#HeyTony: Is it time already to revise expectations of the Browns?
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Hey Tony: Would you revisit your 9-8 prediction if the Browns win on Monday night? Meaning does your outlook significantly change?
-- Kip, Mason, OH
Hey Kip: I contend that going 4-2 in division games would put the Browns in the driver’s seat of capturing their first AFC North crown. Obviously, winning their first two division games would be a great jumpstart toward that goal. My 9-8 prediction was based on the Browns splitting their six division games, so, yes, my outlook would be different with a 2-0 start. But please remember, it’s a long, long, long season, and there will be games that don’t go according to form. But as long as they go 4-2 in the division (or better), they will be in great shape.
Hey Tony: Do you think our players are getting a sense of urgency to win in Pittsburgh? Do you think that they think something special is brewing with our Browns? Thanks.
-- Aaron, Fostoria, OH
Hey Aaron: Their expectations are higher than anyone’s. I felt that from the very first day of training camp at The Greenbrier Resort.
Hey Tony: Do you remember the last time that you were genuinely excited for the Browns to have a chance to compete for the division title?
-- John, Canal Fulton, OH
Hey John: I’ve honestly felt that way since the 2019 season. The division has been there for the taking each year.
What's not to like about Dawand Jones so far? (Cleveland Browns)
Hey Tony: Do you think playing Dawand Jones strictly at right tackle is to avoid the challenges previous coaches have caused by making a rookie learn more than one position?
-- Matt, Columbus, OH
Hey Matt: Don’t over-complicate it. The reason Jones is staying strictly at right tackle is because the Browns owe left tackle Jedrick Wills about $17.5 million in fully guaranteed money over the next two years. The Browns are not going to make a change at left tackle until 2025 unless something unforeseen happens.
Hey Tony: Are you concerned with Dawand Jones, and may he be injury-prone? That’s a big dude and big dudes seem to get hurt easily.
-- Josh, Galena, OH
Hey Josh: I’m not aware of Jones’ injury history. So far so good. Don’t look for ghosts that aren’t there.
Hey Tony: Please forgive the “what if” question, but I’m curious your thoughts. If Deshaun Watson was drafted in 2017, would he still be here? Would losing and organization dysfunction have chased him away?
-- Kris, Tampa, FL
Hey Kris: Watson was drafted by the Houston Texans and they won the AFC South in his second and third seasons. After his fourth season, he asked to be traded because of some changes in the organization that he didn’t like. The Browns have never won their division. I’m not sure what he would’ve done if drafted by the Browns.
Hey Tony: If Watson has those receivers open deep again this week, how confident are you on a scale of 1-10 that he’ll hit them in stride?
-- Donovan, Massillon, OH
Hey Donovan: It was tough to throw last Sunday in a swirling mist. I have to believe he would have completed at least one of those deep shots in better conditions. However, playing primarily outdoors in the Midwest compared to indoors and mostly in the South is the reason I would not expect Watson to ever approach the passing numbers he enjoyed with Houston.
Hey Tony: Seemingly lost in the Browns outstanding defensive performance, is the fact that the team rushed for over 200 yards against a decent Bengals defense. Is this an indication the team might not be as pass happy as first thought?
-- Leonard, Troy, OH
Hey Leonard: Unfortunately not. The reason the Browns ran as much as they did was weather-related. Go back and watch the game again. They threw the ball a lot early because they anticipated better weather. It’s a positive sign that they adjusted. But don’t think for a second that they will run first. Unless it's Watson doing the running.
Hey Tony: Do you think David Bell’s crucial drop w/ under 2 min left in 1st half will hurt his playing time moving forward? How long is Bell’s leash? Perhaps Cedric Tillman, Jaelon Darden or Austin Watkins from PS?
-- Jay, Toledo, OH
Hey Jay: The Browns may give Tillman more reps as a result of Bell’s continued inconsistency. But forget about Watkins or Darden. The Browns will always give their draft picks every benefit of doubt before turning to undrafted free agents or waiver pickups.
Hey Tony: Will the Browns defense average less than 17 points against this year?
-- John, Ottawa, Canada
Hey John: That’s asking a lot. But if they did, they would win the division – guaranteed.
Hey Tony: Being the General do you feel like this team is not a fluke like the past?
-- Fred, Amherst, OH
Hey Fred: I’ve been touting the defense since the first day of training camp. I don’t think it’s a fluke. I’m not sure about the offense.
Hey Tony: What will it take for the NFL to realign divisions?
-- Mike, Tipp City, OH
Hey Mike: I see no reason whatsoever to realign divisions.
