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These things always end up being funner to reflect on when the Cleveland Browns actually win their opener, so let's hope that is the case this Sunday.
It's time for our annual prediction post for the first game of the regular season, where we predict three things: the first offensive play the Browns will run/attempt to execute, the first player on defense (not special teams) who will make a tackle, and how the team's first touchdown will be scored (if you think one will be scored). Here are the "ground rules," and the prize for correctly guessing a category is bragging rights.
Offensive Play Prediction Guidelines: Try to be as specific as you can with you think will be the Browns' first offensive play. Don't just say "pass play" or "run play". Instead, say "McCoy throws a slant route to Massaquoi for 7 yards" or "Peyton Hillis runs right side and picks up three yards." You can also predict incompletions, interceptions, fumbles, touchdowns, and even a safety if you really think that'll happen on the first offensive play!
Defensive Tackle Prediction Guidelines: Predicting the first defensive play is much more obscure, so this one is a simpler category -- project who you think will make the team's first tackle that does not come on special teams or a returned interception/fumble.
First Touchdown Against Cincinnati: If you do not think the Browns will score a touchdown, then say "no touchdowns" as your answer. Otherwise, predict how you think the Browns' first offensive touchdown will be scored, along with the person(s) who will score. You can predict it to be on offense, defense, or special teams. If you predict a passing touchdown, name both the quarterback and the receiver.
Here is the template you can copy+paste for your comments:
First Offensive Play:
First Defensive Tackle:
First Touchdown:
Here are my predictions...
First Offensive Play: QB Colt McCoy drops back and hits TE Ben Watson for a six-yard gain over the middle.
First Defensive Tackle: DB Sheldon Brown
First Touchdown: QB Colt McCoy runs a playaction fake near the goal line and throws it to Peyton Hillis, the back he faked to, on the right side for a touchdown.