Outside of the team’s own locker room, you won’t find many people who “trust” the Cleveland Browns right now.

A 1-3 start to the season, that includes back-to-back embarrassing losses to the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders will do that. And yet, as Cleveland rolls into the nation’s capital for a battle with the Commanders, who have suddenly become the darlings of the NFL, a real opportunity to save the season awaits.

Yes – the prospect of slowing down rookie QB Jayden Daniels with his 82.1 completion percentage – and an Commanders offense that has taken the league by storm may feel a little bit daunting. Washington ranks sixth in total offense entering Week 5. Its third in rushing offense, 12th in passing offense, third in points per game and first in third down offense.

Oh yeah, the Commanders also come into Sunday on a three-game win streak. They’re read hot, the Browns are simply not.

One win can change all that. And despite all the hand-wringing over the Commanders offense and electric rookie QB, they are beatable.

For starters, as good as their offense has been, their defense leaves plenty to be desired. That side of the ball ranks 27th in total defense, 23rd in rushing defense, 22nd in passing defense, 25th in points allowed per game and dead last in the NFL on third down defense.

With star quarterback Deshaun Watson coming off of arguably his most complete performance as a member of the Browns, going against a shaky Washington defense presents a pretty unique opportunity for him build upon what he did in Las Vegas last week.

One thing that has eluded Watson since his arrival in Cleveland is the consistency of producing multiple strong outings in a row. He’s got a really good opportunity to buck that trend on Sunday – so long as his receivers catch the ball and his offensive line can get out of their own way.

All that may feel like a big ask right now, but it’s not like the Browns are devoid of talent. Returning to help those efforts are LT Jedrick Wills and TE David Njoku, both expected back in the lineup for Week 5.

Meanwhile, as great as Daniels has been, he’s also a rookie and no rookie goes through a whole season without some growing pains. A defensive front with Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith present a pretty massive challenge. And after a week where Jim Schwartz re-emphasized tackling, the issue of so many missed tackles better be corrected.

Anyone picking the Browns to win at this point must be powered by dreams and prayers. A matchup with Washington, darling as they’ve been, is still a favorable one for a number of reasons for the Browns if they just get out of their own way. Again, a big ask.

A single win could get the Browns season back on track in a hurry. So if not now, with their backs against the wall, then when?

Tonita P. Vencl

OBITUARY

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Tonita P. Vencl, a beloved wife, mother, sister, and cherished fur grandma. Tonita entered eternal rest on October 3, 2024. She was born on March 24, 1940, in Cleveland, OH, Tonita was a beacon of warmth and love to all who knew her.Throughout her life, Tonita found profound joy in crafting, baking, and sharing her creations with others. Her passion for baking shone through, and her family and friends were always treated to the delicious fruits of her labor. A baseball enthusiast, Tonita held a special place in her heart for the Cleveland Indians. Her Italian heritage was central to her identity, and her love for her family knew no bounds.In her passing, Tonita leaves behind her loving husband of 63 years, John Vencl, and her children Annette Vencl, Amy Vencl, and John Vencl. She is also survived by her brother Phil Basile (Kathy), sister-in-law Jean Basile, and numerous nieces and nephews. Tonita was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Anthony and Joey.She will always be fondly remembered as the “nice lady” who touched the lives of many with her kindness and generosity.Visitation will take place at Monreal Srnick Funeral Home, 35400 Curtis Blvd, Eastlake, on October 8, 2024, at 4-8pm. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Tonita’s life will be held at St. Mary Magdalene Church, 32114 Vine St, Willowick, on October 9, 2024, at 10:30 am. Tonita will be laid to rest at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon.Tonita’s legacy of love, family, and culinary delights will continue to resonate with all those who were fortunate enough to know her. May she rest in peace, forever cherished in our hearts.

Tanner Bibee made such an immediate impact for the Cleveland Guardians when he was called up last season that it’s easy to forget that he’s still just in his sophomore season. Saturday’s start in Game 1 of the ALDS marked his playoff debut, and Bibee knew the adrenaline would be pumping.

However, Bibee got some help from a teammate who has pitched in the postseason multiple times. That’s Shane Bieber, who hasn’t pitched since April 2 but was in the Cleveland dugout for Game 1.

Bibee said in his postgame press conference that he talked to Bieber earlier this week and before the game about pitching in the postseason, and the former Cy Young winner gave him some tips along the way.

“Shane called me a couple of days ago because I was texting him and asking him a couple of questions about the first postseason starts. And we couldn’t really connect, and then he got here this morning. So he talked to me and he gave me some pointers,” said Bibee after Game 1.

“Ever since I made my debut last year, Shane has been kind of like my mentor. And having him kind of be away has been kind of tough. “

Leave it to Bieber, who only made two starts this season before undergoing Tommy John surgery, to leave his mark on this team and help the next generation of Guardians pitching.

Whatever the two talked about, whatever Bieber told Bibee, it clearly made an impact because Cleveland’s starter gave the Guardians exactly what they needed in Game 1. Bibee pitched 4.2 innings, giving up just four hits, one walk, striking out six batters, and allowing zero earned runs.

It’ll be intersting to see how Bibee factors into the rest of this series. There’s a good chance he pitched again in either Game 4 or 5 if it lasts the long.