Browns vs Ravens Review
Posted September 22nd, 2008 by Luke Chandler
From expectations of contending for a divisional crown to an 0-3 start. Ouch. The Browns' season has gone from promising to disaster in three short weeks. There is so much blame, so little space.
Yesterday was supposed to be another chance for Derek Anderson to show his value against the team that cast him aside in 2005. Instead, he continued his spiral into Spurgeon Wynn-like mediocrity. Anderson threw two interceptions in the third quarter that resulted in touchdowns for the Ravens, thus sealing the victory against an inept Cleveland offense. To add insult to injury, the Ravens' Samari Rolle intercepted a pass on the Browns seven-yard line in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Turnovers aside, a concerning eye needs to be turned to the coaching staff as a whole, lead by Romeo Crennel. The Browns have been ill-prepared, the schemes have been suspect, and the decision making lacks any faith in the players. Romeo says that all players, including Anderson, will be re-evaluated as the season progresses, but are Randy Lerner and Phil Savage doing the same with Romeo and his staff?
Game balls (only because I have to)
Offense – Jerome Harrison, RB: Harrison has been the lone offensive bright spot the past two weeks, playing about a snap a game, and then scoring on each. He is a spark this offense needs. Hopefully the Browns start to integrate him into more packages soon, as it appears they may have been wrong to not trust him for so long.
Defense – Alex Hall, OLB: The Browns defense really didn't do too bad, considering the horrible field position they were getting, and Hall made the biggest impact. His sack of Joe Flacco in the fourth quarter was the team's sole sack, and set up a punt situation for the Browns. Hall should continue to get snaps as the Browns try to figure out a pass rush that lacks a playmaker.
Special Teams – Dave Zastudil, P – The coverage units both left something to be desired, and so did Zastudil. He did a nice job of pinning the Ravens deep in their own territory, but two touch backs in a game where field position is king is not acceptable.
Turning Point
With roughly 10 minutes left in the third quarter, when Anderson's pass over the middle was intercepted by Ed Reed for a touchdown, it clinched the win. For as good as Anderson can be, he often buries himself and tries too hard. Rarely will Anderson pass the same when he's behind than he would when he's up. He's not a guy who can manufacture a rally.
Last Straw
Is it time for Brady Quinn? The answer is no, but it's getting closer. Anderson shoulders the blame for this loss, but he is losing consistent play from his biggest threat, Braylon Edwards. Edwards has been a total non-factor this season which has allowed teams to concentrate more heavily on Kellen Winslow. Without the full stable of receivers, Anderson has to play smarter rather than force things. The Browns are one game away from a bye week, and if Anderson struggles against the Bengals this upcoming week, Quinn may need to be installed as the starter.
What were your thoughts on the game? Comment!
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Braylon Edwards is a huge waste of his salary. Seriously, how many passes have been pretty much handed to this jerk that he's dropped? He wants to be one of the best recievers in the NFL? LOOOOONG way to go.
Anderson needs to perfect his passing and clock management skills. However, you can't really fault him for poor plays, since no matter how well a QB throws a pass, it's up to a reciever to catch it.
Romeo needs to get his face out of the doughnut bag and put some fire under these guys. I have never seen a more passive coach. This team needs emotion, not some lackluster sack of lameness.
Kudos to K2 for being such a solid reciever. He's picking up Edwards' slack, and doing a fine job. However, our opposers are picking up on the fact that they HAVE to be all over Winslow… so Braylon and his other slackers need to start stepping up.
WE NEED OUR BOYS ON IR TO GET BETTER.
If we don't win against the Bungles, our season is screwed. Giants, Redskins, Jaguars after the bye? Kiss '08 goodbye. Unless something changes NOW.
September 23rd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Braylon's starting to look like the 2006 version, which was lazy, ran bad routes and routinely let defenders get to the ball for easy picks. Much like the pick to Samari Rolle in the fourth quarter.