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Cleveland Browns Can Get Their Win Christmas Eve

By Kyle Davis

Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) tries to block a pass by Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo beats Cleveland 33 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) tries to block a pass by Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo beats Cleveland 33 to 13. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could Week 16 finally be the week that Hue Jackson leads the Cleveland Browns to their first win of the season?  It seems that this would be their best opportunity.

Week 16 is underway and the Cleveland Browns have 2 remaining games to avoid a win-less season.  Week 16 features a home match up with the San Diego Chargers (5-9) while Week 17 looks much less appetizing.  The Browns travel to Pittsburgh to face a Steelers team who will more than likely need to win to assure themselves a spot in the playoffs.

Looking at the two games, if the Browns want to win a game, it has to be this Saturday.  Looking at the game on the field, as well as off, it may look as though the stars are aligning for the Browns to win a game.  I’m not just pulling this out of a hat like a magician.  There are signs.

1. The game is on Christmas Eve

This may not be a huge factor, but it could play a roll.  The game is on Christmas Eve at 1:00.  The Chargers will be flying in more than likely on Thursday, to have one day of rest in Cleveland.  So during one of the biggest points of the year for Family and visitation, the Chargers will be traveling, and doing so away from their families.

Not only will this be frustrating in itself, but a team that has no shot of making the playoffs will be made to play in a truly meaningless game.  One could imagine that they might be looking forward to getting back on the plane so that they can make it home for a late dinner at home with family.

2. The Weather

Okay, this one is a stretch.  Right now the weather doesn’t look too bad.  It’s predicted to be in the upper 30’s with some wind and potential rain.  However, the Chargers haven’t played in a cold weather game this whole season.  They’ve played all of their games in games in good weather or indoors

Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Anthony Fabiano against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns outside linebacker Anthony Fabiano against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

If this weather gets any worse than predicted, the Chargers will have to deal with that aspect as well.  And for Cleveland, a team that plays in multiple below freezing games every year, this is nothing new.  Call it a small leg up on the competition.

3.  RB Injury

Everybody knows the Chargers have faced a ton of injury problems all year.  However, they just keep coming.  Melvin Gordon, the breakout star for them this season, may not be able to participate.  Even if they he is cleared to play, its not certain that he still will.  The Chargers could hold him out to play it safe.

Melvin Gordon is still dealing with the hip and knee issue that kept him out of their last game.  Kenneth Farrow started in relief, and didn’t perform well against a beatable Raiders defense.  If the Chargers can’t run the ball, their offense has struggled.

4.  Chargers Struggle on Offense

The Chargers have struggled on offense for a few weeks now, and a lot of this has been around the play of Philip Rivers and the offensive line protection.  After throwing just 7 interceptions in his first 9 games, Rivers has now thrown 11 in his last 5.  He has also been sacked 36 times this season, 5th most in the NFL.

If the Chargers aren’t able to run the ball in potentially bad weather, they will be forced to pass.  The Browns don’t have a good defense by any measure, but it does make it easier when you know the type of play coming at you.

5.  Cleveland Offense

This one is also a stretch.  Usually when you say “Cleveland Offense” you aren’t about to draw positives.  However, that is what I’m doing here.  Yes that haven’t looked very good at basically any point this season.  But, they are healthy and cohesive for one of the only times this season.

RG III has now played a full game without injury.  Terrelle Pryor and Corey Coleman are as close to 100% as they have been all season.  Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson have been able to do just enough to respect them coming out of the backfield.  With RG III coming off a game where he did damage running the ball, things look okay for them.

If they can be a decent offense on Saturday, look for them to score some points.

These are all areas in which the Browns have an upside.  For once this season you can look at a game and think, hey the Browns might win this one.  But, the Browns are 0-14 for a reason.  They are not a good football team.  These scenarios could all play out into a 28 point win for the Chargers.  But the time for the Browns is now, and if they want to avoid embarrassment, if they want give their Coach one win in a miserable season, this is the time.

Bring your A game Cleveland, it’s the best shot you have.

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