20/20 Browns Hindsight, Lions Game
Aug 19, 2006
Author: DawgBones.com

So many times, we tend to pass judgment too harshly and too quickly. Each week, after we have had a chance to digest the game, here at DawgBones.com we will break down the Cleveland Browns game from the week before. Let us look at the top 5 good things, the top 5 bad things and the top 5 things that failed to impress us in this week’s game. The segment is called 20/20 Browns Hindsight we hope you enjoy it.


 
Top 5 Good Things: Lions Game
 
1. The running game looked very good Friday night. Granted most of the big runs came on delays and draw plays, but the out come is all that matters. The Browns ran for 144 total yards averaging 4.6 yards per carry. Those are the types of numbers you need top be successful in the AFC North.
 
2. The defense was stifling early on. The 1st unit allowed only 3 yards rushing to the Lions at halftime and 94 total yards. The Lions were, a mere, 5 of 15 on 3rd down conversions as well. Throw in 3 sacks and an interception and the defense had a very good outing.
 
3. Rookie running back Jerome Harrison is showing everyone in the NFL that they made a mistake by passing on him in the draft. Not only did he lead the team in rushing with 53 yards he also led the team in receptions with 6 and receiving yards with 54. For the 2nd straight week he found his way into the end zone and leads the team overall in scoring this pre-season. It's safe to say; the Browns have found their 3rd down back.
 
4. The 2006 NFL rookie draft picks for the Cleveland Browns. That's right, they all had good nights or at least it seemed that way. First round pick Kamerion Wimbley got the start and registered his first sack. Second round pick D'Qwell Jackson started and recorded the teams only interception. Third round pick Travis Wilson continues to show play making ability and soon should get a look with the 1st and second units. Fifth round pick Lawrence Vickers picked up a crucial 3rd and 1 on the teams 1st scoring drive. Looks like they have found their short yardage back. Sixth round pick Babatunde Oshinowo recorded his 2nd sack in as many pre-season games. A pretty impressive feat when you consider the position he plays is built more to stop the run then rush the passer.
 
5. The Browns converted 11 of 17 3rd downs on Friday night against the Lions. This is a staggering number when you consider they went 3 of 13 against the Eagles a week earlier.


 
Top 5 Bad Things: Lions Game
 
1. Penalties again top our list. , seven more against the Lions. It's not the number as much as when they occur for the Browns. The Browns were well in Lions territory mid-way through the 4th quarter. Two consecutive penalties and it was 1st and 30. The Browns chipped away and got back into field goal range, but a touchdown drive there puts the game well out of reach.
 
2. It's hard to say if offensive guard Joe Andruzzi is trying to protect new center Ross Tucker, but you have to hope so. His play against the Lions was below average and several times in pass protection his man almost sacked the Browns QB. Andruzzi may be feeling the wear and tear of training camp so look for him to get some much-needed rest over the next couple of games.
 
3. RB William Green has now adopted the James Jackson motto, "2 yards and a cloud of dust!". Green carried twice for a combined 2 yards running his pre-season totals to 8 carries for -1 yards. It must also be noted that William Green played little to no special teams, instead Lee Suggs got the call. Looks like Mr. Green might be finding the Turk at his locker by the end of the pre-season.
 
4. CB Ralph Brown was given the opportunity to start in the absence of Gary Baxter. Brown seized the opportunity by allowing a 45-yard completion to the Lions Roy Williams. It's pretty embarrassing when last week’s goat Pete Hunter out plays you, but Mr. Brown that’s what happened.
 
5. Turnovers!!! The Browns were fortunate to come away with a win after turning the ball over 4 times. Fortunately for them, they outplayed the Lions so badly the turnovers did not cost them. In the regular season the same cannot be said.


 
Top 5 things that failed to impress: Lions Game
 
1. The Browns organization once again apologized and said they were sorry for not being able to share satellite co-ordinates with Browns Backers Clubs. According to them, the NFL does not allow it. Funny how the Eagles official web site listed their satellite feed right across the front of their home page! Maybe the Browns should stop lying to the fans and instead embrace them and ensure they can see their team play. (We will leave this one here all pre-season. It's that big of a deal to the fans and to us!)
 
2. Offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon showed some real promise in his play calling and then goes and reverts back to his old ways. On 1st and goal from the 6-yard line he called a play that sent 5 men wide and an empty backfield. The team scored, but Charlie Frye was nearly crushed twice on the play. Without Frye the offense is screwed, memo to Maurice Carthon! Later in the game on 3rd and 1, after picking one up earlier in the game by running the ball, Carthon called for another pass. This really shouldn't surprise anyone as the team did lead the league in throwing the ball on 3rd and 1 in 2005, but it still does.
 
3. New center Ross Tucker is going to get a lot of people congratulating him for not doing anything that grossly stood out, but he did have his moments and they cannot go un-looked upon. He showed good effort in trying to get to the 2nd level on many running plays; the only problem is once he got there he was so winded he could not engage anyone. Several times he flailed at the defender because he just couldn't reach them. Probably the most glaring thing, Alonzo Ephraim still looks better then him and Tucker is to start the 1st 4 games of the season.
 
4. The Browns kickoff coverage was not good against the Lions allowing 27 yards a return. One of the most important things the Browns can do to be successful is win the field position battle. They must improve the coverage on kickoffs. Conversely the punt return group was outstanding, allowing a mere 4.7 yards per return.
 
5. The prevent defense. They had a 4-point lead sure, but that defense almost cost them the game. They should have stuck with what worked all night and the game would not have come down to the last play again.

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