A Giant Victory

Wow, what a game. I was very fortunate enough to go to the Monday Night Football game in which the Cleveland Browns defeated the defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants 35-14. The crowd was roaring all game, and they seemed to keep the Browns amped on the field. This game has huge implications for us. One, it keeps our season alive, the Browns now stand at 2-3 and tied for second place in the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens. Second, it gave a huge boost of confidence for our team. We were able to show what the Browns were made of in a must-win game on the national stage. Braylon Edwards and Derek Anderson seemed to break out of their slumps and they each had huge games. Third, this game proved that the Browns have depth on offense. 8 different players caught passes, and Kellen Winslow did not even play. Here are some other notes I had about this game.

The Offensive line played great
When you surrender 0 sacks against the 3rd best Defense in the league, your offensive line is doing something right. Even without Usi Umenyora or Michael Strahan, the Giants have Justin Tuck, Cleveland native Barry Colfield, and Mathia Kiwanuka. Add in middle linebacker Antonio Pierce, and you have a very good front 7. Derek Anderson did not have a lot of pressure on him this game, and he showed how well he could do when give time in the pocket (310 passing yards, 2 TD's). Also, I attribute their great play to the return of Ryan Tucker. He helped solidify the right side of the line. Also, the Browns were able to run for 144 yards on the ground. The reason why the Browns offense was so great last year was because the offensive line played great and gave Derek Anderson time to throw the ball, and the line really showed that this game.

Welcome back Braylon and DA
Aside from one dropped pass, Braylon Edwards played great. From the player introductions (he did a cartwheel flip) to the end of the game, Edwards gave a great effort. Edwards had 5 receptions for 154 yards and a touchdown. He got things going on the first drive when he broke out for a 49 yard pass. The following quarter, he connected on a huge 70 yard bomb. Edwards is extremely important because he is the teams best downfield threat, and he helps stretch the field out. When he is stretching defenses out, it allows players like Darnell Dinkins and Steve Heiden to make plays across the middle (the two combined for 6 catches, 81 yards and a touchdown). Defenses have to account for Braylon making plays long, and when this occurs, it gives the offense more options on what they want to do.

DA had a great game as well. He did not make dumb throws (0 interceptions), and most of his throws were accurate. Braylon Edwards dropped a strike to his chest for a first down, and Stallworth let the ball go threw his hands on a fade route in the end zone. For the first time in a long time, Anderson was checking all his receivers, and not throwing to the first one he saw. He threw some very sharp passes and the TD pass to Edwards was great. He managed the game well, minimized mistakes, and most importantly he threw accurate passes.

Nice job using your weapons
The Browns coaching staff finally got the memo to use ALL their offensive players. 8 different players caught passes, and 5 different players ran the ball (discounting Derek Anderson) . The team is starting to use Steve Heiden and Jerome Harrison, which is great because they are both solid players. Harrison is a great change of pace back, and he reminds me of Derrick Ward. The team should consider using Kellen Winslow as a slot reciever more and Heiden at tight end. Line up Edwards, Stallworth, and K2 as our recievers, I am sure opposing defensive coordinators will love that. Also, I loved the fact that our coaches decided to start calling some different plays. Twice we used Cribbs in a direct snap situation which resulted in good yardage, and we did the double reverse play which resulted in a big gain as well. Plays like that keep opposing defenses off balance because they come at times they least expect it, and it is very hard to prepare for plays like that when the Browns really have not used them before. Kudos to the coaching staff for unleashing all the weapons, and finally throwing the ball down the field.

The penalties have got to stop
If there is one point the Browns have to work on this week, it is cutting down on the penalties. You have no idea how many times we heard "False Start, #...., Offense, 5 yard penalty, repeat 1st down". 10 penalties for 55 yards will not cut it every week. The team needs to get their timing together, because these penalties will begin to add up. The coaches should spend extra time getting the offensive unit in sync to not make dumb penalties.

The Defense was bent, but it was not broken
The Defense played a good game, but not a great one. They allowed 373 total yards and 181 rushing yards. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward both had good games as they were able to make solid gains. You are not going to win too many games giving up 181 yards on the ground. The pass defense played a little better as Eric Wright had a couple pass break ups, and they did a great job of containing the Giants best receiver Plaxico Burress (4 catches, 58 yards, 1 TD) . The Browns did not allow the big passing play to happen either. The defense did not do a great job of consistently putting pressure on Eli Manning. Only once did we sack him. The only times that there were pressure were on third downs when the Browns brought the house, and I thought they were somewhat effective. The D did make big plays when they had to, and I will give credit where credit is due. Brodney Pool and Brandon McDonald both made great INT's but Eric Wright's was a complete gamechangers. On two of the INT's (Wright and Pool) the Giants were driving down the field and they stepped up to make huge plays. Also, Alex Hall continues to impress me, and he came up with a huge sack on 3rd down in the 3rd quarter. The Browns should continue blitz Hall more, along with a safety or corner. The Defense continues to play better, and they made numerous game changing plays, and I feel that the D is starting to turn the corner. In the Browns two victories this year, they have given up 12 points per game. Hopefully the D can continue their improvements throughout the season.

In conclusion, I want to note that the Browns did a great job of managing the game. Their time of possession was 32:25, compared to the Giants who had the ball for 27:35. This was huge because it kept our defense off the field and fresh. Also, it allowed the Browns to continuously pound the ball with Jamal Lewis, and keep the clock running. When the Browns had their lead in the 4th quarter, it was vital to gain first downs, and keep the clock running, which they did. The Browns have a tough schedule ahead of them (home vs. Washington, away vs Jax). But both of these games are winnable. Washington just lost to the lowly St. Louis Rams, and Jax is only 3-3. The Browns are booming with confidence right now after beating the defending Super Bowl champs, but they must not get carried away. They have to continue to play physical, mistake free, and disciplined football. The coaches have to continue to use the weapons that they have at their disposal. Also, the coaches should keep calling plays for deeper passes, and a few trick plays here and there. The defense should work on trying to consistently pressure QB's, and trying to stop the run. The Browns have allowed over 100 yards on the ground every game this year but one (Cincinnati). These games are won and lost in the trenches, and the Browns seem to be improving much faster on the offensive line, than on the defensive line, and stopping the run. The implications of this game are huge. The Browns keep the season alive, but they have to be careful and take each game one at a time. Either the Browns will come out and continue to play well, or they are gonna fall flat on their faces. Consistency is key, and when hard work and opportunity meet, you have good things. The Browns needs to remember those two pieces of advice. Well, I think that just about wraps it up. Thank you again for reading, and I would love to hear your comments. Have a great week, and go Cleveland!

-Raz