Can We Stop Someone, Please!

First the good news regarding yesterday’s 28-10 loss by the Cleveland Browns to the Dallas Cowboys.  First, the defeat wasn’t as bad score-wise as last year’s opening day loss to the Steelers.  Second, I doubt the team will trade Derek Anderson this week, as they did last year with Charlie Frye, and third, both the Chargers and Colts lost at home this weekend, so Romeo Crennel can commiserate with Tony Dungy and Norv Turner about their 0-1 records.  That’s it for the good news…

The Browns’ defense yesterday was a sieve.  The combination of no pass rush and soft coverage in the secondary equals a big day for any passer, let alone one with the weapons that Tony Romo has.  It is difficult to gauge if the Browns can stop the run, because quite frankly, why would anyone try to run the ball with the inexperienced secondary the team has, and the lack of a pass rush to protect the linebackers, safeties, and cornerbacks. 

There is no truth to the rumor that Steelers’ Coach Mike Tomlin is considering using one of his non-active roster spots next week on the punter.  He may not need one if the defensive scheme and performance doesn’t improve.

Romeo Crennel has always coached a 3-4 defensive scheme going back to his days with the Giants and Patriots, but you have to wonder if it is the correct lineup for the Browns.  The team’s linebacking corps is weak, with only Kamerion Wimbley an above average player at this point.  Meanwhile, the defensive line has players familiar with the 4-3 set up, such as Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams.  Also, Shaun Smith, Robaire Smith, and Louis Leonard look like they can play.  Having a defensive front of Rogers, Williams, Smith, and Smith might prove to be better than having three linebackers on the field who are below average.

Offensively, the Browns looked like a team whose starting quarterback played two quarters in the pre-season games.  The timing between Anderson and his receivers were off, although they did put together a time consuming drive of almost nine minutes to tie the game in the second quarter.  WR Braylon Edwards dropped four passes in the contest, including a long one, which should have been a touchdown.  However, Edwards had a better day than Donte Stallworth, who pulled a leg muscle in warm-ups and missed the game completely.

Jamal Lewis played and ran well, although he had some big games when the Cowboys were in full pass defense figuring the Browns would throw.  But, he didn’t re-aggravate his hamstring, so that’s a good thing.  He should be even better for Pittsburgh next week.

Another thing that bothers me are the repeated comments from players saying they weren’t ready to play.  This is not the fault of the coaching staff!  I’m sure Crennel and his assistants coach the team to win.  This is strictly a heart issue for the players.  First, they are professional athletes, this is their job!  Secondly, you only play one game a week, how can you not be ready to play.  Baseball players have six games per week and basketball players three to four games in a week, you can understand one of those guys not being ready to go, but not an NFL player. 

This team needs to make a quantum leap forward to defeat the Steelers next week.  Last year, the Cleveland Browns made that leap.  If the defense cannot show tremendous improvement, the brown and orange will need to score over 30 points per contest to win a game.

JD