First and Goal – Saints Edition
The weather down at FirstEnergy Stadium will be brutal. Temperatures at game time will be around 10 with wind chills nearing -20 or 30. According to history and game temperatures this will be the fourth coldest game in Browns history.
The field will be frozen as the last two days have been brutal with temperatures around 0.
Anyone down at the stadium should be given a bravery award for just being there in person. This will be the first game for many of these players to play in such a dramatic game due to the extremes in the cold weather. I’d expect to see about anything. Predictions on the outcome of the game should be thrown out the window. Hopefully, the players will play well and give Cleveland a chance at the win.
Nick Chubb
It was discovered this week that Chubb suffered a foot injury this past week when Cleveland battled Baltimore. He returned to practice this Thursday and should be ready to go. However, with the gloomy weather conditions I suspect that the team will give Kareem Hunt and D’Ernest Johnson or even rookie Jerome Ford some more playing time.
Chubb has had another historic season and could close in on his best season yet with the next three games. He’s also run up the leader board of the best running backs in team history. He’s currently ranked fourth all time.
Jack Conklin Signing
In a bit of a surprise move, the Browns announced they had signed offensive lineman Jack Conklin to a new four year deal worth $60 million of which $31 million is guaranteed. Conklin was due to become free agent this off season, so it’s a good move to lock up a key member of the Cleveland front. What though does this mean for a player like Jedrick Wills who is in his third season? There has been some concern about his play over his young career.
Does the Conklin deal make trying to sign Wills more unlikely now? Wills becomes a free agent after the 2023 season. I’d say the Browns may try a new player or two and let Wills move on to a new team in the next year.
Merry Christmas
Regardless of the outcome of the game on Saturday between the Browns and Saints, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Go Browns!
