CLEVELAND – After an energetic win against AFC North foes the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, it appeared hope had been restored for the Cleveland Browns, who were hopeful of turning their season around. Unfortunately, with a 27-10 loss the following week to the Los Angeles Chargers, hopes of a restored season shifted a little further out of their reach.
Where do the Browns go from here?
The Browns are 2-7 on the season entering their bye week — a time typically expected by players to relax, get healthy and get away. But as we head into the week after Sunday’s defeat, relaxing will be quite a challenge for the team.
So first things first, they’ll go to their meetings in Berea on Monday, watch the film of the game and identify ways to clean up mistakes.
“It’s going to be tough. We’re going to have to sit out for a whole week with a bad taste in our mouth, but we’re going to go in tomorrow, we’re going to get a chance to watch that film and we’re going to have to wash it down,” safety Juan Thornhill said.
For some, relaxing is not on the agenda.
“Shoot, we don’t have time to rest. We can rest our bodies, but mentally we have to get ready for our next opponent,” wide receiver Cedric Tillman said.
Still, the bye week allows players to heal minor or lingering ailments and get their bodies and minds in order. From spending time with family and friends to simply resting from the game and the reality of their unfortunate 2-7 record, the Browns are hoping this week off will serve as a reset.
“I’m going into the bye week and I’m going to get some rest and get away for a little while, but just to come back refocused and try to turn this season around and get a win,” cornerback Denzel Ward said.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy shared similar sentiments.
“Relax the body, but still focus on what we have for the next week. I have to stay prepared and make sure I take care of the body and get back to it and see what I need to improve on in the next few weeks,” Jeudy said.
The Browns will also enter the bye week right at the NFL trade deadline, which falls on Tuesday at 4 p.m. With the Browns’ record and teams from around the league interested in some of Cleveland’s talent, the roster could look different if the Browns come out of the league. bye week.
Defensive end Za’Darius Smith is among the players who could be traded at the deadline. His teammates had nothing but praise for him after Sunday’s game, with speculation that he could be moved before Tuesday’s deadline.
#Tanning Za’Darius Smith left the locker room without speaking to the media, but many of his teammates — when asked about an expected trade involving Smith before the deadline — had nothing but praise for the defensive end. pic.twitter.com/sQpfb71EHP
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) November 3, 2024
However, looming trades are something that players try not to think about too much.
“It’s definitely sad. You work hard with guys and you never know where they’re going to end up or what happens just because the team’s chances are high at the moment, but it’s none of my business so I can only doing my job,” Tackle said. Dawand Jones.
That job, despite their record-breaking playoffs looking like wishful thinking, is still winning games.
Many at the Browns aren’t ready to make the move yet. There is still a sense of pride within the group. Losing matches is embarrassing. They are not happy with these outcomes. So while the season may seem lost, there are plenty of players who don’t feel that way and are looking to break the 2-7 record and early setbacks that come with the prospect.
“It’s something you can be proud of. Everyone should look in the mirror and ask themselves, ‘What do you want this season to be?’ If you just want to keep losing, that’s you. But a lot of us, I know a lot of guys on this team and my teammates are very determined, and they’re going to go in and try to make it a season. So our goal is just to go 1-0, take a deep breath and just try to beat the Saints,” said cornerback Greg Newsome II.
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