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: Bears Game

1. No injuries, at least none of any significance anyway. The mystery still surrounds the Browns in terms of Lee Suggs and William Green. The team made many healthy scratches last night, Green being one of them, but Suggs played on special teams.

2. WR/KR Joshua Cribbs continues to show his versatility this pre-season. Cribbs did not catch a pass against the Bears, but averaged 19.5 yards per punt return. It appears that Cribbs will definitely backup starting punt returner Dennis Northcutt and one day could take the job from him.

3. ILB Chaun Thompson backed up his outstanding performance against the Bills with another Thursday night. Thompson and rookie D'Qwell Jackson alternated quarters, with Jackson getting the start. His stat line read, 6 tackles, 2 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and 1 special teams tackle. Anyone else think he shouldn't be the opening day starter?

4. RT Ryan Tucker saw his first pre-season action of the season. Although it was pretty uneventful, it was a sure sign that the Browns best offensive linemen over the past 4 years will be ready for the home opener September 10th.

5. Rookie safety Justin Hamilton continues to show a knack for being around the action. Against the Bears Thursday he recorded 9 tackles and another on special teams. For a 7th round pick this kid has shown some real potential and could be the type of safety the Browns have been looking for the past 7 years.



Top 5 Bad Things: Bears Game

1. The punt coverage team was atrocious Thursday. The unit gave up returns of 54 and 31 yards on the night. This is a vital part to the Browns success in 2006 and it needs to be addressed before the team takes on the Saints on the 10th of September.

2. The teams 3rd down defense was the worst it has been all pre-season. The Bears converted 8-16 3rd downs and controlled the clock on the Browns almost 2 to 1. The Browns will face teams like the Ravens and Steelers who will want to use ball control to shorten the game, the Bears gave them a great blue print for doing so Thursday night.

3. All the hype about who is going to be the #2 QB behind Charlie Frye still isn't answered. With just over 20 minutes of total offense on the night the coaching staff has it's work cut out for it. Derek Anderson appears to have jumped ahead of Dorsey at this stage, having lead the team to points in every game this pre-season.

4. The offensive line as a unit was pathetic in pass protection. The Bears cover 2 only demands they rush 4 guys and that's all they needed. Charlie Frye took 4 attempts passing and was hit on every one of them. Not a very good endorsement for the offensive line.

5. The Browns run defense was exploited against the Bears. Sure it came against the backups and not the starters, but it is still worrisome. If NT Ted Washington gets hurt the teams ability to stop the run goes with him. The backups showed that they just aren't in the same league as Mr. Washington when it comes to stopping the run.



Top 5 things that failed to impress: Bears 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. The officials seemed like they had a plane to catch. On obvious penalties the towels stayed in the pocket. With fewer starters playing there were fewer flags thrown. You do the math.

3. The inability to of offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon to use TE Kellen Winslow II against the cover 2 defense is ridiculous. The best weapon a team can have against the Cover 2 defense is a talented TE who can run down the middle of the field. Last we checked Winslow fits that bill perfectly! Instead he is being used as a WR or an H-back and very rarely at what he is, a TE.

4. The fact that the team was coming off a short week should not have been an excuse and the coaching staff never should have let it be one. The Bears came to play, the Browns did not. It may be pre-season, but they are still getting paid the same and should at least put the effort in.

5. Punter Dave Zastudil shows a tremendous leg, booming punts over 60 yards, too bad many of them go for touch backs. Out of 9 punts on the night, 2 touchbacks and a net punting average of 28.7 per kick. Ouch!!!

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