I realize that for some Browns fans this may be considered sacrilege, but as much as I enjoy being a pessimistic, sarcastic know-it-all (read: a Browns fan) I'm going to try and think positive before the next game. It may very well give me an aneurysm, but I'll do it. Here are some reasons the Browns may not embarrass themselves this Sunday:
The quarterback is healthy. It's slightly easier to throw the ball when there's significantly less chance of one's index finger ending up in an "S" shape from throwing the ball too hard.
Kellen Winslow is listed as Questionable. Even if he does play it could be on limited time and, with Darnell Dinkins out, that leaves room for Steve Heiden to play more. Imagine that, a tight end that can catch passes AND block for the run.
It's a home game. I fully realize that the Browns actually have more wins on the road than at home (3 to 1), but at home DA is less likely to be confused by the crowd's reaction when he makes a bad throw.
Bob Sanders isn't playing. I think this is self-explanatory.
Jeff Saturday and Ryan Lilja aren't playing either. Granted,neither have played for awhile. I list this moreso because it lowers the possibility of a touchdown via an offensive lineman diving on a fumble in the endzone.
Peyton Manning can't smile. Remember his constipated grimace when he hoisted the Lombardi trophy? At least he can't lure the Browns defense into showing how he really feels about them by smiling at the huge holes in the secondary.
Indy's rushing defense. If they can't rush it there, they can't rush anywhere! It's-up-to-you! Lew-is! Lew-iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis!... (and Wright)
The lack of a retractable roof. Wussies, just get another stadium for everything else!
Several team members supposedly watched Little Giants a couple nights ago. Since then Braylon Edwards raided a Giant Eagle, kidnapped Ken Dorsey, and forced Ken to throw rolls of toilet paper at him. Hey, it can only help at this point.
Lots of people won't be watching. Sometimes the Browns are like the Invisible Boy from Mystery Men; they can only perform well when you're not looking at them.
It's my birthday. A long-shot, I know. If the Browns don't win though, that means the birthday wish for that new cellphone will come true!
I think that's about it, except for one more very important reason.
Everyone is playing for their job at this point, except that quarterback who's trying to show he could be decent trade bait for some even worse team.
Keywords: Week 13 Browns Colts Reasons win hope
