I was very happy with the Browns effort against the Colts on Sunday, and Im glad they got the win. The offense certainly looked more together and cohesive, and the defense continued with their solid play, as did the special teams. Schurmer seemed to have a gameplan against the Colts to run against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, and stuck to it through out the game. The defense again played their break but don't bend type of defense and kept them in the game in the 1rst quarter when the offense struggled. Josh Cribbs again jumped started the offense with his long kickoff return to set up the Browns first TD. Now to break it down: offense, defense, special teams.
On offense, there were a few areas that I looked at to see if there was improvement from week 1. First, the Browns seem to stick to the gameplan of getting Hillis more carries, and to wear down the Colts defense. And, it worked as Peyton broke out a 24 yard TD run to seal the victory in the 4rth quarter. He finished with 94 yards on 27 carries, so the Browns stuck to their game plan this week. I didn't like how they tried to fit Hardesty into the game early in the 4rth quarter when the score was 14-12 and the Browns coming off getting a key turnover. In the most important goal line situation in the game, and the Browns with a chance to grab hold of the game, Peyton was NO where to be found, and Hardesty was unimpressive on 2 carries. I believe they should have tried to work Hardesty into the game earlier rather than waiting to play him in such a key moment.
Second, I look at the play of Colt McCoy. His numbers were certainly better, and he did look more comfortable in the offense this week. He completed nearly 69% of his passes and a TD and did not produce a turnover. He made the throws he needed to make,and made a couple of great passes while he rolled out of the pocket. And for those to expect Colt to throw for 300-400 yards a week, that is not going to happen. The west coast offense is built on short, controlled passes to move the ball down the field. Also, the Browns do not have those game changing wide receivers to get down the field and make explosive plays, so, for now, to move the ball, the Browns will have to rely on Colt making these short passes. I will be excited to see what Colt can do once the Browns start opening up the offense some and start throwing the ball down the field a little more often. Again, Colt was solid, not spectacular, but he went out there and did what he had to do to get the win, which is all you can expect from your quarterback.
I also looked at the play of the wide receivers in this game, who disappointed me wth their play against the Bengals. I think that Greg Little showed flashes of being a good receiver with some of the routes he run and some of the catches he made. I was happy to see them use Josh Cribbs in ways that allow him to use his talents to the best of his ability, and he made 3 big plays on offense. Mo Mass again played a solid game and showed why he is the team's number one receiver. I think though by the end of the year, Josh is only going to be used in certain situations on offense,and his role as a major receiver is going to go away, for the better. I think Josh is most helpful when he can be at full strength on special teams, and being used in certain situations on offense. I think that Mo Mass and Little by the year's end are going to cerment themselves as pieces that the Browns can use to go further, and can be important parts to an eventual playoff team. I think both of them will be even more effective once the Browns can get a true number one, big time receiver in here, then the Browns would be set at wide receiver.
The tight ends again played an important part of the offense and to help in keeping the chains moving. Evan Moore made an excellent play on his TD catch, his 2nd of the season. Alex Smith was utilized alot more in the offense and produced well. Ben Watson was his usual solid self, so again, the tight ends showed up in a big way in this victory.
On defense, I thought the Browns did a nice job playing their typical bend but don't break defense,and making plays when they needed to. Again, like on the offense side, they didn't do anything spectacular on defense, just kept the game close when the offense struggled, they did a good job of protecting the lead once the Browns had it. I was very impressed again with Joe Haden and TJ Ward. Both of them are proving they are going to be future Pro Bowlers, sooner rather than later for Joe (maybe this year!). The rookie Phil Taylor is certainly not playing like a rookie right now, and was a disruptive force on the line. Jabaal Sheard played an excellent game in getting a sack, and a strip and fumble recovery. Along with Rubin, I feel very good with those 3 men on the Browns defense line for years to come. Dimitri Patterson is going to be a key contributor this year and for years to come in the defense backfield and certainly played well this week. I feel like Sheldon Brown is getting older and is past his prime and didnt not look for most of the game out there against Reggie Wayne.
The special teams had Josh Cribbs and he had a big run back on the kickoff and on a punt return. Need i say more? Josh is the best special teams player in the game, period. No more needs to be said. I can say that the Browns punting game was actually pretty good this week, with Maynard putting 3 punts inside the 20 yard line, so nice job by a veteran.
Overall, the Browns did a nice job against the Colts on Sunday. However, they are going to need to be more explosive on offense in weeks to come, and they need to find a way to shore against the run, especially with the teams they play in their division. While I think they can stay in games running the ball, and playing bend but don't break defense, in the end, they are going to have a hard time winning consistently doing it this way. But, I do believe they are going in the right direction, and as long as they continue to improve each week, can look to actual have a chance to have a winning season next year.
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