The movie Groundhog Day featured comedian Bill Murray as a meteorologist who keeps reliving the same day over and over again as a chance to re-examine his life and priorities.  Murray's character takes advantage of this day to lead a hedonistic life at first, but rarely making the appropriate changes to his life.  Romeo Crennel and the Cleveland Browns appear to be stuck in a similar situation, except without the groundhog present.

For the second time in five days, the Browns are seeking to pick up the pieces of a fourth quarter meltdown.  In both games they were up by two scores, only to see both their offense and defense collapse.  On a Thursday instead of Sunday this time, the offense lost the ability to gain yardage and drain out the clock, and the defense could not stop the other team from scoring.  Thursday's collapse against Denver felt so much like Sunday's against the Ravens that if you went down to Mall C on Lakeside, it's possible Barack Obama was hosting a rally to support his election to the Oval Office. 

Facing a beaten Denver team, the Browns appeared to be clearly in control through three quarters with a nice lead.  As the Browns continued to nibble, stumbling on good drives that ended in field goals, the Broncos were just warming up on offense.  Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler ended the game throwing for a career high 447 yards and three touchdowns.  All three touchdowns came in the fourth quarter, including a 93 yard strike to Eddie Royal.  Cutler had been playing with no threat of a running game, as rookie Ryan Torain and second year veteran Selvin Young both left due to injury, forcing them to play rookie fullback Peyton Hillis at tailback. 

On a battered Denver defense, playing without Champ Bailey, Marlon McCree, DJ Williams, and for part of the game Nate Webster, they were able to produce key stops in the second half that slowed down the Browns offense.  Denver's defense produced key third down stops that didn't allow the Browns once high powered passing attack to be effective in the second half.  The forced fumble of Kellen Winslow by Dre Bly lead to the go-ahead touchdown. 

Despite the loss, the Browns were finally able to see what second year quarterback Brady Quinn was made of.  He had an efficient day, completing 23/35 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns.  Quinn took the loss on his shoulders afterwards, in particular the pass thrown to Winslow on the final drive that resulted in a drop.

"I told everyone, this one is flat on me," Quinn said. "I know I am good enough that I can make a play at the end and win. I felt comfortable out there, it's my home away from home."

Let's hope next week breaks the Groundhog Day cycle. 

Game Balls

Offense:  Brady Quinn, QB – Quinn's first regular season NFL start was positive.  Quinn was efficient, completing nearly 70% of his passes for a good majority of the game.  He was able to make quick decisions with the ball, and his mobility aided him in keeping plays alive.  His start was not perfect though, as he was throwing balls low for most of the night.  Quinn's performance should continue to improve as he wears off the rust.

Defense:  Willie McGinest, OLB – The wiley veteran played a strong game against both the run and the pass this week.  McGinest also had a key hit on tight end Nate Jackson that stopped a third quarter Denver drive.  McGinest isn't the player he once was, but he still plays mistake free football. 

Special Teams:  Joshua Cribbs, WR – The past two games it's been hard to determine Cribbs's bigger impact, on coverage units or as a return man.  Cribbs had three special teams tackles this week (two solo), and averaged 27 yards per kick return.  His impact alone on returns seals his value, but he is improving his play as gunner on coverage.  Cribbs is easily the best overall special teams player in the league.

Turning Point

The Broncos had matchup problems with Kellen Winslow all night long.  Their safeties, particularly Marquand Manuel, were physical enough to make the stops on him, but couldn't run with him down the seam.  The fourth quarter drop which sealed the Denver win was heartbreaking, because it was a catchable ball.  Despite having a productive day, between that play and the fourth quarter pass interference penalty which negated a fifteen yard reception by Braylon Edwards, Winslow killed two key drives.  His play on the field is starting to represent the off-field distractions that have plagued him this season.  Winslow is a talented, but emtionally charged player.  He needs to play under control and more naturally, or else he will continue to struggle.

Last Straw

Blow a fourth quarter lead against the Ravens, and Derek Anderson loses his job.  Blow a fourth quarter lead against the Broncos, what will the fallout be this week?  No matter how well Quinn plays, he cannot save Romeo Crennel's job unless the team starts winning.  Finishing games is an issue, along with losing games in the division have haunted Crennel's Browns.  Crennel has to prove he's an NFL head coach, despite having five Super Bowl rings as an assistant.

Who were your thoughts on the game?

What exactly is it with Browns general manager Phil Savage?

From AP:

After Sunday's 23-17 win in Jacksonville, Savage downplayed the importance of the text messages and said he and Winslow's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, had been working toward a settlement since Thursday.

Savage also suggested Winslow had been hospitalized for something other than staph and the club was trying to protect the player's privacy.

"If there's going to be disclosure, there's got to be full disclosure," Savage said outside Cleveland's locker room in Jacksonville. "We were trying to do the right thing by him and his family."

Savage was asked why Winslow had been hospitalized.

"I don't know," said Savage. "I think it's all in a gray area right now. You can ask him (Winslow)."

Before coach Romeo Crennel's news conference Monday, an agitated Savage came into the team's media room to discuss his postgame comments.

"Once and for all, Kellen's illness was determined to be a staph infection," Savage said tersely. "He had been in the hospital for two or three days; it takes a couple days to figure out what something is. Secondly, there was no secondary illness. Thirdly, he is in the building, he has worked out and the team meets at 1 o'clock.

"That's the end of the story. It is over with, OK? There is no secondary illness. Staph infection. Everybody's got it, right?"

If that's the end of the story, maybe Savage shouldn't have caroused reporters who are inherently curious. Who else was exactly talking or writing about this issue? As far as I can tell, all the reporters were writing the "Winslow is back with the team" story. Outside of Jerry Jones of the Cowboys, what other general manager in the NFL goes out of his way like this to discuss things with the media?

Can it be a good thing? Sure, Savage's Thursday appearances on WTAM are wildly informative. But there is a proper time and place for Savage to be addressing the media. This is not one of them.

Savage is proven to be an incredibly adept talent evaluator, but if he continues to talk to the media like this, it could change the perception people have of him.

Notes…
Think on this one optimists: The Browns have won three of the last four games and have four of the next five games at home.

Safety Nick Sorenson, who helped break up the final play of the game in the end zone, did so with a mild concussion.

Stats, stats, stats
• Did you know Jamal Lewis is on pace for about 1,100 yards rushing this year?
• D'Qwell Jackson is fifth in the league in tackles with 66. Fellow middle linebacker Andra Davis only has 32. Shaun Rogers is second with 36.
• The Browns are plus-six in turnover margin. That's usually not a good predictor of future success.
• Joshua Cribbs is averaging five less yards per punt return this year compared to 2007
• The 51-yard touchdown catch by Steven Heiden is two yards longer than any play Winslow has made as a Browns player

The Browns played with heart and toughness on Sunday in Jacksonville, gutting out a difficult win against the Jaguars.  The game was physical and hard-fought, with a heart-stopping last second pass by Jaguars quarterback David Garrard broken up by Nick Sorensen for the win.  In a difficult season for the Browns, this was the toughest win they have come by.

The leader of the victory was nose tackle Shaun Rogers, who dominated from curtain to curtain.  Rogers finished with nine solo tackles, a sack, a blocked punt, and was applying consistent pressure all game long.  Rogers was thought to be lazy in Detroit, but he has played his heart out in Cleveland so far.  He was visibly tired near the end of the third quarter, but he hardly rested throughout the game. 

Where the passing game struggled, Jamal Lewis did a solid job on the ground against a physical Jaguars run defense.  Lewis ran for 81 yards on 20 carries, including a touchdown.  This brings the Browns total record to 11-1 when Lewis carries the ball for over twenty times in a game. 

Quarterback Derek Anderson finished the game with 95.6 QB Rating, but the Browns again struggled to score touchdowns.  The Browns were without Kellen Winslow, but again enjoyed another productive day with Steve Heiden starting at tight end.  The offense settled for three Phil Dawson field goals, including the in the fourth quarter where they had a first and goal from the one yard line. 

Finally, the special teams did a good job of containing Jacksonville's ace return specialist, Brian Witherspoon.  The undrafted free agent rookie had been an exciting part of a difficult season for the Jaguars.  He fumbled on a fourth quarter kick return, forced by Browns rookie Beau Bell in his debut, that set up a Phil Dawson field goal.  Cleveland's coverage units were able to hold the speedster in check. 

Game Balls

Offense- TE Steve Heiden  (3 rec, 73 yards): The Browns passing game has hardly faltered in the two games without Kellen Winslow due to Heiden's superb play.  Producing a key 51-yard reception, Heiden's impact in the passing game cannot be overlooked.  His overall impact as a blocker was felt as the Browns ran to his side of the formation effectively.  The Browns typically run to the left when Winslow is in-line as a tight end, a sign that Winslow cannot hold up as a strong-side blocker.  With Heiden in, the Browns showed not only a willingness, but a confidence in running behind Heiden.

Defense – NT Shaun Rogers (9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 blocked FG) &  ILB D'Qwell Jackson (8 tackles, 1 sack):  It would be hard to leave off either player, who both produced their best games all season.  Rogers domination of the Jaguars interior offensive line showed in the one on one matchups the rest of the front seven saw.  Rogers was in on several quarterback pressures, and produced several key stops like the stuff of fullback Greg Jones on a fourth and one rushing attempt. 

Jackson, a player who's been criticized in this space for his lack of production, played a good game against the run.  The Jaguars running backs were held to a total of 53 yards rushing, and Jackson was crucial in that.  Jackson is a player who needs a free path to the ball and reaped the benefits of Rogers occupying the Jaguars line.

Special Teams – ILB Beau Bell (1 tackle, 1 FF):  Making his debut for the Browns, Bell's forced fumble on Witherspoon helped shift the tide again in the Browns favor.  Bell made a nice cut on the ball, and stopped him with a strong hit.  Bell may only play special teams this year due to the time he missed, but his big play ability could be key down the stretch.

Turning Point

Jamal Lewis' second quarter touchdown from two yards out set the tone for a physical day.  The Browns struggles in the end zone this season are well documented, but when coordinator Rob Chudzinski puts the ball in Lewis' hands, it helps make the play action pass a more legit threat.  When the Browns weren't handing the ball off to Lewis and the Browns were using the play action with an Anderson bootleg, teams were able to key on the passing play.  They weren't biting for the fake, but will have to start respecting it with Lewis getting those touches.

Last Straw

Kellen Winslow is talented, but with the ugliness of the past week, the possibility of life after Winslow has become a reality, like it or not.  Steve Heiden is not the vertical threat that Winslow is, but he is a capable receiver and a strong blocker.  The Browns offense has looked smooth without Winslow, but is the team ready to part ways with the star tight end?  The teams also didn't give up a 2009 third round pick to select Martin Rucker without good reason.  Savage's handling of the Winlow situation right now is messy, but he's successfully set up the Browns to live a life after Winslow.  The team is clearly not interested in re-negotiating his contract, and seems confident in the remaining tight ends on the roster.  The last half of the season may well be Winslow's audition for a new team.

From an unattributed statement issued by the Browns:

"The Cleveland Browns are pleased to have this matter behind us. We have worked through our differences and look forward to having Kellen return."

Winslow will not lose the $235,294 paycheck for today's game but will not play. The deal is that a Browns public relations person texted Winslow asking him not to tell the media about his staph infection.

Here's part of a statement from Winslow:

"I do realize that I am a public person and my words, whether constructively articulated or expressed emotionally, carry a lot of weight in the public arena. My intentions were never meant to be disruptive or distracting to the Browns organization, but rather to voice my concerns about my medical condition. I am confident that the Browns organization has taken the necessary steps to make our facility a healthy working environment.

"I formally reiterate my respect for the Browns organization, my teammates and the city of Cleveland. I look forward to getting back to playing football and being a productive member of this team. It's now time to focus on winning."

So where did Winslow get the staph from? A car door?

Kellen Winslow is suspended, but appealing. 

Steve Heiden is hurting.

Darnell Dinkins is the Browns player rep.

Martin Rucker is playing?

Curious about Rucker?  Here is what Matt Miller of New Era Scouting had to say about him pre-draft last year:

Rucker is one of the top 15 seniors in the 2008 NFL Draft class. His size, experience and production make him an intriguing prospect. Before his junior season, Rucker was stuck in an offense built around the running of Brad Smith. Since Chase Daniel has been the quarterback, Rucker has flourished and will graduate as the most prolific receiver in the history of the University.

This reported was completed in December 2007, but Matt had the chance to scout Rucker in person several times, and has always sung his praises.  Rucker is an explosive pass catcher, and works well out of the slot.  Thankfully the Browns have been craving a slot receiving option this year, a spot that they didn't feel Winslow was good at. 

Look for this week's game against the Jaguars to be interesting.  The Jags have trouble defending quicker, more athletic tight ends.  Who knows, maybe something exciting will happen.

For about the last 24 hours or so, when word of Kellen Winslow's suspension leaked out, I've been trying to think about what to write.

Is it Winslow's fault? Is it Romeo Crennel's fault? Is it Phil Savage's fault?

At first, I blamed it on Savage, considering he couldn't spare a few minutes to give one of his stars a call while he was in the hospital. (And apparently doesn't do it with other players)

Then, I blamed Winslow. He needed to more callous with the entire situation and not spout off to the media.

Earlier today, I was blaming Crennel for not telling the team. From AP:

Despite a disturbing number of staph cases in recent years, the Browns did not inform their other players that tight end Kellen Winslow was hospitalized with a staph infection earlier this month.

One day after the Browns suspended the Pro Bowl tight end for one game without pay for comments and behavior disparaging to the organization, coach Romeo Crennel said the team kept Winslow's illness private after reaching an agreement with him not to disclose his medical condition.

"He was in the hospital and it was a personal issue," Crennel said Wednesday in explaining the team's decision to keep Winslow's illness from his teammates.

Patrick McManamon has a very good recap of the whole scenario on his blog. Since he gets paid to do it, he's much better at this conjecture than I am, so check it out.

Now that this thing has basically run its course, I'm back to blaming Savage. Take away the blabbing to the media aspect of the situation, and it's incredibly hard to fault Winslow. Is anything he had to say incorrect? If he was just complaining about the team playing bad, would he be suspended?

Most people are convinced he's only doing this because he's upset about his contract situation. Others think he was suspended because the Browns don't want him.

I don't believe either.

To me, this is just a situation of "Kellen being Kellen" and the Browns holding him on a short leash due to his attitude and the motorcycle incident.

Still, Savage could have remedied the situation just by giving Winslow a call in the hospital and being up front with the media about the situation. Problem solved.

Instead, as McManamon wrote today, Winslow's days in Cleveland are numbered. And that's sad. He's a heck of a lot of fun to watch and plays the game the right way.

Notes…
Indeed, there is more going on with a 2-4 team than a staph infection situation. Such as…

Wait, actually there isn't. Check back in tomorrow because I'll have some thoughts on what I want to see in Sunday's game. Please note, it will include nothing about Kellen Winslow!

On Sunday, I'll be live-blogging the game, so stop in and say hello.

Does it ever change?  The Browns lulled themselves to sleep with a horrible offensive performance, suspect run defense, and overall an effort that lacked any fire.  Coming off a huge victory just six days before, the Browns were looking to use this game to continue their rally of the 2008 season.  Instead it became another game that showed how inconsistency can bury a talented football team.

The Browns biggest issue right now is that both Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards are playing poorly.  The Giants game was good for them, but they took two steps back this week.  Anderson had trouble hitting his receivers, and when he did they were getting lit up by defenders.  Anderson has everything you would want in a quarterback, but he has trouble with consistency.  Also, rallying his team from a defecit is not one of his strong points.

Finally on offense, the Browns holy trio of Edwards, Donte Stallworth, and Kellen Winslow were to be on the field, yet the game produced one of the worst passing days all season.  Winslow gutted out a tough performance, but was not on the field much.  Stallworth was targetted a few times, and had a few drops.  Edwards was a whole other ball of wax. 

Anderson's partner in crime, Edwards, has morphed back into his 2006 form.  During that season, Edwards struggled with running good routes, catching easy passes, and mental lapses that cost the team points and turnovers.  Edwards has especially had trouble with comebacks, or any other pass where he's not in motion catching the ball.  He is a dominant wide receiver when he plays crisp (see the two point conversion in the fourth quarter), but that is becoming few and far between anymore.

Game Balls

Offense – Jamal Lewis, RB:  No one else on offense really showed up, and the line had a lackluster effort.  Lewis fought for yards that weren't there in many instances, and gave the Browns a shot late in the game.  The Browns have never lost a game that Lewis gets 25 plus carries in. 

Defense – Sean Jones, SS:  It was nice to the Browns leader of the secondary back after more than a month off due knee surgery.  Jones lead the team in tackles Sunday, and had a forced fumble. 

Special Teams – Dave Zastudil, P:  Zastudil did a good job of pinning the Redskins deep in their own territory, with three punts inside the 20 yard line. 

Turning Point

While we don't have a play book in front of us, the Browns last stand to in the fourth to get into scoring position was proof positive of the issues with Anderson and Edwards.  The two cannot seem to connect on any passes this season unless Aaron Ross trips in front of Edwards.  It's clear that last week's victory against the Giants wasn't a turn for the better.  The two of them shoulder a big part of the Browns offensive troubles.  Edwards cannot be replaced, but Anderson can. 

Last Straw

Shortly after this game, Kellen Winslow admited that he didn't feel like a part of the team.  What's sad is that Winslow is a guy who cares the most.  His passion for the team and winning is clear.  At times, it's easy to wonder if his teammates feel the same way.  Winslow's passion for the Browns shows up on the field, and not many Browns can say that after yesterday's loss.

- Akron Beacon Journal (Marla Ridenour): Capital punishment
- Akron Beacon Journal (Marla Ridenour): Winslow's complaint 'bigger than the game'
- Canton Repository (Steve Doerschuk): Defense improves each week
- News-Herald (Jeff Schudel): Anderson should keep job for another week
- Plain Dealer (Terry Pluto): Browns season quickly becoming pointless
- Richmond Times-Dispatch (Paul Woody): Skins can succeed in survival mode

- What I'm saying today: Really, who didn't expect this to happen? When someone complains to you about being a pessimistic Cleveland sports fan, point to this game. As good as their record may be, the Redskins are a beatable team for the Browns. Apparently, Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards and the run defense couldn't figure that out.

Just forget what happened in the fourth quarter. This was embarrassing. Anderson does not look like a starting quarterback. Edwards needs a serious ego (and hand) check. The run defense is just atrocious. Perhaps Kamerion Wimbley should only be in the game during pass rush situations because he's a serious liability against the run.

More on this game to come. Maybe from me, maybe from Luke. Kudos to Leon Williams for a good game and Kellen Winslow for just getting out there.

Oh, before I forget, Romeo Crennel needs to go. It doesn't matter when, this team isn't making the playoffs.

It's maybe a little late in the week to for sure if tight end Kellen Winslow will play Sunday, but at least he's back at team facilities. From AP:

Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow has returned to the team, though he has not been cleared to practice after being hospitalized with an undisclosed illness.

Winslow was seen walking the hallway in the Browns' headquarters Thursday. Coach Romeo Crennel says the Pro Bowler might practice Friday as Cleveland continues preparing for Sunday's game in Washington.

Winslow fell ill last week and spent three nights in the Cleveland Clinic. He was discharged Sunday but was inactive for Cleveland's 35-14 upset of the New York Giants on Monday.

Now the real question becomes do the Browns actually need him on Sunday? The offense ticked against a stellar Giants defense and Steve Heiden is a much better run blocker.

Also, anyone else hear the Eagles inquired about sending the Browns a first-round draft pick for Winslow on Tuesday? While it's not a trade the team should make, it is interesting.

Also interesting is this column Patrick McManamon wrote today.

While the good news is that Kellen Winslow has been released from the hospital, he's likely out of tonight's Monday Night Football game against the Giants.  This is all pure speculation, but apparently Winslow's mystery illness was enlarged testicles (allegedly).  Let's just hope Winslow feels better, and leave it at that.

Are the Browns this year's Giants?  D'Qwell Jackson says that they are looking up to Giants.  The Giants started the 2007 season 0-2, and went on to win the Super Bowl against the then undefeated New England Patriots.

While they could easily do so, the Giants aren't looking past the Browns.  The Giants have been dominating opponents, but have only played one team with a winning record thus far.

In what should be a welcome return, Ryan Tucker should get the starting nod at right tackle this week.  The only problem is he has to face off with Giants stud left end Justin Tuck.  Tuck is exactly the kind of powerful, quick end that Tucker has struggled with throughout his career.  Kevin Shaffer, injured or not, has been bad this season, so I'm excited to see Tucker back in his familiar spot.

One quick note:  the broadcasters likely won't talk about this tonight, but the whole shakedown of Eli Manning becoming a Giant has a key to the Browns.  In his book, The GM, Tom Callahan discusses that former Giants general manager Ernie Acorsi had struck a deal with then Browns head coach/overlord Butch Davis to trade the fouth overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft for the Browns seventh overall pick, and then their second round choice.  The Browns were supposedly trading up to select the late Miami (FL) free safety Sean Taylor.  Acorsi was nervous as draft day grew that Davis could be actually moving up to select Philip Rivers, and then broker a trade with the Chargers for Eli Manning, so he nixed the deal and did it himself.  Interesting how things could have turned out!