Were the Browns disrespected in the NFL power rankings following Week 9?
It was the bounce-back game that the Cleveland Browns needed in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals. Cleveland protected home field with a 27-0 win over the visiting Cardinals. Deshaun Watson returned under center and the defense dominated, allowing just 58 total yards in the game. Coming into this week, the Browns were at No. […]
It was the bounce-back game that the Cleveland Browns needed in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals.
Cleveland protected home field with a 27-0 win over the visiting Cardinals. Deshaun Watson returned under center and the defense dominated, allowing just 58 total yards in the game.
Coming into this week, the Browns were at No. 13 in the NFL power rankings. Following the win over Arizona, the Browns didn’t move at all in the power rankings.
“Last week: win vs. Arizona, 27–0
Next week: at Baltimore
The Browns got lucky and took a crack at a Cardinals team having just lost Josh Dobbs but without Kyler Murray. In Deshaun Watson’s return he threw two touchdown passes, though one of them was fortuitously tipped. The Ravens and Steelers are next, where we’ll learn quite a bit about a team that has been excellent against inferior competition.” – Conor Orr, Sports Illustrated
Granted, it was the Cardinals that the Browns beat. But it’s the way that the Browns beat them that stands out. Allowing just 58 yards is unheard of, no matter who you are playing.
Nonetheless, the Browns have a chance to make a statement over the next couple of weeks. Matchups with the Ravens and Steelers are great opportunities for Cleveland to put the league on notice.
If the Browns can win both of those games, they’ll undoubtedly find their way into the top 10.
You can check out the full rankings via SI, here.
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