A day late, a buck short – Browns vs Lions Game Review
Posted August 26th, 2008 by Luke Chandler
In a game with several big name players, in all three phases of the game, out due to injury, it was not pretty. The Browns were manhandled by an aggressive Lions team. The game marked Brady Quinn's first start for the Browns, and it's one he'd like to forget.
Quinn had a rough outing with the aggressive Lions front four, who were creating solid pressure all game. He had very little rhythm with the first team receivers, and overall erratic. Quinn had trouble hitting his receivers in stride, outside of a few quick outs to Stallworth late in the first half.
One thing that gets lost when talking about Quinn vs Anderson is Anderson's poise in the pocket. Anderson can get rid of the ball quickly and is not phased by the pass rush. Quinn, on the other hand, loses all of his mechanics when pressure is in face. Right now, Quinn is not ready to run the Browns offense. As much as he, and many other fans around the area, may not like it, Quinn is still a backup in 2008.
The game lacked much to be excited about. Yes it's the preseason, but a bad preseason coupled with a brutal September schedule could put the Browns in a big deficit. Just a note, no team has ever made the playoffs after starting out 0-3. The Browns need to show something against the Cowboys, Steelers, and Ravens in the first three weeks if they want to be taken seriously as a contender.
Game Balls
Offense – None deserving.
Defense – Shaun Rogers, NT
Rogers presence made a big impact against the ground game. The Giants moved the ball on the ground with ease in Week 2, and the Lions also had more trouble. Kevin Smith's 32-yard touchdown run in the second quarter was on a stretch play to the right side of the defense (More on this later). Rogers split the double team on several plays, and was creating trouble for the Lions interior offensive line. Can Rogers keep it up, though? He's a special talent who can change a game, but Detroit fans know all about that.
Special Teams – Syndric Stepoe, WR/RS
No Cribbs, no problem. Steptoe looked great returning kickoffs, and should help alleviate any worries the team has about Cribbs' high ankle sprain. Cribbs usually gives the Browns great field position on offense, and Steptoe kept it going.
Roster Battle
Defensive End – Melila Purcell vs Chase Pittman
In my 53-man roster prediction piece, I said that Purcell looked unimpressive so far. Well I doubt I can claim responsibility for his play on Saturday, but he showed up. Both Pittman and Purcell had big games against the run. Likely there is only room for one of them. This one could go down to the wire.
Running back – Jerome Harrison vs Travis Thomas/Austin Scott
Harrison should win out this battle, but he's not running away with it. Harrison still cannot pass block, and is a huge liability in that area. He showed some soft hands on passing plays and some wiggle as a runner, but not much else. Both Thomas and Scott have been less than stellar, though neither made any huge mistakes against the Lions.
Outside Linebacker – David McMillan vs Alex Hall
With Willie McGinest out, Hall was given the nod as a starter against the Lions. Against the Giants, McMillan earned the start. Hall is still very raw, but he was applying consistent pressure on the quarterback. His body control is great, and he uses his long frame to his advantage. McMillan had a solid, but not spectacular game. McMillan is fighting for a roster spot, but unless injuries to Peek and McGinest are much more serious, could be on the outside looking in.
Room for Improvement
Kamerion Wimbley, OLB – Wimbley still represents the team's most dynamic playmaker in the defensive front seven, but he runs himself out of too many plays. On Smith's touchdown run, Wimbley had shot so far upfield he was out of the play by his own design. In general, Wimbley overpursues and lacks touch.
D'Qwell Jackson, ILB – The second guilty culprit on the Smith run was Jackson. He cut back inside on the play, and was easily blocked. Jackson had a sophomore slump last year and needs to rebound. He's the front seven's sideline to sideline defender, and excelled versus the run as a rookie in 2006. The Browns need that linebacker to show up again.
Brandon McDonald, CB – McDonald played too soft on Saturday. He was giving receivers a huge cushion. Part of that was the defensive design, but after the catch he was slow to come up and make the tackle.
On the Upswing
Leon Williams, ILB – If Jackson falters, this could be his replacement. With rookie Beau Bell out, the Browns have been experimenting with Williams playing both inside spots. Williams is bigger and stronger against the run than Jackson, and has started to improve his overall game. He's not able to cover like Jackson, but his talent shouldn't be left on the bench. Plus, pairing him next to Wimbley in the base defense more often will help cover up Wimbley's weakness against the run.
Nick Sorensen, FS – A player, again, I had on the bubble, showed up on Saturday. Sorensen made a few nice plays in coverage in the first quarter, and stopped short a few first downs. With the secondary lacking any depth, Sorensen has a shot to stick on the final 53.
