This past week, the Browns have done what few thought possible: taken first place in the AFC North division. Led by Brian Hoyer, Cleveland pounded the Bengals. They didn't just beat them. They made a statement for the rest of the NFL to see. They may not stay there long, but they've done it. And not just in week 3.
If they can hold onto this lead and win the division, securing a home game for their first playoff game, the Browns get a lot more interesting. Do they pay Brian Hoyer starting QB money? What happens with Johnny Manziel? They've been hitting in free agency with Farmer as the GM. Do they land even better players to fill some holes next year? Do they lose Hoyer and/or Cameron in free agency? Will Ben Tate remain unhappy with his diminished role in the 3-RB system Pettine has installed?
A lot of questions would linger, but that would be a good thing. Cleveland hasn't had to figure things out from the winning side for a long time. Usually this time of year, they're deciding who to use their top ten draft pick on.
I love Pettine's response to them being 6-3:
"There's no prize for being 6-3," coach Mike Pettine said. "The only thing [the season's start]'s done for us is our games are meaningful now."
I can't stress enough how perfect Pettine's fit is for the Browns. This past week, CBS Sports did an article on all the coaches that turned down this job. I thought this job and the Lions were the best two available.
So what will happen with the Browns? We've got seven more games to figure that out. With Josh Gordon coming back from suspension and Jordan Cameron coming back from injury, the offense will be even better than what it has been. The defensive line is getting guys back from injury as well. It'll be fun to watch more meaningful games.
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