NFL Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns’ Third-Quarter Season Grade

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By @nick_villano

Brian Hoyer

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns came into the season with not much expected of them. Many thought that it would be another year of rebuilding in what seems like a never-ending process, but that isn’t what ended up happening.

The Browns are currently 7-4 after a come-from-behind win against the Atlanta Falcons. Seven wins is more than many expected from them for the entire season showing they have definitely overachieved.

Their biggest overachiever is Brian Hoyer and, despite his rough week last week, he is a front runner for Comeback Player of the Year. Many thought he had no chance of even being the week one starter. When he was named starter, most thought it would only last two or three weeks. Well here we are in Week 13 and Hoyer is still the undoubted starter.

He has led this team despite having one of the most polarizing rookies in recent history as his backup. Johnny Manziel is one of the most talked about backup quarterbacks of all time, but that hasn’t stopped any of Hoyer’s, or the Brown’s, momentum.

The Browns have prospered without their top wide receiver as well. Up until last week, Josh Gordon was on the shelf with a marijuana suspension. They have survived with Andrew Hawkins, Miles Austin and Taylor Gabriel as their leading receiver.

The Browns have overcome major injuries as well. Alex Mack, quite possibly the best center in football, was placed on IR back on October 17, and Jordan Cameron, their star tight end, missed four games and counting with a bad concussion. There are plenty of other injuries that have affected the game plan, but the team has overcome all of this to keep winning games.

The Browns pass defense has been stellar as of late. They currently rank ninth in the NFL with only 232 passing yards allowed per game. That is partly thanks to Joe Haden, who, after a rough start, is back to playing great. Then you have free safety Tashaun Gipson, who is leading everyone with six interceptions. Cornerback Buster Skrine is tied for third in the NFL with four interceptions. These are numbers you expect out of the Seattle Seahawks secondary, not the Browns.

What grade does this team deserve? While they have immensely overachieved, they are still technically last in the AFC North thanks to tiebreakers going against them. Does a last-place team deserve a good grade?

Yes, this team deserves a good grade. This is one of the best stories in the league. The Browns are keeping up in one of , if not the best, division in football.

Final Grade: B+

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