Perfect onside kick by Dawson. But it seemed like it caught Haden off guard

Stucky doesn't fumble...Browns drive a bit more...kick the winner. Too bad. Pivotal.

My weekly take:

 

This game reminded me of tense playoff games from the 1980s where every single play mattered and field position was huge. Considering we were up against one of the best defenses in the NFL, we have nothing to be ashamed of. Yes, Chansi Stuckey's fumble was a bummer. So was the dropped interception before the Jets field goal with less than 3 minutes in the fourth quarter. So was the interception Haden made in overtime which he should have just knocked down rather than put our offense in a hole. So was the lack offensive production in the second half until the final drive that sent the game into overtime. So was the o-le defense by Eric Wrong on Santonio Holmes on the winning touchdown.

 

But this is a young team with lots of holes that's still learning how to win so I'm not going to be too harsh. This was a valuable game with lots of lessons. Here is what I think the Browns learned today:

 

>> We can play well against one of the league's best defenses

>> Colt McCoy can run the two-minute offense and get a game-tying touchdown

>> The O-line continues to impress

>> The D-line can break through but can't take down QBs

>> The back-ups (Haden on returns, Elam in the secondary) played well in subbing for injured players like Cribbs & Brown

>> I sure hope we appreciate Phil Dawson after games like this. If the Jets had a kicker like him, OT never would have happened

>> The Browns are so much better now than the team that started 1-5. They were sinking back into the second-half doldrums that resulted in their first four losses. But McCoy's tying drive at the end of regulation and his overtime drive until Stuckey's fumble showed they could shake it off. Think of where we were at the start of the season with Jake Delhomme at QB trying to lead few playmakers (Cribbs, Dawson, the OL, the LBs). If we stay healthy, I'm looking forward to what comes next.

Well put KJP. Nothing has changed  my opinion of the "new" Browns from the last 2 or 3 games. The Browns weren't exposed as frauds by the Jets They lost a hard fought battle and were playing to win until the end, no shame in that. Colt connects with Watson on that last drive first down we would be saying it was genius call. The Browns showed heart and played as a team against one of the best in the NFL for the 3rd week in a row and were "this" close to winning it despite injuries taking out 2 (or 3) of their best players and a huge talent deficet in skill positions (WR and CBs). No where to go but up. Bring your popcorn its going to be an exciting ride.

 

My opinion of Mark Sanchez changed though, I used to think he was a bit of an overhyped pansy but he played a gutsy game yesterday. He played hurt and he played to win. His overall completion rate isn't that great but he makes the plays when needed, especially those 20 yd pass after scrambling that killed us all day.

I told my football watching crew that if Colt took the Browns down the field in the 2:00 offense and tied the game, I would jump fully aboard the bandwagon.  The seats are very comfortable.

 

The bottom line is that even the best teams can't hang their heads with a split of back--to-back-to-back-to-back games with the Steelers, Saints, Patriots, Jets.

 

The Jets' kicker.... and the Lake Erie Gods... kept us within reach and we capitalized by taking it into overtime.

 

There were a couple of instances where things may have turned out differently for us.  (1) Obviously, Stuckey's fumble hurt.... if he had merely stepped one more centermeter to the right with his foot before being touched, he would have been out of bounds and we could have chipped in the winning field goal after a few Hillis runs.  (2) After Cribbs took the ball inside the 5, we ran three straight plays out of the shotgun..... that drove me nuts..... Give me three plays for Hillis to make less than 5 yards and I would bet the farm on it.... you just line him and Vickers up and make no secret about it.  (3)  (Below) Average Abe Elam dropping that interception on the goalline..... I mean, it did hit him right between the 2 and the 6 on his jersey.

 

Anybody else notice that the refs missed an illegal hands to the face against McCoy on that last play before we had to punt out of the endzone?  Kind of a cheap way to get a tie, but that is a five yard penalty and an automatic first down.

What happened on the 3rd down play where they threw a flag as Colt rolled of the pocket and he threw it away assuming the play was a do over. They never said anything about on TV. I saw the flag and it landed right in front of McCoy as he rolled out, so I am assuming he saw it too.

If we are thinking of the same play, our receiver (who appeared headed towards the flat) was bumped off his route by the defender.  The ref threw the flag but then it was announced that there was no penalty. No explanation given, but I assumed it was because our reciever was within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage and the contact was therefore legal.

I remember that one, I thought there was another one. The flag came from behind and then he threw it away, next thing I knew we were punting with no explanation on the flag. I may not have been paying attention. Oh well. Just imagine when we get an impact reciever...

 

Still it feels good to watch this team. We were out to dinner last night and saw Peyton Hillis (not eating dinner btw he had just walked in) , my wife got a picture with him. He's a monster physically but very polite. He called her ma'am. Which I found very funny.

Love me some Peyton Hillis and Colt McCoy.

 

I think the best part about these two are that they seem genuine and gracious.  Neither seems like the fame will get to them in a negative way.  Exciting time to be a Browns fan (very ironic that I say that and we are 3-6).

Exciting time to be a Browns fan (very ironic that I say that and we are 3-6).

 

It's exciting because, unlike the Minnesota Vikings who are falling to and through 3-6, the Browns are rising to and through 3-6.

It's exciting to me because, even when we had a few decent years (2002, 2007).... something just didn't feel right.  It didn't feel like Browns' football.  This does.

It's exciting to me because, even when we had a few decent years (2002, 2007).... something just didn't feel right. It didn't feel like Browns' football. This does.

 

A lot of those wins always felt chaotic and a little too lucky.  Plus they were amazing at self-destruction... Dwayne Rudd.... in the past few games the Browns aren't committing as many of those bonehead mistakes.  Luck is usually a factor, it's just not the largest part of the equation anymore.

 

That's just how I feel... but I am wearing rose colored glasses today.

Any one else think that if we can trade Eric Wright to someone for a pack of skittles it'd be a good deal?

Browns need to win last 7 games in order for my preseason prediction of 10-6 to come true.  Never say never!

It's exciting to me because, even when we had a few decent years (2002, 2007).... something just didn't feel right.  It didn't feel like Browns' football.  This does.

 

I felt the same way. Those teams felt like Frankenstein's monsters. Thrown together. Artificial. No sense of long-term direction.

 

While I'm still not a huge Mangini fan, he gives me a sense of stability and, at the same time, a sense of excitement in play-calling. You know a creative wrinkle is coming. I wasn't even pissed at the onside kick in the first quarter because it didn't work. I liked the aggressiveness. Rob Ryan, with his long curly gray hair and beer gut, reminds me of lots of blue-collar Clevelanders I knew growing up here in the 70s and 80s. He looks straight out of a WMMS 101 FM commercial from 30 years ago.

 

And, most of all, I feel comfortable knowing that Mike Holmgren is team president. Even if Mangini ain't the man, I'm comfortable that Holmgren will find the right coach. I'm even more confident that he'll find the right players.

I got a scenario/question..... The Miami Dolphins need a quarterback after losing two of theirs to injury yesterday. Henne and Pennington are both likely gone for the season.

 

Would Miami consider a trade for Jake Delhomme? Maybe we can throw in CB Eric Wright and get second-year cornerback Vontae Davis or maybe Sean Smith? The Dolphins just signed CB Al Harris who is coming back from knee surgery.

 

Is there someone else on the Dolphins roster we can trade for? Don't say WR Brandon Marshall because I highly doubt the Dolphins would part with him. But they might trade WR Davone Bess (48 catches so far) or WR Brian Hartline (34 catches so far). I'd love to get McCoy some more weapons.

I highly doubt the Dolphins are going to give up a contributing player to take a gamble on Delhomme (also, he's signed at big $$ for next year, no?).  But given Delhomme's apparent mentoring relationship with Colt McCoy, I think trading Seneca would actually be the smarter move and would yield a greater return.  Maybe we can give Denver another call?  I like the deals we get out of that team ;)

Maybe trading Seneca would make more sense, but I like Seneca.... :)

 

Getting draft choices is another option. The 2011 draft has a lot of DE/DT and CB talent.

Just get me Patrick Peterson and you can throw away the rest of our draft picks...

Just get me Patrick Peterson and you can throw away the rest of our draft picks...

 

If the Bills don't take him, then they deserve morer shitty seasons.

It's exciting to me because, even when we had a few decent years (2002, 2007).... something just didn't feel right.  It didn't feel like Browns' football.  This does.

 

A lot of those wins always felt chaotic and a little too lucky.  Plus they were amazing at self-destruction... Dwayne Rudd.... in the past few games the Browns aren't committing as many of those bonehead mistakes.  Luck is usually a factor, it's just not the largest part of the equation anymore.

 

That's just how I feel... but I am wearing rose colored glasses today.

 

 

i was wearing those glasses too until stuckeys fumble. then i went all conspiracy theory. at that painful moment i swore it looked like he tossed the ball to the jets on purpose!  :laugh:

Any one else think that if we can trade Eric Wright to someone for a pack of skittles it'd be a good deal?

 

Give Wright a break. Yes, he's having a disappointing season, but 3 guys missed Holmes on that TD catch. It wasn't just Wright. And it wouldn't have mattered anyway as the Jets were well within FG range and I highly doubt Folk misses his 4th of the game.

 

The second half was the most frustrating half of football I have ever witnessed. Our defensive line got absolutely no pressure (mainly due to the idiotic use of a 3 man rush on almost every 3rd down) and when they did get some pressure Sanchez would find a way out of it. The secondary played very well the entire game.

 

The Browns didn't make too many mistakes, but the ones they did make were costly. The Jets are a good team and were able to overcome their mistakes to win the game. If the Browns would have won that game then we would be talking about how fortunate they were to get a win. The Jet's left a lot of points on the field yesterday.

 

Regardless, it's good the see the Browns continue to compete with the best in the league and in the end maybe we'd rather have a higher draft pick than one more win in a non-playoff season...

It's funny how differently people are reacting to this game.  Putting aside the loss, it was either one of the more exciting games to watch or one of the most agonizing.  Maybe it just comes down to the mood you were in otherwise.  For me and three of my closer friends, it was a great way to spend a Sunday, despite the fact that we lost.  Very entertaining.

I got a scenario/question..... The Miami Dolphins need a quarterback after losing two of theirs to injury yesterday. Henne and Pennington are both likely gone for the season.

 

Would Miami consider a trade for Jake Delhomme? Maybe we can throw in CB Eric Wright and get second-year cornerback Vontae Davis or maybe Sean Smith? The Dolphins just signed CB Al Harris who is coming back from knee surgery.

 

Is there someone else on the Dolphins roster we can trade for? Don't say WR Brandon Marshall because I highly doubt the Dolphins would part with him. But they might trade WR Davone Bess (48 catches so far) or WR Brian Hartline (34 catches so far). I'd love to get McCoy some more weapons.

Maybe trading Seneca would make more sense, but I like Seneca.... :)

 

Getting draft choices is another option. The 2011 draft has a lot of DE/DT and CB talent.

 

Not bad scenarios but the NFL trade deadline already passed.  Actually about a month ago, Oct. 19th.  So no trades during the season.  Although I wouldn't be surprised to see wright dealt for a 5th rounder or so.  Delhomme becomes a FA after the season.

Wright is a FA as well, I believe.

RFA, unless there is a labor agreement.  Actually unless there is a labor agreement there won't be any football next year.

 

Regardless if Wright is a RFA then we can get some kind of compensation I think. 

My weekly take:

 

This game reminded me of tense playoff games from the 1980s where every single play mattered and field position was huge. Considering we were up against one of the best defenses in the NFL, we have nothing to be ashamed of. Yes, Chansi Stuckey's fumble was a bummer. So was the dropped interception before the Jets field goal with less than 3 minutes in the fourth quarter. So was the interception Haden made in overtime which he should have just knocked down rather than put our offense in a hole. So was the lack offensive production in the second half until the final drive that sent the game into overtime. So was the o-le defense by Eric Wrong on Santonio Holmes on the winning touchdown.

 

But this is a young team with lots of holes that's still learning how to win so I'm not going to be too harsh. This was a valuable game with lots of lessons. Here is what I think the Browns learned today:

 

>> We can play well against one of the league's best defenses

>> Colt McCoy can run the two-minute offense and get a game-tying touchdown

>> The O-line continues to impress

>> The D-line can break through but can't take down QBs

>> The back-ups (Haden on returns, Elam in the secondary) played well in subbing for injured players like Cribbs & Brown

>> I sure hope we appreciate Phil Dawson after games like this. If the Jets had a kicker like him, OT never would have happened

>> The Browns are so much better now than the team that started 1-5. They were sinking back into the second-half doldrums that resulted in their first four losses. But McCoy's tying drive at the end of regulation and his overtime drive until Stuckey's fumble showed they could shake it off. Think of where we were at the start of the season with Jake Delhomme at QB trying to lead few playmakers (Cribbs, Dawson, the OL, the LBs). If we stay healthy, I'm looking forward to what comes next.

It's funny how differently people are reacting to this game.  Putting aside the loss, it was either one of the more exciting games to watch or one of the most agonizing.  Maybe it just comes down to the mood you were in otherwise.  For me and three of my closer friends, it was a great way to spend a Sunday, despite the fact that we lost.  Very entertaining.

 

KJP, very well said!

 

I couldn't watch the game (some mofo was irritatating me) and it was a nail biter.  I truly felt like a playoff and my heart was racing like it did during the heyday of the Kardiac Kids!

To get compensation, I believe you have to make a qualifying offer and I doubt we make any offer that would qualify for a draft pick in return.... nor would any team want to give up any of their picks for the pleasure of signing E Wright.  I say sign to a bargain basement 1 yr deal and let him go into the off-season hungry to come back and prove himself.

Any one else think that if we can trade Eric Wright to someone for a pack of skittles it'd be a good deal?

 

Give Wright a break. Yes, he's having a disappointing season, but 3 guys missed Holmes on that TD catch. It wasn't just Wright. And it wouldn't have mattered anyway as the Jets were well within FG range and I highly doubt Folk misses his 4th of the game.

True, but that was far from the only missed coverage from him in that game. He's starting to get a reputation, so he's going to end up getting picked on more and more as the season progresses.

I think everyone is blowing this Eric Wright stuff out of proportion ever since the Ravens game.  Sure, Boldin torched him that game and he looked like a fool on 2 of the TD receptions (I don't know a corner in the league that would have made a play on the other, a perfectly placed ball high over the middle to a receiver with a big height advantage).  But he's been under a microscope since then, and when you do that to a CB, I think you could find fault in almost anyone.  All cornerbacks get beat sometimes.  Just look what Dwayne Bowe did to a "lockdown corner" this week.

Agreed Jam. Wright had a great big bullseye painted on him after those first couple of games, especially the Baltimore game. The fact that Brees, Brady or Sanchez didn't throw on him all day says to me that the 1.Rob Ryan fixed what ever was causing that in his scheme and 2. Wright has picked it up. The Holmes TD had 3 players who could have made the tackle, so I am not pinning that exclusively on Wright. He was really flaky those bad games and  I wonder if he had some personal stuff going on then,  that has since been resolved. Now I am not saying not to upgrade him if possible but I wouldn't dump him just for the sake of dumping him. Actually we should keep him if we do upgrade because of our lack of depth back there.

 

BTW who is loving this Tom Heckert draft class? 

Nice article. Gotta feel good for the kids and, of course, we Browns fans...

 

Browns rookie quarterback Colt McCoy drawing rave reviews for latest performance

11-15-2010 10:06 PM EST |By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer

 

BEREA, Ohio (Associated Press) -- If there were any doubts, any lingering questions, any deeper suspicions about whether he could handle the pressure of being Cleveland's starting quarterback and all that goes with it, Colt McCoy has put them all to rest.

 

The rookie passed his toughest test. In two minutes.

 

With 70,000 Cleveland fans screaming their heads off, millions of TV viewers watching the drama unfold and the Browns needing a late touchdown to tie the New York Jets, McCoy calmly entered the huddle, looked into his teammates' eyes and made a promise.

 

"He said, 'Look at me. We're going to win this game,'" tight end Evan Moore said Monday.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://ww2.cox.com/myconnection/cleveland/today/news/local-sports/article.cox?moduleType=apNews&articleId=D9JGVAD80

The King signing intrigues me. He's a pro bowler as a rookie just two years ago who has had some physical problems. No risk with lots of potential rewards...

 

Browns waive QB Brett Ratliff, P Dave Zastudil, sign 2 others because of injuries

11-16-2010 08:13 PM EST |By TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer

 

CLEVELAND (Associated Press) -- Brett Ratliff got caught in a numbers game again. For the second time this season, he became Cleveland's odd quarterback out.

 

The Browns waived the veteran QB on Tuesday, one of several moves on a busy day off for the club.

 

The team also waived punter Dave Zastudil, who had been on injured reserve with a knee injury, placed starting offensive guard Billy Yates on injured reserve with a biceps injury and signed defensive back Eric King and kick returner Clifton Smith.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://ww2.cox.com/myconnection/cleveland/today/news/local-sports/article.cox?articleId=D9JHIOD80&moduleType=apNews

 

BTW who is loving this Tom Heckert draft class?

 

I am.  They drafted some real solid players.  If hardesty can help out next year it will be the best draft in the NFL.

I really hope they keep Phil Dawson around.  Is there any chance he could become a Squeeler after this year?

Hardesty seemed like the only bad pick to me. We used a lot to get him and it was obvious he was going to be injured a lot. Phil Dawson better have the option to stick around. And did you see Jerome Harrison on monday night?

I saw a Jerome Harrison TD highlight but did not see anything else.  How did he do overall?  I do hope that things go his way in Philly, just like I hoped things would turn around for Anderson in Arizona.  It's not looking good for DA, at least not consistently (which was the problem he had here too).

I saw a Jerome Harrison TD highlight but did not see anything else.  How did he do overall?  I do hope that things go his way in Philly, just like I hoped things would turn around for Anderson in Arizona.  It's not looking good for DA, at least not consistently (which was the problem he had here too).

 

11 runs for 109 yards. Thats a 9.9 yard average run. He was averaging over 10 yards per carry for most of the game.

Hardesty seemed like the only bad pick to me. We used a lot to get him and it was obvious he was going to be injured a lot.

 

Obvious? I'm sure Heckert and Holmgren know a bit more than we do when it comes to evaluating players at the combine.  They do MANY tests and physicals at the combines to make sure players are healthy enough to play.  He passed all of them. If he gets injured again then its time to worry.  He's expected to be 100% by training camp.  Lets wait until then to discuss. 

 

Hardesty seemed like the only bad pick to me. We used a lot to get him and it was obvious he was going to be injured a lot.

 

Obvious? I'm sure Heckert and Holmgren know a bit more than we do when it comes to evaluating players at the combine. They do MANY tests and physicals at the combines to make sure players are healthy enough to play. He passed all of them. If he gets injured again then its time to worry. He's expected to be 100% by training camp. Lets wait until then to discuss.

 

 

I was speaking from his past injuries. But yes we should wait to see what his health is like next season

I never expected Haden, Ward, and now Colt to have the type of production they're having in their rookie seasons.  Haden's a future lockdown and Ward may lead the team in tackles and concussions given out this year.  When Ward hits, he hits with bad intentions.  I really like him. 

 

Peyton Hillis was on the Rome show. Pretty good interview. For those of you who don't know the website, WFNY(Waiting For Next Year) is a great site. Probably the best one on Cleveland Sports IMO and that includes cleveland.com.

 

Here's the audio: http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Jim-Rome-Nov-16-2010-Peyton-Hillis-Interview-Smaller.mp3

I saw a Jerome Harrison TD highlight but did not see anything else.  How did he do overall?  I do hope that things go his way in Philly, just like I hoped things would turn around for Anderson in Arizona.  It's not looking good for DA, at least not consistently (which was the problem he had here too).

 

11 runs for 109 yards. Thats a 9.9 yard average run. He was averaging over 10 yards per carry for most of the game.

 

That's what a 50 yd TD run early in the game will do for ya.  Taking that away he still averaged 5.9 yds a carry.  Glad to see he's doing well.  He's a good RB, just didn't fit with the system the Browns wanted to run.

If Harrison would have accepted his role, he would still be here.  Once he lost his starting gig, he started pouting and it showed in his play.

The Browns and Eric Mangini wanted a downhill runner like Hillis. From what ive heard it seemed like the browns never intended on playing Harrison much. First there was all the hype about Hardesty and how he could start and then now we hear that mangini called hillis and told him that he will do big things here. And when Harrison did play for us we never gave him the right plays this year. I hope he does good in philly. As for Hillis, he is a beast and I hope he continues to produce like he has. He really has a close relationship with the fans.

Kind of annoying

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nfl/columns/story?columnist=parker_rob&id=5819351

At least people from both NY and Cleveland are ripping the writer a new one in the comments.

I was just reading on Clevelandfrowns that several witnesses are basically saying a drunk tripped behind him and fell on the kid. One witness said the guy had his hands jammed in the pockets ofhis pants and wasn't able to break his fall. That makes a lot more sense to me.

 

Thanks again ESPN.

I also heard that from someone who said there friend was there and saw that the guy just fell on the kid

I also heard that from someone who said there friend was there and saw that the guy just fell on the kid

 

....and a friend of a friend of a friends cousins sisters mother said.....