It seems like Browns’ coach Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll found a safe with a bunch of game plans from the 1940’s and decided to do an experiment to see if they could work in today’s NFL.
That’s the only way to explain what the Browns are doing on offense that past few weeks. Either that or the coaches trust rookie QB Colt McCoy much more than the veteran Jake Delhomme and that’s why Cleveland is afraid to do much more than hand the ball off to Peyton Hillis.
A combination of archaic play calling, turnovers, and a poor day by the offensive line produced just six points for the Browns in a 13-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills, who are now 3-10 on the season. Cleveland drops to 5-8 and is officially eliminated from playoff contention.
The Browns attack netted just 187 total yards for the game, and just 82 came through the air as it appeared the team was afraid to put the ball in the air at the outset. However, the brown and orange had five fumbles, four in the running game (losing one), and Delhomme was picked off once, he lost a fumble as well, in a ultraconservative game plan.
This game really changed in the first quarter. Cleveland marched right down the field behind Hillis and had a third and inches from inside the one yard line. Instead of a quarterback sneak, Delhomme handed to Hills one more time and he was dropped for a yard loss. Phil Dawson then kicked a field goal to put the Browns out in front, 3-0.
On the Bills first drive, LB Chris Gocong hit QB Ryan Fitzpatrick causing a fumble that was recovered by Eric Wright, giving Cleveland possession on the Buffalo 25 yard line. However, Hillis fumbled trying to hurdle a Bills defender, and Buffalo recovered. The Browns lost momentum right then and there.
Delhomme threw downfield once in the first half and completed it to WR Mohammed Massaquoi for a 34 yard gain. There only other passing gain of over 10 came on a pass to Brian Robiskie on the team’s second field goal drive.
It is difficult to believe the offense couldn’t get a receiver open more than five yards past the line of scrimmage for the rest of the game.
To be fair, Delhomme was rushed by Buffalo blitzes. The offensive line had problems with the pressure put on by the Bills, particular speed rushes coming from the outside linebackers. The Browns’ QB was sacked just once, but had to settle for short completions due to pressure many times.
The most galling conservative play calling came near the end of the first half after Buffalo’s Rian Lindell kicked a field goal to give them a 10-6 advantage.
A penalty on the kickoff return gave Cleveland possession on the Bills’ 45 yard line with ten seconds left. It was as if Buffalo was trying to give the Browns a field goal to end the first half.
However, Delhomme checked down and threw a two yard pass to Hillis which took up six seconds. A Hail Mary pass on the last play was incomplete and ended the half.
Why not throw a 10-15 yard pass (with timeouts remaining) to give Phil Dawson a chance to add three points before the intermission? It’s these kinds of things that make the fans cringe, and probably team president Mike Holmgren as well.
McCoy was able to practice a little at the end of the week, so perhaps he can return to the starting lineup next week. The offense’s performance today made it much easier to make that change.
JD
Cleveland Sports Perspective 