A win is a win, as they say.

The Cleveland Browns slugged their way through Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars to win 25-23, in a win that was all parts ugly, but still pushed things forward for the lovable losers.

With the dub, the Browns improved to 8-3, sitting dead even with Buffalo and Tennessee, the latter of which they will see in Week 12 in a contest to answer the question: “Who’s for real, and who’s not?”

But back to Sunday, which was anything but pretty.

Granted, the defense was heavily depleted due to COVID complications, among general injuries that occurred over the course of the week and early in the game. But the 1-9 Jags’ looked competent, and the Browns never truly put away ancient Mike Glennon and his makeshift offensive unit.

They didn’t force any big-play turnovers, but again, with how limited they were, they did good just to cover their quarterback’s behind late in the game.

Even still, Cleveland had plenty of chances to distance themselves from the bottom-dwellers with their own offense, but a few room service throws that were botched by Baker Mayfield kept things way more interesting than Kevin Stefanski would’ve liked.

A true enigma in every sense, Baker was once again maddening.

One moment he’s threading the needle under pressure, in traffic to Jarvis Landry to extend the drive, flashing his potential. The next, he’s throwing an uncatchable fast ball behind a wide open receiver in the end zone and forcing his team to settle for field goals or a turnover.

Once again, he has GOT to be better down the stretch for the Browns to not only make the playoffs, but to not be first round pushovers.

Nick Chubb again was sensational, and Jarvis Landry come out of his shell for both his first 100-yard campaign, and his first touchdown, of the season. Mayfield and Landry’s connection, established a few seasons ago, would be an excellent compliment to the Browns’ daunting run-game, if it can find some traction with the presence of Odell Beckham Jr.

At first glance, this appears to be more of a loss than a win for Cleveland. They let a tanking team hang around and their quarterback was shaky. But the defense stood their ground without their mainstays, and Baker finished with a respectable 258 yards, 2 TDs, and again did not throw an interception.

This is their game. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective. And it’s the formula they will tackle the Titans with to hopefully prove they’re a lot better than people perceive.

So let’s focus on the fact that we walked away with the win, get healthy, and figure out how in the hell we’re slowing down Derrick Henry.

In the spirit of giving thanks, I’m thankful my first true season divulging into football, the worst my guys can go is .500, and they’re pretty watchable after sucking for two decades.

Not too shabby.

Cheers.