While We’re Waiting…Welcome Back Browns
September 9, 2012My Opening Day Speech to the Browns
September 9, 2012The 2012 NFL season is finally here, and the Browns kick it off against what is projected to be one of the NFC’s best. The Browns have lost 12 of their 13 openers since returning to the league in 1999 — 12 of which, like today, were played along the lakefront. The Eagles will present another tough test, with the Browns getting around 10 points in most odds.
There’s always optimism at the start of a new season, but on Thursday, Craig surveyed the WFNY readership on their thoughts for the Eagles game. Below are the results of that survey and how you think things will shake out this beautiful afternoon on Lake Erie.
But we won’t torture you to read all the way to the end. Ultimately, the WFNY readership has predicted a 27-16 loss for our Cleveland browns today on opening day. Most Browns fans are probably aware of the spread, and even then, the smart money would apparently be on the Eagles.
A majority of the readers think the Browns rush for 75-100 yards. The news of Trent Richardson’s starting this afternoon may change some minds, and the Eagles “wide nine” defensive front can provide holes on the interior. Here’s hoping the Browns stable has a big day on the ground
The Eagles feature one of the most dynamic backs in the game in LeSean McCoy, who led the league in rushing touchdowns and was in top five in rushing yards last year. But the survey says…80 percent think he’ll be kept under the century mark by the Browns defense today.
Brad Childress and Pat Shurmur may play things safe with Brandon Weeden in the rookie’s first career start. Most WFNY readers feel that he’ll throw for around 200 yards against the Eagles defense.
The Browns defensive backfield was bruised and battered, but it looks like all hands are on deck for the opener. Joe Haden will also be on the field to try and disrupt his boyhood idol, Michael Vick. But most think Vick throw for 200+ yards on Sunday.
Can those defensive backs force the turnovers and pick off Vick? He threw 14 picks in 13 games last season, so the opportunities should be there for the Browns to get one. The WFNY readers agree.
But what about Weeden? While there may be a conservative game plan, the rookie is bound to make some mistakes and turn it over. Many of you think he’s destined to give the ball away at least once. Only nine people think the rookie QB will be INT free today.
The wide defensive line, and a rookie right tackle has Browns fans thinking Weeden could be in for a tough day. Nobody thinks he’ll get out of this one without being sacked.
Browns touchdowns
Eagles touchdowns? Three seems to be the point.
How long will it be competitive? This seems to be where Browns fans are most indecisive.
1 Comment
Nice job with the content and graphic representations. Looks like I’m with the masses for the most part this week although I don’t think Vick will throw for that many yards. I expect Celek to have a big game for them at TE.