NFL Cleveland Browns

5 Reasons Why the Cleveland Browns Should Be Taken Seriously

5 Reasons Why You Should Take the Browns Seriously

5 Reasons Why You Should Take the Browns Seriously
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Who would’ve guessed the lowly Cleveland Browns would be where they are today. Predicted to be a hot mess yet again, the Browns are instead looking like legitimate contenders. A recent 31-10 beat down of the rival Pittsburgh Steelers has Cleveland sitting at 3-2, and their fans are starting to believe anything is possible. Honestly, you probably should start believing in the Browns, too, specifically for these five reasons.

1. Brian Hoyer

1. Brian Hoyer
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

1. Brian Hoyer

1. Brian Hoyer
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been five straight games of effective and efficient quarterbacking from Brian Hoyer, proof that last year’s short cameo was no mirage. He’s making the teammates around him better, and despite what, on paper, looks like a lack of weapons, he's consistently leading scoring drives. The Browns believe in their quarterback, and this alone is enough to present a team to reckon with from here on out.

2. The Ever-Improving Running Game

2. The Ever-Improving Running Game
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

2. The Ever-Improving Running Game

2. The Ever-Improving Running Game
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

It doesn’t seem to matter who’s in the backfield for Cleveland, they always seem to have no trouble generating a ton of yardage on the ground. Ben Tate is proving he was worth the offseason contract he signed, and undrafted rookie Isaiah Crowell has been an incredible find. Both are thriving in OC Mike Shanahan’s zone-blocking scheme, and as a result, the Browns have yet to run into trouble with moving the ball.

3. Signs of Life From the Defense

3. Signs of Life From the Defense
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

3. Signs of Life From the Defense

3. Signs of Life From the Defense
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

As bad as the Browns’ defense has been this season, there are actually some signs of improvement showing lately. Since getting torched in the first half of their Week 5 bout with the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland has allowed just ten points in six quarters. If this is indeed a preview of what’s to come, and the Browns start shutting opponents down, they’ll definitely be in the mix all year long.

4. A Favorable Schedule

4. A Favorable Schedule
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

4. A Favorable Schedule

4. A Favorable Schedule
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland comes into the soft spot of their schedule this weekend, and they do so with a ton of momentum. Their next three opponents have a combined one win, and as a result, the Browns should be able to keep humming along. If Cleveland can take advantage of these upcoming games against weaker foes, they could be looking at a 6-2 record, setting up a crucial Thursday night bout with the Cincinnati Bengals.

5. The Impending Return of Josh Gordon

5. The Impending Return of Josh Gordon
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

5. The Impending Return of Josh Gordon

5. The Impending Return of Josh Gordon
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, Cleveland is scoring an average of 26.8 points per game without the help of Pro Bowl receiver Josh Gordon. Currently serving a ten game suspension, Gordon might be making his 2014 debut for a surprise playoff contender. Hoyer is currently consistently getting his team to the end zone with a group of misfit receivers, but just imagine what’ll happen when someone of Gordon’s caliber is back in the fold for the home stretch.

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