The Browns had a nice win at home this weekend against the Ravens 13-3 in the cold. The Browns have won 3 of 4 and are 6-8 on the season with three to go.  How big of a win was it?  Looking at it very honestly, it would have been exceptionally disappointing not to win this game.  At home, national TV, with a QB depleted divisional Ravens team. I mean if you're not gonna beat them now, then when? But a win is a win and we move on to the Saints at home closing out the home schedule.

The game was very big for the Ravens, and the loss to us was a big blow to them.  The Browns got the Ravens at the right time, as it is many weeks in the NFL, it's when you get 'em.  The Ravens without QB Lamar Jackson are very pedestrian in about every way.  But injuries are a part of the game and it paid the Browns big dividends this week. The Ravens are also overrated and their climb into the playoffs is now a far bigger one. They need Lamar back to compete.  The Browns played a decent game in many aspects, but are still the same Browns in others.

The Browns scored a mere 13 points at home on national TV against a rival.  Hardly a reason to be all giddy.  They missed easy field goals, and were gashed again by the run.  In the last three games the Browns offense has scored 29 total points, and only two TD's, but to their credit have won 2 of those games.  But can we dive into this?  The Texans are the worst team in the NFL, and last week the Bengals beat us as we scored 10. At full strength, the Bengals would have scored 35 points.  And this week, we beat an MVP QB depleted Ravens team.  The Browns will have to get better than this moving forward.

They got the Ravens with Jackson out and their kicker, (the best the NFL as EVER seen), on the worst night of his career.  Sometimes it does line up, and when it does, you need to take advantage, and the Browns did. Even a few weeks ago beating Tampa, they got a mediocre Bucs team at home with Brady having a terrible day.  These three wins are possibly saving numerous coaching jobs here. The Browns right now, as constructed can't beat really good teams that are healthy and ready to play. Yes, the Browns have some injuries too, but not to really very key players, they have been very lucky this year in that regard.  (Watson being out with suspension, they knew that going in.)

Think about this  - the Browns losses are to the Bills, Jets, Chargers, Patriots, Bengals, Ravens, Dolphins, and Falcons.  All of them except Falcons playoff teams, or darn near.  The wins, Panthers, Steelers, Texans, Bucs, Bengals, Ravens. Well below average teams except Bengals and Ravens.  BOTH of those wins at home on national TV.  The Browns have much work to do in the off season. This roster is overrated, but there are some great pieces here to build on. But there a number of glaring problems that need a total overhaul. And without much to draft for the next few years the challenge will be tough.  They must be active in free agency, some coaching changes, and a very different direction on defense and special teams.  If they keep this very small, light, speed only defense, they will get steamrolled again next year.

Whether you love Stefanski or not, he's probably going to be here another full year.  It's an owners thing.  Firing him makes THEM look even worse than they already do, so that's not gonna happen.  Plus, he's going to be granted a full year with his crown jewel QB he wanted, but that's it.  A clunker next year with Watson making 45 million per, will cost him his job. 

BUT keep this in mind.  The Browns proved last off season, if a REALLY GOOD THING becomes available, like say, Sean Payton, they could make a change, just like Watson last off season. Remember then? They said one thing, did quite another.  I don't feel ownership really likes Stefanski, as he is probably wasting their time, money and prime years of a few superstars, so they will do what they feel they need to, to win.  With Dallas having a great year, seems Payton going there is less and less. Ownership here has proven that money is no object, and they would pay Payton, or another first class coach whatever he wanted, just like Watson.

As in the Bucs, as in the Ravens, as in Watson, and as in who is available in the off season -  it's when you get 'em.

GO BROWNS!