Bring on the Squealers

OK, I know the Browns are a dismal 1-11. They're riddled with injuries and loaded with sub-par talent on both sides of the ball. Regardless, yesterday's 30-23 loss to the Chargers has given me some hope for Thursday night's game against the Steelers.

Why, oh why have I suddenly returned to my preseason optimistic self? Well, there's many reasons why I think our Brownies have a good chance Thursday night.

• The Chargers are a tough, playoff caliber team — a much tougher team than the Steelers. And yet, the Browns played tough and gave themselves a chance to win.

• The Steelers have dropped four in a row — FOUR IN A ROW — losing to the Oakland Raiders yesterday. They're the defending Super Bowl champs, for crying out loud, and yet they're a dismal 6-6 after losing FOUR IN A ROW. This team is simply not used to being in that position.

• Despite a lack of high-caliber talent with which to work, Brady Quinn is finding a way to sustain drives and score touchdowns. If the defense can play better than they have lately, I truly believe Quinn will give the Browns a good chance to win Thursday night.

• I'm not gonna say I told you so, because I know it's only been a few games, but anyone who still thinks Quinn has questionable arm strength is (and always was) a moron. Also, in the past three games, Quinn is 61-of-112 with seven touchdowns and ZERO interceptions. Take that, DA fans.
  

• The Browns are due. Tim Couch was QB the last time the Browns beat the Steelers. It's been too long ... I truly think it's the Browns turn to win.

• This game is about pride. The Steelers can pretty much kiss their playoff hopes goodbye after yesterday's loss, so this game is no longer about their ability to keep the Browns from playing spoiler. It's simply a good old-fashioned rivalry game between two football teams from blue-collar towns — and it's going to be cold.

• This is Mangini's chance to prove himself. Say what you will about his coaching philosophy and be critical about every move he makes — hell, I soured on him in Week 3 — but if the Browns beat the Steelers this Thursday night, no one will be talking about firing Mangini. A 2-14 season with a win against the Steelers would be better than a 3-13 season without a win against the Steelers.

• I'm going to the game. The last time I went to a Prime Time game, it was the Monday Night Football game against the Giants last season and the Browns shocked everyone. I think they can pull off the same magical performance Thursday night, because I'll be there to witness it.

If those aren't enough reasons to get you pumped up for the Browns and Steelers this week, then get this: In 1980, the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers came in to Cleveland and Brian Sipe rallied the Kardiac Kids from a 26-14 4th quarter deficit over an injury riddled Steelers team to win, 27-26. See any similarities? The 2009 Steelers are defending Super Bowl champions and are also injury-riddled.

This is a video of the Browns' first TD drive of that game — a pass from Sipe to Calvin Hill. I think Thursday night will be another classic battle between these two teams, reminiscent of the good ol' days when the rivalry was competitive.



Go Browns!

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