5 reasons the Cleveland Browns will make the 2013 NFL playoffs


BEREA, Ohio The Browns, who started the season 0 2 and already have played three quarterbacks, will make the playoffs.


Don adjust your computer screen or my meds. I also proffering five reasons the Browns won make the playoffs on another post.


But after losing their first two games and trading Trent Richardson to Indianapolis, who envisioned the playoffs as a legitimate bye week wholesale nfl jerseys topic? Some thought they had a better chance to compete with Jacksonville for the No. 1 draft pick than to battle Cincinnati for the top spot in the division.


If the Browns are trying to tank, as some suggested after management moved Richardson, they doing a lousy job of it. Remember Mike Holmgren tirade after that trade? Guess he won be calling Joe Banner for playoff tickets.


Here are five reasons why the Browns will be part of the postseason:Jason Campbell is providing steady leadership at the most important position on the field. He the first Brown since Derek Anderson to have back to back 100 plus passer ratings in the games against Kansas City and Baltimore.


His three touchdown performance vs. the Ravens, while playing with bruised ribs, was impressive. So was engineering the 15 play, 6:30 field goal drive at game end. You can sense the confidence the team has in the veteran. It a trust factor that was lacking in Brandon Weeden.


2. Getting defensive


Except for a dreadful six quarter stretch in the Green Bay and Kansas City games, the defense has played well. The unit ranks fourth in total defense, sixth against the pass and cheap jerseys seventh against the rush. Only the Kansas City Chiefs (36) have more sacks than the Browns (31).


The improvement of cornerback Buster Skrine and emergence of rookie defensive lineman Armonty Bryant are more reasons for optimism.


If defensive coordinator Ray Horton can fix their third down struggles the Browns rank next to last in allowing a 46.1 conversion rate the unit should have a strong finish.


3. Chud leadership


It hard to imagine a rookie head coach dealing with as many issues as Rob Chudzinski has had this season. The 0 2 start. The Richardson trade. The quarterback roulette wheel. The injuries to key players. An owner under federal investigation.


Chudzinski has led his team through much uncertainty and has it in position to make an unexpected run at the playoffs. Players love his personal touches, his boyhood connection to the team and the confidence he shows in them with an NFL leading 19 fourth down attempts.


4. Bengals hurtin


The Browns best shot at making the postseason is winning the AFC North. The team they must catch is a banged up bunch, especially on defense.


The Bengals for the season to a torn anterior cruciate ligament last week. Joining him on the injured reserve list is top cornerback Leon Hall (torn Achilles) and safety Taylor Mays (dislocated shoulder). Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga (left knee, concussion) is expected to miss the next three to four weeks, while Pro Bowl offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth sat out last week with a right knee injury that limited him in training camp.


Those are key players for a team heading into a stretch run.


5. Wide open sixth spot


If the Browns cannot nfl jerseys china win the division they still have a shot at second wild card. Kansas City (9 0) or Denver (7 1) will win the AFC West and, barring a collapse, the other club will earn the top wild card.


The Browns (4 5) are in the mix with New York Jets (5 4), Miami (4 4), Tennessee (4 4) and San Diego (4 4). The Chargers with two games each against the Chiefs and Broncos.


The Browns for a potentially massive game with the Jets. The Browns close the regular season in Pittsburgh on Dec. 29. Can you envision a Browns playoff celebration at Heinz Field?