h1. 2014 Cleveland Browns 

Even though preseason does not count, it appears that the Browns are headed toward another major losing season, unless some surprises occur on offense.

more.

h2. Sep 2, 2014

One year ago, Brian Hoyer was listed as a third string quarterback for the Browns, and now, he's the starter. 

Last week, the NFL suspended all-pro wide receiver Josh Gordon for the entire season. Last year, he missed the first two games, but he still put up amazing numbers. That was partly due to the fact that Cleveland threw the ball more than any other team, which was probably due to Cleveland trailing most of the time. Still, Gordon has raw talent, but apparently, he has little interest in playing in the NFL.

The Browns will have to rely on rookie WRs. TE Cameron won't be the main receiver. 

The Browns leading rushers last year, such as they were, are not on this year's team. That's probably not a big loss. The Browns hope to feature the running game this season, but we'll see. 

At the moment, it appears that the Browns do not have any legitimate deep threat wide receivers, and Hoyer was not impressive this preseason, so it seems that opponents will jam the line of scrimmage to stop the Browns running game,  and dare the Browns to complete a pass down field.

The Browns strength will allegedly be its defense. Last year, fans and media felt the Browns had a good defense, but Cleveland ranked near the bottom in third down defense and near the bottom in red zone defense. Cleveland must improve a lot in those areas.

Johnny Manziel may not have an NFL arm worthy of being a starting quarterback. He may be able to run around behind the line of scrimmage or run down field, but it's unsustainable in the long term. Completing less than 50 percent of the passes won't cut it.

First game, Cleveland at Pittsburgh. The Steelers have a big edge over Cleveland in quarterback and in the running game. Defense? Don't know.

The 2014 Browns offense may be worse than the 2013 version. Cleveland may be headed toward another four-win season. Five or six wins tops.

Actually, a 6-10 season would be some improvement.


h3. Predictions

+Sep 2, 2014:+

Assuming no major injuries, I think the Bengals will win the division again with 11 or 12 wins, and the Steelers will finish second. Ravens third. Browns last.

The Steelers may be good enough this season to make the playoffs as a wildcard. They finished 8-8 last year, and they nearly made the playoffs. If the Bengals stumble a little, then I think Pitt will challenge for the division title.

Schedule and my predictions as of Sep 2, 2014:

1	Sun, Sep 7	    @    Pittsburgh	1:00 PM CBS - *LOSS* 

2	Sun, Sep 14	    vs    New Orleans	1:00 PM FOX - *LOSS*

3	Sun, Sep 21	    vs    Baltimore	1:00 PM CBS	 

4	BYE WEEK

5	Sun, Oct 5	    @    Tennessee	1:00 PM CBS	 

6	Sun, Oct 12	    vs    Pittsburgh	1:00 PM CBS	 

7	Sun, Oct 19	    @    Jacksonville	1:00 PM CBS	 

8	Sun, Oct 26	    vs    Oakland	4:25 PM CBS	 

9	Sun, Nov 2	    vs    Tampa Bay	1:00 PM FOX	 

10	Thu, Nov 6	    @    Cincinnati	8:25 PM NFL	 

11	Sun, Nov 16	    vs    Houston	1:00 PM CBS	 

12	Sun, Nov 23	    @    Atlanta	1:00 PM CBS	 

13	Sun, Nov 30	    @    Buffalo	1:00 PM CBS	 

14	Sun, Dec 7	    vs    Indianapolis	1:00 PM CBS	 

15	Sun, Dec 14	    vs    Cincinnati	1:00 PM CBS	 

16	Sun, Dec 21	    @    Carolina	1:00 PM CBS	 

17	Sun, Dec 28	    @    Baltimore	1:00 PM CBS	 


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