Browns vs Bengals Recap
Posted September 29th, 2008 by Luke Chandler
The Browns should be counting their blessings for the Bengals victory. Up until the fourth quarter, this game was looking like every other Browns game this season: Ugly. They were lucky enough to meet a team that was in just as much disarray as they were, and were without their starting quarterback.
Make no mistake, not having to face Carson Palmer was a huge boon for the Browns. Palmer is beaten up and the offense has struggled, but this could have been a rally game for him. Instead the Browns faced off against a sluggish Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The Browns were able to generate a nice pass rush against Fitzpatrick, who was indecisive in the pocket. While the three sacks they were able to get on the Bengals' backup was nice, Kamerion Wimbley's first sack of the year was definitely a coverage sack. The pressure outside of the sacks was consistent, though.
Offensively, the Browns were just not a cohesive unit. Derek Anderson did just enough to get by, as Dan mentioned in his earlier post. Anderson rallied in the fourth quarter with a touchdown to Braylon Edwards from four yards out that helped smooth over some of his consistency and decision making issues. I'm far from one to say a professional football player can be scared by an opponent, but look at how Anderson avoided throwing toward Chinedum Ndukwe after his third quarter interception. Ndukwe was a terror in the Browns' December 2007 game in Cincinnati that lead to the team missing the playoffs, and he was all over Anderson again.
Anderson probably has kept his job through the bye, but Quinn is lurking. If Romeo Crennel could learn his name, we might see a Brady sighting in the near future.
Game Balls
Offense – Joe Thomas, OLT: Thomas had been struggling this season after a stellar rookie campaign. He was not picking up blockers well on the blitz, and was not sealing off his blocks well in the run game. Both of those were non-issues Sunday. He played extremely well on the ground, and opened up some beautiful holes for Jamal Lewis. Edwards, Jamal Lewis, Donte Stallworth and Kellen Winslow are the playmakers, but Thomas really does keep the offense afloat. Look for him to rebound nicely after this game.
Defense – Mike Adams, SS: On a young secondary that is without leadership right now, Adams stepped up against the Bengals. He had a small day on the stat sheet, but he had a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter which set up Jamal Lewis' one yard touchdown run. Adams' coverage skills kept the Bengals in check, and he was able to help the young corners. Adams' role is keep the pass coverage from being exposed vertically, and he did a good job.
Special Teams – Darnell Dinkins, TE: Dinkins' two special teams tackles were big on Sunday. His last tackle on Glen Holt helped save a much bigger return. He also was a key part of Lewis' fourth quarter touchdown run, sealing off a nice block.
Turning Point
In the fourth quarter with a first and goal on the Bengals' four-yard line, the Browns went to the end zone for Edwards on a fade that didn't connect. It was a close play but Edwards couldn't get his feet down in bounds. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski showed faith in Edwards, and called a similar play to the opposite side of the field on the next play, which resulted in a touchdown.
About four minutes earlier in the quarter, Edwards was penalized for an unnecessary roughness penalty for a block on the end of a Lewis run. It brought Edwards to four penalties on the year, and on the sideline both Edwards and Anderson appeared to be arguing regarding the play. Edwards is an emotional player who has had a rough season so far, so for Chudzinksi to call his number again on a critical play shows his faith in Edwards.
Last Straw
Browns fans are angry over this victory, and without good reason. Being angry that Quinn hasn't taken the field yet makes little sense. Quinn hasn't taken the field yet because Anderson, as bad he's been this season, still gives the Browns the best shot to win.
He may only be holding on to his job by a thread, but Browns fans should remember what happened with Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb. It was questionable to take Couch's job away from him when injury took him away from his job. Butch Davis' decision to go with Holcomb effectively ruined both quarterbacks careers. Only one of Anderson and Quinn can start at quarterback for the Browns, so let's make sure it's the right guy.
Thoughts on the game? Comment!
