Look who has an offense! The Cleveland Browns scored more than 24 points in a game three times all last season, and this year they have accomplished the feat in three consecutive games. After going 0-6 in division games in 2006, Romeo Crennel’s crew has won two of three home games against divisional foes and hit the quarter pole of the NFL season at 2-2, a big surprise for many who felt a 0-4 start was very possible. By the way, isn’t it great to knock the smirk off of offensive genius and Ravens’ head coach Brian Billick’s face.
The Browns scored early and often against the Ravens, taking advantage of some early turnovers to build a big lead at the half and doing just enough to hold on for a 27-13 victory. QB Derek Anderson continues to cool the “when will Brady play” talk with an efficient performance throwing just 18 times and hitting for two touchdowns. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski stayed with the running game once he got the lead, keeping the Raven defense honest, as well as working the clock. It was simply a workmanlike performance for the offense.
You simply cannot say enough about the Browns’ offensive line. Anderson was not sacked at all yesterday by the big, bad Raven defense. The work that Phil Savage put in improving this unit the past two seasons is starting to pay off. Joe Thomas looks like he is the real deal. Eric Steinbach is playing well. Hank Fraley has provided leadership and well as good play. This week, the line gets Ryan Tucker back from his four game suspensions and that will provide even more depth.
The early lead made the Ravens throw the ball a more, thus easing the Browns’ weakness on defense, that is, stopping the run. Baltimore still averaged 5.6 yards per carry, which is way too many. In the first half, before they abandoned the running game, they were getting over six yards a pop. Willis McGahee became the fourth opposing back in as many games to hit the 100-yard mark against the Cleveland defense. This does not bode well with New England on the schedule next. You know Bill Belichick will not get cute, and will run the ball down the throats of the Browns until they can stop it.
Crennel and defensive coordinator Todd Grantham did make some personnel changes on the defensive line, starting Ethan Kelley instead of Ted Washington. The staff also kept players fresh by consistently rotating fresh bodies in the game. However, the biggest play on defense was Leigh Bodden’s interception killing a Ravens’ drive in Browns’ territory in the first quarter.
Also, what about the performance of kick returner Joshua Cribbs. Once again, Cribbs gave the team momentum by taking the opening kickoff back 41 yards. The former Kent State quarterback averaged over 30 yards a return yesterday, and continues to average that for the season. He also is regularly in on tackles on the defensive special teams. He is worthy of All Pro mention.
This week the brown and orange take on the early favorites to win the Super Bowl, the New England Patriots. That game is followed by a contest against the Dolphins, so it is entirely possible the Browns will be 3-3 at the bye week. If that is the case, Derek Anderson will continue to start at quarterback because Cleveland will be in the playoff hunt. Who would have thought that was possible after the opening day massacre against the Steelers.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 