CLEVELAND – Just 15 days ago the biggest thing fans had to look forward to was Thursday’s halftime celebration of Jim Brown’s great career (1st photo below). Instead, the team won their third straight since trading away Trent Richardson Thursday to move into sole possession of first place in the AFC North, capping one of the biggest tailgate parties anyone could remember (two photos below) with an eruption (photo above) after TJ Ward sealed a 37-24 win over the Bills with a pick 6.
Local sports radio predicted the Browns would be lucky to win two of their last 14 games after the Richardson trade, but instead they have won all three since then. To make matters even better for their fans, the Steelers have started an unheard of 0-4 start, and fans leaving the stadium erupted into spontaneous chants of “Steelers suck” before continuing their celebration downtown.
Willie McGahee, who was picked up by the Browns when they traded Richardson away, fought hard for yards against his original team. McGahee averaged over 4.5 yards a carry and 10 yards a game receiving the past two seasons at Denver, just missing a Superbowl appearance in the last minute loss to his second team, the Ravens.
However, it was Travis Benjamin who took the stadium noise to another level with a spectacular punt return for a touchdown that rated as the top sports play of the day in any sport by ESPN.
The night was not perfect for the Cleveland faithful, as quarterback Brian Hoyer injured his knee to force Brandon Weeden, who had started 0-2, back on the field. Weeden brought some boos in early struggles, but eventually connected on two deep balls and seemed to regain his confidence.
Weeden may have to be on the field again when the red hot Detroit Lions come to town, but the nice thing about a Thursday win is that the fans here can enjoy their unexpected success for 10 days before they see if it can last against a contender.
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