Bad Ass Browns
The culture here in Cleveland has changed. No longer are our Cleveland Browns the victims of bullying and abuse from other teams on and off the field. No longer is a trip to Cleveland a routine road victory. And no longer will you mess with the boys wearing those brown and orange jerseys. This team believes in first year head coach Mike Pettine. These players have a nasty attitude focused on winning and intimidating their opponents, a perfect combination for the success needed to contend in this league.
Since the Browns were reinstated in ’99, it’s been predominantly nothing but disaster. Our team has been blown out, embarrassed, and has left the fan base completely ashamed most of the time. However, this past Sunday signifies the completion of a change in culture. The team absolutely spanked the rival Steelers by a score of 31-10. An absolute domination that consisted of pure excellence from the Browns, on both sides of the ball. It was a nice change from the years past. Browns football finally being played the way it’s supposed to be played.
So after the game, the Steelers chirped, but players like FS Tashaun Gipson had none of it. After Steelers guard Ramon Foster had a few words of choice about the Browns, Gipson replied with this on a 92. 3 the fan interview:
It doesn’t stop there. Suspended players such as Josh Gordon have confidence in this team, even against elite opponents such as the Cincinnati Bengals.
This attitude is apparent on the field, as hard hitters such as SS Donte Whitner will throw a few licks, and offensive lineman Joe Thomas isn’t afraid to dish out a couple of hard blocks. We have three hard runners in the backfield, each willing to trudge for those extra yards. These Browns of new have bought into the coaching staff, and will continue to play strong football.
But it doesn’t end there.
Against the Steelers, leader and staarting center Alex Mack had to leave the game with a serious leg injury. As he was placed on the cart to be brought into the locker room, many of the Browns players came over to him and gave him a pat on the back. These guys said a few words of encouragement, and showed the respect that a teammate deserved. Never before has this type of culture been in place, where players respect and appreciate one another so much. Again, it’s just another ingredient for the recipe to success.
Check out this support from running back to running back:
Opposing teams used to walk into Cleveland, and walk out with an easy win. No longer is that the case. Coming into Cleveland is difficult. The Dawg Pound will surely be roaring, the team will be ready to go, and the execution will be better than ever.
So bring it on, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cincinnati…even Seattle. Cause Cleveland isn’t messing around anymore. Try and beat us, we dare you.
-Zach Shafron
