CLEVELAND — Why can't they all be that easy?
Hey, we'll take it — your Cleveland Browns 27, the Arizona Cardinals 0.
Yep, the Browns defense pitches a shutout, their first shutout since Dec. 16, 2007, when they did it in the snow against the Bills. And now, most importantly the Browns are 5-3 on the season with a huge game coming up against the Baltimore Ravens.
But we've got plenty of time to talk about Baltimore and next Sunday. If you've been following the Browns closely since 1999, we do not take these for granted — we do not take wins on Sundays for granted, especially a 27-0 victory.
Let's dive in. The defense? Downright nasty. Yes, facing a rookie quarterback making his NFL debut, but still, Jim Schwartz's defensive unit came to play.
And they were impressive, with Clayton Tune throwing for only 58 yards and the Cardinals offense gaining only 41 rushing yards.
Offensively, the Browns were able to rush for over 100 yards, and we saw Deshaun Watson throw the ball downfield, easing some worry and hesitation about his shoulder going forward.
I thought the guys in the trenches deserved some credit, too. The Browns' offensive line and the big boys on that D-line? Well done, all around.
So here's the situation: Yes, you were supposed to handle the Arizona Cardinals, but they did. I think there's something to be said about doing what you're supposed to do.
The Browns won a game they were supposed to win — handily. That's a positive; it's something you take for granted, and we shouldn't. That Cardinals team has played a lot of teams close this season, and even beat the Dallas Cowboys.
Yes, was it a game the Browns were supposed to win? Sure, but they did. Again, we're not taking wins for granted.
And finally, the record: 5-3 If you told us before the start of the season that after eight games the Browns would be 5-3, we'd all sign up for that — maybe not how they got there, but hey, 5-3 is 5-3.
Is there room for improvement? Sure. Can they be better? Absolutely. But, a win is a win is a win, and the Browns won a game they were supposed to win.
We haven't always been able to say that.