With the countdown to NBA basketball creeping closer by the second, the talk of the town in the city by the lake has stayed focused on an unlikely candidate, the Cleveland Browns. After thrashing arguably the most hated rival in Cleveland sports, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Browns are 3-2 with both losses coming by a combined five points. This team looks as real as any in the NFL to this point under the leadership of hometown hero Brian Hoyer, otherwise known as “Hoyer the Destroyer” or “American Hoyer Story”.

As well as Hoyer has played, there are several more key reasons why this team is experiencing so much success. And those reasons start off with the revamped Cleveland rushing attack. After signing Ben Tate, people thought the Browns had reestablished themselves at the halfback position. Then they drafted rookie Terrance West in the 3rd round. Still, the Browns weren’t done as they signed the undrafted Isaiah Crowell, a once highly touted college halfback. All three halfbacks have the ability to put up 100 yards if given the opportunity. All three have at least 235 yards, a 4.4 average, and two touchdowns. Keep in mind that the entire Browns team had four rushing touchdowns last season. This rushing attack ranks 3rd in the league to this point and can only get better in the coming weeks.

Now I’m not trying to take anything away from the heroics and statistics of Brian Hoyer, but a lot of people seem to be declaring him the crown prince of Cleveland. The consistent running game and one of the best offensive lines in football has complimented him perfectly to this point, not to mention just three dropped passes through 5 games. Still, Hoyer has earned the majority of the praise he is receiving and has wrapped up the starting job as his and his alone for the foreseeable future. The Browns are reportedly not ready to offer a contract extension until the season is over, and Hoyer is reportedly not willing to accept one if, you guessed it, Johnny Manziel remains on the team. Who would’ve thought there would still be a quarterback controversy when the Browns are playing great?

After putting on a stellar defensive showcase against the Steelers, allowing the only touchdown in garbage time, the Browns get three straight weeks against bottom dwelling teams. If the defense can get into the groove everyone expected they would have in the preseason, they could be 5-3 or 6-2 before a Thursday night showdown with the division rival Cincinnati Bengals. With the excitement Browns fans have showed at 3-2, being 2 or 3 games above .500 could potentially make Cleveland replace Disney Land as the happiest place on earth. LeBron and the Cleveland Cavaliers can only bring more happiness to one of the most sports deprived cities in American history. Make sure to strap yourselves in and hang on to something tight, Cleveland fans. You may soon be in for a thrilling ride.

Are the Cleveland Browns playoff contenders? Yes, this team looks like its for real!

No way, they're at least a year away. View Results