The NFL released the full 2009-2010 NFL schedule Tuesday night. Last year, all of us were excited about how many prime time games the Browns would receive. In fact, it was a topic that made for quite a good discussion.
The buzz factor prior to this year's schedule, in terms of Browns fans, seemed dramatically different. On a scale of 1-10, if last year's anticipation was a 10, this year's might as well have been a 1, because I didn't hear anybody talking about it beforehand. Nonetheless, here is our schedule, which does contain two prime time games:
- Week 1 (9/13): Minnesota (1:00 pm)
- Week 2 (9/20): vs. Denver (4:15 pm)
- Week 3 (9/27): vs. Baltimore (1:00 pm)
- Week 4 (10/4): Cincinnati (1:00 pm)
- Week 5 (10/11): vs. Buffalo (1:00 pm)
- Week 6 (10/18): vs. Pittsburgh (1:00 pm)
- Week 7 (10/25): Green Bay (1:00 pm)
- Week 8 (11/1): vs. Chicago (1:00 pm)
- Week 9: BYE WEEK
- Week 10 (11/16): Baltimore (8:30 pm) [Monday Night]
- Week 11 (11/22): vs. Detroit (1:00 pm)
- Week 12 (11/29): vs. Cincinnati (1:00 pm)
- Week 13 (12/6): San Diego (4:05 pm)
- Week 14 (12/10): Pittsburgh (8:20 pm) [Thursday Night]
- Week 15 (12/20): vs. Kansas City (1:00 pm)
- Week 16 (12/27): Oakland (1:00 pm)
- Week 17 (1/3): Jacksonville (1:00 pm)
Here are some general comments on the schedule:
- Not surprised to see Pittsburgh and Baltimore as our two prime time games. Funny enough, both of those games will be at Cleveland Browns Stadium. That part is a pleasant surprise.
- 4 of our first 6 games are on the road.
- 4 of our last 5 games are at home.
- I like that our division games seem to be a little more spaced out this season. However, it seems like we always play Baltimore in Week 3.
- Our Bye Week comes at just about the half-way point of the season. Can't argue that, eh?
- Our final regular season game is January 3, and at home. Bring on a snow bowl.
- There seem to be a lot more 1:00 games this year, which I prefer at this point.
- We open the season against the Minnesota Vikings. Early impressions? Impossible to tell; for all I know, we could end up gutting our best receiver and a young quarterback from the roster, meaning I can't really have any "win/lose" mentality right now. With that said, it'll be fun to see Adrian Peterson in action I guess -- an early test to see how Eric Mangini's defense compares to Romeo Crennel's against the run.
I wish I could get more excited about the schedule, but all all of these trade rumors are just a little too overwhelming still.
Yes it is exhausting with all of the nonesense of trade rumors. It almost like the Plain Dealer has a hard on for Mangini.
I am surprised the Browns got two prime time games considering there poor season last year. Like the idea of 4 of the last 5 at home.
I don’t know I just got a feel for the season, all the negative press, I think the Browns will surprise is spite of it.
Grockcubs - April 15, 2009
1. I wonder how the short week before the Steelers game will affect the matchup. It would seem to tip the scales toward a more physically talented team who wouldn’t need the extra time to scheme it up, the team who has more continuity and can use older things in its playbook: not us.
2. We had better study the film of the 49ers playing the Vikings. The 9ers shut Peterson down effectively, and did a great job defensively. Finding a Patrick Willis and/or a Nate “I’m Gonna Strip You Sucka” Clements would help. I am fine with any QB Minnesota has throwing a lot.
3. I need to find a way to get DirecTV.
rufio - April 15, 2009
I don’t live in the Browns market and have had the Sunday Ticket for the past 5 seasons. It’s wonderful and well worth it. Not only getting to see every game, but also getting to watch the best games that are on when the Browns aren’t playing.
Dawg Nuts - April 15, 2009
as well as getting to watch the best games that are on when the Browns are playing.
rolub - April 15, 2009
nice point
I’ll admit I sunk to that at times last season.
Dawg Nuts - April 15, 2009
Yeah, I am hoping Time Warner will pick up NFL network eventually, not holding my breath though. Last years games I think I just watched them on NFLN’s website.
Jayson732 - April 19, 2009
I see two warm-weather teams coming to Cleveland in December/January. That could be a big advantage when we’re fighting for a Wild Card spot (hey, I can dream, right?).
Buckeye Brad - April 15, 2009
yeah, we should be 9-5 going into those last two games…
Dawg Nuts - April 15, 2009
This was actually my first thought as well. Hope springs eternal.
I like that our MNF game against Baltimore is not only home, but is also after the Bye week. Gives lots of time to prepare for the Ravens in what could be an important game at that point in the season, given tie-breakers and everything else.
Obviously not as tough of a schedule as last year (we play Detriot!!!), but still some tough match-ups at key points of the season. That San Diego / Pittsburgh short week seems brutal.
DisplacedBuckeye - April 15, 2009
Speaking of Bal’mer, has anyone heard anything regarding what their defense will most likely look like this year?
JustBob - April 15, 2009
Well, they resigned the wrong linebacker so I guess that’s a plus.
gahnki - April 19, 2009
Worst case: they find/found a new DC who is as aggressive and creative as Rex Ryan, they don’t show their age at all, they draft a 2nd-3rd round defensive player who becomes the defensive ROY. Flacco improves and they become the 2000 team with a slightly worse defense and much, much better O.
Best case: they do show their age, they wind up with Mel Tucker as DC, and Flacco is left to try to carry the team.
Could be anywhere between those two.
rufio - April 20, 2009
We just need to make sure we beat cincy twice
BradyQuinnisBeast - April 20, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Dawgs By Nature to post a comment.