to the Titans. Vegas or bust.
Would it be an exaggeration if Joe Woods was unemployed tomorrow?
His time here has been a rollercoaster but it feels like the defensive gameplan in the 2nd half was decided by a drunk guy in the Dawg Pound.
Today was inexcusable #Browns
#Browns Right Tackle, James Hudson III, had a strong start to his season. 🔥
His game Grade of 76.0 ranked 10th among all #NFL Offensive Tackles in Week 1.
He allowed only 1 Pressure on 43 Pass Block snaps. 🧱
Could Hudson see an expanded role on the Line this year? 👀
Cade York. From WAY downtown. BANG!!! As heard on @BrownsRadio with Jim Donovan and @NathanZegura on @ESPNCleveland.
The Browns have won a season opener for the first time since 2004.