Cincinnati Bengals v. Browns: Behind Enemy Lines Postgame

Prior to Sundays game against the Cleveland Browns we talked to the local Cleveland site FactoryOfSadness about the the

Sep 29, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) gets tackled by a gang of Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Browns beat the Bengals 17-6. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

upcoming matchup. So we caught up with them after Sundays disappointing loss to the Browns. We asked them about their outlook for the season now that they are tied for first and if Brian Hoyer has a chance of being the franchise quarterback.

1. Is getting Defensive coordinator Ray Horton from the Steelers/Cardinals really made the defense for the Browns a lot physical and stronger so far? 

The defense was good last year. Horton coming in brought a different scheme and attitude. In the past all Browns defenses have reacted to what the other team was doing, a very passive approach. Horton doesn’t do passive. His goal is to dictate to the other teams what is going to happen. The addition of Desmond Bryant, Paul Kruger and Barkevious Mingo were perfect for what Horton wants to do. The front 7 is set for years to come and will be physical and aggressive, thats the new that you are seeing.

2. How impressed where you with Brian Hoyer playing mistake free football against a great Bengals defense?

Hoyer’s mistake free football was surprising because it was against the Bengals. Hoyer is known for his high football IQ and quick release which keeps him out of a lot of poor situations. The fact that he was able to not rush throws with that defensive line in his face, or get them batted down, was amazing. I expected him to be rushed into a INT and likely have a fumble based on the length and speed of the Bengals. The lack of CBs in the Bengals secondary was helpful.

3. What does this win do for the Browns season?

It does a couple of things. 1) Increases their belief in themselves to compete in the AFC North. There was belief before the season but had waned after the first couple games and the trade. 2) It keeps the fans excited about the team and most now believe in the new regime, 3) Keeps lower our draft position for our Franchise QB so that extra 1st rounder will come into play and 4) Means we are a team to look at as competition at least for the next few weeks.

4. Does being tied for the AFC North lead change the way the Browns will plan for the rest of the season?

Not at all. The team is built by aggressive people. They will be aggressive no matter what the costs. The biggest difference is that Hoyer is probably now our starting QB for the rest of the year unless he implodes or gets injured. We also probably won’t look to add another QB, like Josh Freeman, but neither of those are landscape altering.

5. What are your thoughts on Willis McGahee so far?

So far McGahee has been everything expected, and maybe a bit more. He runs hards, blocks well and is a smart player. In his first week with the team, after signing on Thursday he didn’t do much. Yesterday he found a few yards where our previous back would not of. He won’t break off 30 and 40 yard runs often but he will get 4, 5 and 6 yards a play keeping the team in great down and distances. Our running back by committee is performing the same as Richardson did for us, and as he is performing for the Colts plus we have a extra first rounder. Thats a win in my book.