Now, That's Smart Play Calling

 

New Browns’ playcaller Jeff Davidson did what he should have done yesterday in Cleveland’s 20-13 victory over the New York Jets.  Facing a team with a subpar run defense, Davidson had the Browns run and run, and then run some more.  Reuben Droughns carried the ball 33 times in gaining 125 yards as Davidson took advantage of the Jets inability to defend the ground game.  Even though he got a little conservative in the 4th quarter, that’s what offense is all about.

 

It was only the second time this season that the Brownies called an effective game with the ball.  The first was the Ravens game when they took advantage of the "46" defense by throwing the ball on 1st and 2nd downs.  I understand that football teams have to have an "identity", but

running the ball against a team that cannot stop it is just smart football.  A rare special teams breakdown made the game closer than it should have been with the Jets running a kickoff back for a TD, and the usually reliable Phil Dawson missing a short field goal.  Had either of these not occured, it would have been a no sweat win for the brown and orange.

 

What really stood out to me was the play of the defense.  After the first quarter when New York went with a no huddle offense, the Cleveland defense totally shut down the Jets.  The usually efficient Chad Pennington had a horrible day and having a number of passes deflected at the line of scrimmage.  Sean Jones had an outstanding game with two interceptions, proving once again that Butch Davis did not leave the cupboard completely bare when he "resigned". 

 

Yesterday’s win also vindicated those who said the Jets were not as good as their record said because they had played such a weak slate.  The Jets are 4-4 and so is Carolina.  Since the Browns played both teams, who do you think is better?  The triumph also allowed the Brownies to move into a tie for third in the AFC North with the defending Super Bowl champ Pittsburgh Steelers.  How does that feel Pittsburgh?  Heck, you even lost to a team the Browns beat.

 

The upcoming game against San Diego is a different story.  The Chargers have La Danian Tomlinson, and the Browns must control him.  The best chance the Browns might have is if Marty Schottenheimer goes into "Marty-ball" mode.  Which brings up another question:  How can the Jets’ offensive coordinator, Brian Schottenheimer survive holidays with his family.  Imagine the disapproving looks from Marty when Brian tells him he lined up his quarterback as a wide receiver in one formation.

 

The real test for Jeff Davidson will come when the opponent stops the run.  Then, Browns’ fans will see just how creative the new guy can be.  Until that time, give JD credit for committing to the run and following through.  It got Browns a win in his first game in the job.   

 

JD