Things to vent about:
Denzel Ward, who at times in the past has looked like arguably the best press man coverage corner in the league, has been really bad this year. Both on the field play and off the field communication have been disappointing.
Our defensive line looks really rough. We've invested a ton of picks like Elliott, Togiai and Winfrey at DT who don't look like they're even replacement level starters in this league. At DE, I think I still have hope for Alex Wright, but I really didn't like him in the draft.
Injuries in the linebacker unit could be rough. It sounds like Walker might be done for the year. If so, it's Jacob Phillips's time to shine. Remember, he was so young when he was drafted that the kid is still just 23. He looks significantly faster and better in coverage this year than I've ever seen him before. I hope he takes over the Mike job and never lets go. God save JOK--I hope he's okay. There's no replacing his talent. On the bright side, the blurb for Tony Fields in the draft process was "If you miss out on JOK, this guy can be the poor man's JOK." Expect him to look solid in coverage, but he's small and weak against the run. Don't expect him to stack and shed anyone.
I think I saw more man coverage today. Sometimes it's hard to tell in real time if the corner is playing man, or just carrying his man upfield into the deep zone he's responsible for. The Steelers were 1 of 9 on third downs, so that has me hopeful that if I watch this again, we were more aggressive on third downs than we were last week.
Pocic showed me why Seattle let him go. We need to draft a center this year.
Hudson looked good. Hope Wills is okay, but Hudson's transformation from being dogshit last year to holding his own this year is super promising.
Our guards are exceptional, but Teller failing to block Ogunjobi on that third down in the first quarter felt bad.
Playcalling was excellent.
Jacoby Brissett deserves all the game balls.
Priefer is terrible.
Browns fans got their first taste of the true Amari experience. Dude was one of the most polished WR prospects of all time coming out--and he still shows why on the field. But he's always been terribly inconsistent in the NFL. There will be more drops like that piss missile Jacoby threw right on him that went twelve stories up in the air. I'm just hoping we don't get any of the lazy/disinterested Amari that showed up at times in Oakland and Dallas.
Njoku played terrific. Dude was carrying Steeler defenders around out there. He's earned the Chief nickname.
Chubb's the best rb in the league.
Browns fans suck. If you don't believe me, go back and read the game thread.
Rant over. We're 2-1 and first place in our division. The defending AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals are currently winless.
First playoff game is October 7th at Progressive Field.