Cleveland Browns News (10/6): Belief in Watson, Cooper Trade Rumors, a New Lamar Jackson, Defensive Issues and More!

The Cleveland Browns and the Washington Football Team used to meet regularly.

After joining the NFL in 1950, the Browns faced Washington twice a year almost every season until Cleveland moved to the AFC in 1970 following the NFL-AFL merger.

It was a fruitful rivalry for the Browns, as they were 30-5-1 against Washington over those two decades. Even though the two franchises have only met 12 times since the merger, the Browns still have a dominant 35-12-1 record in the series, including a decent 17-15-1 record as an away team.

Very few games have been close, although there is one encounter in the series that stands out, on November 27, 1988.

The Browns were at RFK Stadium that day, trying to secure a playoff spot in a season in which Cleveland had to use four quarterbacks due to injuries.

Bernie Kosar was under center that day, but the Browns entered the fourth quarter trailing 10-3. Running back Kevin Mack tied the score at 10 with a 1-yard touchdown run that capped a 16-play drive. Washington responded with a field goal and the situation looked dire for the Browns.

With time running out and the playoffs getting closer, Kosar hit wide receiver Brian Brennan on a crucial third-down play. Cleveland soon faced another third down when running back Earnest Byner ran up the middle for a 27-yard touchdown, giving the Browns the lead.

Moments later, cornerback Mark Harper intercepted a pass from Mark Rypien to secure the win and keep Cleveland's playoff hopes alive.

Today's game may not have the same impact, but the Browns could use a win just as much as they did on that Sunday afternoon 36 years ago. And while we wait for kickoff, Dawgs By Nature has the latest news and notes on the Browns and the rest of the NFL in today's Sunday Dawg Chow.

Dawgs by nature:

• The Browns still believe Deshaun Watson gives them the 'best chance to win' (Thomas Moore) – The Cleveland Browns held a players-only meeting this week to talk about the current issues, but the players are reportedly still believing to their quarterback.

• Browns make 2 roster moves, increase 2 for Week 5 (Jared Mueller) – Cleveland's move includes the return of guard Michael Dunn.

• Cleveland Browns vs. Washington Commanders NFL Week 5 Preview and Prediction (Chris Pokorny) – This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns face the Washington Commanders, one of the hottest teams in football. Below we analyze some pros and cons or general thoughts about the two teams before we get to our predictions for the game.

• Browns Roster: 6 Tradeable Players Who Could Reap the Best Trade Returns (Jared Mueller) – Even if the Cleveland Browns win against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, the roster could look different when the NFL trade deadline hits in a month. While there are generally few rumors at this early stage, in addition to Davante Adams hinting at a move to the AFC North, Amari Cooper's name is also floating around in media discussions.

• Browns-Commanders FanDuel Week 5 Prop Bets: Bet on Cleveland's Defense to Limit Jayden Daniels in Some Areas (Chris Pokorny) – The Cleveland Browns are on the road this Sunday against the Washington Commanders in Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season, the Browns are 3-point underdogs against the Commanders, and here are my favorite player bets from a Browns perspective in Week 5.

• Browns Fans Blame Run Defense for Loss to Raiders, Expect Washington to Destroy Cleveland in Week 5 (Chris Pokorny) – Each week during the season, Cleveland Browns fans vote in SB Nation Reacts to show their confidence in the team or to express their thoughts on other topics.

• Commanders depth chart: With Brian Robinson out, two veterans can carry the load (Jared Mueller) – There's a lot to know about the Week 5 game in our nation's capital, including the fact that there are some big names listed on the latest injury report . For Washington, no one is bigger than RB Brian Robinson, who we listed as one of three commanders who could wreck Cleveland's defense.

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