DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Tailgate Forum The Hype

I no longer live in Ohio, however, the hype for this upcoming season has obviously extended far beyond the Heartland. So much so that there are now some who doubt what we have on paper and think we could implode due to several factors (Note: I am not talking about Cowherd...I could care less what he thinks. Just commenting on things I have read as well as talking to people over here):

1. Mayfield having a sophomore slump or injury
2. OBJ injured due to his history
3. Too many personalities to manage
4. Rookie HC
5. Not playing to potential

Personally, barring an unforeseen significant injury (Mayfield!) I think we go 11-5 and win the AFCN. At the very least I see us winning one playoff game. I think we need the experience of winning to really take it further, however. So, 2020/2021 is the year I think we are potentially set to win it all.

Far too optimistic or do you all think similarly?

EDIT: making date more clear: 2020 season (2021 the date of the potential championship).

I think anything can happen with a team in any given season. I don't think anyone on this board has crystal balls. If they do, I certainly wouldn't want to have those co-pay bills.



We do have new coordinators on both sides of the ball so nobody can say for sure how quickly or well this coaching staff will mesh. I don't see any reason why it wouldn't, yet at the same time it's not a given.

What we do have is real talent at several key positions on our roster. More talent on both sides of the ball since we've returned in 1999. And it's not even close. There is legitimate cause for optimism.

Nobody can predict the future for sure. But we have as much reason to expect a great season as any fans in the NFL right now.

One thing I've learned in life is this. When your team sucks, people tell you it sucks. When your team is good people will tell you how your team could still suck.

It's the nature of the beast.

It's all hype until its proven on the field. I fully believe there are a (great) number of guys FULLY committed to take the hype to reality. We'll see...

We've heard a few quotes from the locker room and staff over the past couple of off-seasons, and frankly, I think they all come to fruition this year:

"This will be the greatest turnaround in sports history."

"I feel like we're building something special. A lot of people are underestimating us, but I feel like we're going to shock the world."



"Contagious"

a mayfield slump/injury obviously dooms us ... a rookie HC is also a concern.

But I think we have enough talent to be competitive throughout the season ... there’s no reason we should get embarrassed in any game

Agreed but until we actually beat our rivals and win the division we haven't done anything. We have a lot of talent and there is cause for optimism but it has to be proven on the field. My St. Louis Blues finally won a Stanley Cup after all those years. Now I hope it's my Browns turn to finally win a SB!!!

Yeah, proving it and doing it is the last hurdle (and biggest obviously)