AFC North Power Rankings Week Two
By Brett Foote
Sep 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) looks to pass during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
4. Cleveland Browns
The Browns are working with a career journeyman at quarterback, lost their starting running back to injury, and their number one wide receiver is an injury laden cast off. But they pulled together a gutsy performance against the Saints that left them with their first win under head coach Mike Pettine on Sunday.
Cleveland’s defense put together a strong showing against the Saint’s high powered offense, limiting Drew Brees to 237 yards and one touchdown. They also recovered a fumble and recorded an interception, landing two sacks on Brees in the process. The Saints are a much different team on the road than they are at home, but the scrappy Browns still deserve credit for winning a game no one expected them to win.
This is a team that will win a few games this season on the strength of the running game and defense. Brian Hoyer is truly holding the team back, but it’s also apparent that Johnny Manziel isn’t ready yet either. Despite a lack of talent on offense, they will surprise a few people along the way and pull off more wins than they should.