The Cleveland Browns came close yesterday. They showed improvement. They didn’t get blown out. However, they still dropped to 0-4 after yesterday’s 23-20 loss in overtime to the Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
By the way, they showed enough improvement to no longer be considered the worst team in the NFL (see Rams, St. Louis).
The recurring theme for this football team is handling the running game and third down efficiency. In both areas, the Browns improved on one side of the ball. They rushed for 146 yards with Jerome Harrison leading the way with 121 yards in 29 carries. Remember that the previous regime wouldn’t use Harrison, and I believe he is one of the legitimate playmakers this team has on offense.
However, the Cleveland defense still could not stop the run, allowing 154 yards rushing on 30 attempts, an unacceptable average of 5 yards per carry. The defense also allowed the biggest play of the game, Carson Palmer’s keeper on 4th and 10 with two minutes left in overtime.
On third down, the defense did hold their own, allowing the Bengals to convert just 5 of 18 conversions. To be fair, they allowed 3 of 3 fourth down conversions including the previously mentioned key play of the game. Unfortunately, the offense could convert just 6 of 19 third downs, meaning this area of the attack still needs improvement.
Yesterday’s game marked the return of Derek Anderson to the quarterback position, and the emergence of rookie wide receiver Mohammad Massaquoi. Anderson put 20 points on the board with a solid performance marred only by an interception in the red zone in the third quarter. That’s what you get with Anderson.
Besides the pick, the Browns had to settle for a 31-yard field goal after taking possession on the Bengal 14-yard line following a 50-yard punt return by Josh Cribbs. That’s unacceptable. You have to come away with a touchdown in that situation. That’s why you cannot call Anderson’s day “great”.
As for Massaquoi, perhaps he can become someone who can take pressure off of Braylon Edwards, who was consistently double teamed yesterday and didn’t catch a pass. Maybe Brian Robiskie can get involved in the offense next week.
Defensively, the Browns put pressure on Carson Palmer, recording two sacks and holding the Bengals to a net 221 passing yards. Not bad, considering the weapons Cincinnati has on offense.
The team now takes its winless season to Buffalo Sunday for a game against the Bills. The biggest question on offense is what we will see from Derek Anderson. In the past, he had struggled to show consistency. His performance is the key as to the Browns hopes of getting their first win next week.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 