Browns fans across the nation watched Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans with the same puzzled expression: “…Is this OUR Browns?”

In a game in which a win for either 8-3 squad would virtually stamp their ticket to the postseason, and silence a cavalcade of doubters, the Browns unleashed a flurry of first-half offense to bury the Titans early and ultimately win 41-35.

The story of the day was none other than Baker Mayfield, who threw for 4 first-half TDs and, despite late 4th quarter fumble to give Tennessee a prayer’s chance, was nearly perfect. Mayfield posted a gaudy 334 throwing yards, a career high that even suffered from some total mishap drops from his receivers. Still, Baker turned in his best pound-for-pound game as a pro, given the numbers, and most certainly the circumstances.

Cleveland’s defense was once again solid, despite surrendering 28 2nd half points to Ryan Tannehill and the Titans. It’s tough to balance how hard you want to keep your foot on the pedal with such a massive lead early, and let’s face it, this is a team that’s never been up that big period, let alone so early in a ballgame.

It got a little testy in the 4th, but given some dropped passes that would’ve extended drives and probably led to more than the three measly points the Browns collected in the 2nd, the game should never really have been in question, and wasn’t in my opinion.

Now standing firm at 9-3, the Browns will head home for another potential statement performance against division rival Baltimore, who have been shakier than ever as of late. The Raven pounded Cleveland in Week 1, a rout the likes of Mayfield and company would love to repay with a win of their own. Once again, the Browns young quarterback will have to prove he can shine under the bright lights, this time on the Monday Night Football stage.

Of course, the last time they were here, they were throttled by San Francisco, a beatdown I famously had the pleasure of witnessing live.

Let’s hope a better outcome than that one, huh?

Again, a Browns victory over Baltimore would further cement the notion that this team’s success isn’t a fluke generated by their easy schedule. This team is well coached under new personnel, their run game is amongst the league’s elite, and they’re far from the Browns of the past who would beat themselves at every chance they got.

And now, it appears their highly scrutinized quarterback is finally coming into his own. Question is: can he do it again, and again, and again?

Much to the displeasure of my mother, next Monday night should be loud and full of curse words from what appears to be the only Browns fans in San Bruno, although the pandemic hasn’t exactly allowed me to search for reinforcements.

I’d say anything but another blowout would be positive for Cleveland; if they play another solid ballgame, falling just short would still be another indication that this team can hang with the best of them. And with the Giants and Jets teams following before ending the season with a Steelers rematch, the Browns are still in phenomenal shape for a playoff berth.

And I know the Giants just shocked Seattle for no reason, but I marked both New York games as wins before any of this and I’m sticking to it. I mean, the Jets are losing on purpose, not even the Browns can mess up a free win, right?

So, just for a week, you’ll have to tuck your Baker slander away.

But I wouldn’t lose track of it yet.

Go Browns, it feels good to be relevant.

Cheers.