Browns Down the Vikings: Over, Under Reactions
Sep 22, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
After all NFL games the fan bases tend to over react to what they saw on the field. Cleveland Browns’ fans, because of the years of losing, have uniquely learned to both Over and Under react to games. Here are a few of each of those for both the Browns and their opponent the Minnesota Vikings.
Overreaction: Brian Hoyer is a solid starting QB in the NFL.
Truth: Hoyer played well against a struggling team who hasn’t won a game yet. Hoyer may develop into a solid QB, but most likely not one who will keep the Browns from drafting a QB high in 2014. Hoyer does have history with Tom Brady and has a quick release, so anything is possible, but he has limited athleticism and an average arm.
Underreaction: The Vikings are not very good, so this win isn’t very impressive
Truth: While the Vikings haven’t won a game, they have been in all of them. This team, besides losing Percy Harvin and replacing him with Greg Jennings, is very similar to the team that made the playoffs last year. The also added 3 first round picks to their roster to boost their youth and dynamic play. The team should improve as the season goes on. They also have Adrian Peterson. So the win for the Browns is good win against a team with all those descriptions.
Overreaction: From a note on a previous article from a Vikings fan: “vikings have no talent and won’t win a game this season” – Lars
Truth: The Vikings have talent and should win a few games. With Peterson running the ball, Jennings and Cordarelle Patterson at WR and Leslie Frazier coaching the team this team shouldn’t be counted out. Unlike the Jaguars who haven’t looked competitive, the Vikings have been competitive throughout the season and a couple breaks would put them at 2-1 this year.
Underreaction: Christian Ponder did an adequate job against the Browns and can lead the team again.
Truth: The truth is Ponder had 2 runs for touchdowns but besides that seemed to check the ball down regularly. While many Vikings fans have called for Ponder’s position to be changed, nationally he is only considered a bust based on the spot he was drafted. He was asked to throw the ball 42 times against a poor Cleveland pass defense. He only competed 25 passes for 228 yards and 1 INT. Ponder may lead the team to wins but needs replaced in the draft or free agency. He doesn’t have the ability to throw the deep ball with accuracy and doesn’t show pocket awareness.
Overreaction: The Browns can’t run the ball without Trent Richardson.
Truth: The Browns had a horrid day running the ball, and it was worse when you take out the fake punt and the Josh Gordon end around. Yet breaking in a rookie RB, a veteran who just got to Cleveland during the week and running the starting fullback will take time to develop. They also threw more to fight against the weakness of Minnesota, who have shown a quality run defense.
Underreaction: Josh Gordon has a big impact on the offense.
Truth: While much of the conversation was about his big day, and the rumors the Browns are looking to move him, the impact he has on defenses is greater. With Gordon in the game Jordan Cameron and Devone Bess had more room to work. In the next few games we also should see the return of late 2012 season Greg Little, which is a good thing. Gordon is a dynamic talent, a Tweep I respect for his film study said he is a Top 5 talent WR in the NFL. High praise for his talent, his impact for other receivers will be amazing. He will also assist the run game in the next few games as well.
What other Over, Under reactions from either team have you seen since the game ended?