I wish it could've ended differently, but it felt good as a fan just to have some incentive to watch a football game into the fourth quarter. We actually went the distance in overtime literally, with nearly all zeros left on the clock when Shayne Graham kicked the game-winning field goal.
Sure, if you don't win in the NFL, you can argue that it doesn't mean anything. But for how we played the first three weeks, there were a lot of moral victories this week:
- Derek Anderson is a lot better than Brady Quinn at this point. Anderson has the comfort factor and even when he was pressured, he didn't get sacked at the rate Quinn was.
- Mohamed Massaquoi was outstanding, with over 100 yards receiving.
- Jerome Harrison was very good, despite his fumble, rushing for over 100 yards.
- The defense was average, but we saw them bring a lot of energy after being down early. During a stretch, they held Palmer to no passing yards for most of the second half.
- This might have been one of the best special teams performances in history for a team. Cribbs had three huge kick returns, we forced a fumble on special teams, and Shaun Rogers blocked two kicks to keep us in the game. Billy Cundiff also connected on his only two attempts.
There was still a lot to be desired, and I still feel a little sick after the game knowing that victory was in our grasp. Hopefully next time, we can get the "W".
costly mistake was Harrison not hanging onto ball, think that was biggest screwup of game… just my humble opinion
Jamals6082 - October 4, 2009
That was a costly mistake but the Browns had plenty of time to make up for it and did not. When you start a drive with good field position you need to score. When you have the ball 1st and goal you need to punch it in at least half of the time.
dvbb - October 4, 2009
dis sho am some bullsheet
troy145 - October 4, 2009
I thought the Browns played quite good on defense. Holding Cincy to 75 total yards in the second half with the score close should be enough to net a win.
johnnyphoenix - October 4, 2009
There is no such thing as a moral victory.
The whole concept is a myth.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
As a team, I’d probably agree. A loss is still a loss when you’re playing the game. I see them more as moral victories for the fans.
Chris Pokorny - October 4, 2009
this
at least i could get excited this game and had a reason to pay real attention. i go to the sports bar and watch all the games, but for the first time in a long time, it didn’t feel like a chore this week.
troy145 - October 4, 2009
Actually I disagree as walking away form this game I feel completely different than I did last week. Now the next step is building on what was done in this game and turning it into an actual victory.
dvbb - October 4, 2009
I agree. No one remembers the Lions ‘moral victories’ last year…just the record.
johnnyphoenix - October 4, 2009
Did they have any “moral victories” last year?
If this game gives our players confidence and leads to a victory next week then that’s worth something. We’re not making the playoffs so wins and losses don’t really matter; it’s important that the team shows improvement each week. Of course I want to win, but this week was much, much better than the first three games and that’s certainly a positive.
Buckeye Brad - October 4, 2009
rec.
emily522 - October 4, 2009
Wins and losses matter when you don’t make the playoffs.
We were one loss from Aaron Curry.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
So then you want us to lose?
Buckeye Brad - October 4, 2009
Nope.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
Well then I don’t understand your point.
Obviously wins and losses matter. I know that. But you were using the fact that losing will get us a better draft position to argue that we should be upset about not winning, which I don’t follow.
Buckeye Brad - October 4, 2009
I was simply stating a fact.
The idea that wins and losses don’t matter in week 4, even for the Browns is asinine.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
All I know is that I was dreading the rest of the season but, after today, I’m a little more excited about it. I don’t have the Buckeyes to fall back on, my football is limited to the Browns and Chelsea. I can’t afford to suffer.
Brad D - October 5, 2009
No, it’s not. I fee much better after this game than after the first three games. We looked like a real football team out there today, and some young guys played well (MoMass especially). We — and the coaching staff — have things to build on now.
How can you not feel better today than after the first three games?
Buckeye Brad - October 4, 2009
i completely agree! i feel so much better going into next week than i did this week.
emily522 - October 4, 2009
Forwarded from the last thread:
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
That’s what people refer to as a “moral victory”.
Buckeye Brad - October 4, 2009
I don’t believe that just because we had some positives that it makes it some kind of “moral victory.” There were not enough to pull out a win. (After having countless shots at it, by the way.)
Even the concept of any kind of “victory” assumes a loser. Who did we beat in this scenario? It certainly wasn’t the Bengals.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
OK, this argument is evolving in to a ridiculous discussion of semantics. We lost, but there were positives to take from the game and I feel much better now than I felt the past three Sundays (and I’m sure the players do, too). You can call that whatever you want to call it.
Buckeye Brad - October 4, 2009
Indeed. We’re way into hairsplitting territory now.
RelapsingDawgCatcher - October 4, 2009
At the core we both agree, really:
1. We both disappointed we lost.
2. We both know we can take positives from the game.
3. We both feel better about the team after.
I guess the only place where we disagreed were the semantics: the idea of moral victory just doesn’t compute in my head. I guess I’d prefer to call it a Loss that Raises Moral, but that’s not nearly as easy to say I suppose.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
Well spoken, and agreed on all points.
RelapsingDawgCatcher - October 4, 2009
I believe you might make your argument sharper with the word “morale”
if we’re gonna talk semantics and all… :)
themadlibs - October 4, 2009
Yeah, I realized that shortly after I pressed post. Typo.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
i figured. too easy.
themadlibs - October 5, 2009
agree
Nuts4359 - October 4, 2009
I agree because even if you look at each “moral victory”, you still see moral defeats at other area such as defense, a crappy pass rush and the inability to finish on offense. But I must admit I’m happy they finally scored a meaningful TD
The Licensed Pessimist - October 4, 2009
You can look at defeats in areas of the game even when you win, so what’s your point.
Buckeye Brad - October 4, 2009
You can but when it comes down to it you WIN despite your defeats. On the flip side you LOST despite your victory.
Moral victories are only for those who search for something to make themselves feel better within a lose. Most of the time it doesn’t matter how bad you lose or how much you didn’t suck in comparison to your competition.
The Licensed Pessimist - October 4, 2009
Ask the players and the staff if they thought it was a moral victory?
Grockcubs - October 4, 2009
They’ll say it was. There were several quotes in the paper last week from palyers saying that they wanted to competitive. We accomplished that. It’s a morale boost for sure.
Unless you actually meant moral victory. I’m not sure how our morals did today.
Brad D - October 5, 2009
Maybe not, but I’m not appalled at how the Browns represented this week, and I’m excited about next week. That counts for something, at least in my book.
RelapsingDawgCatcher - October 4, 2009
this was the best played game thus far this season.. first W will come…
Jamals6082 - October 4, 2009
Holding Plamer to around 50% isn’t to be sneered at… not driving that home is.
LondonBrown - October 4, 2009
One thing you have to remember when comparing Quinn and DA is that Quinn was going against good defenses.
I hope that the Browns trade Quinn though
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
and Cincy has a BAD defence ??? not.. Quinn just isnt ready yet.. when i said D.A. should be #1 .. i was nay sayed… now…..
Jamals6082 - October 4, 2009
The Cincinnati defense has been pretty good.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
not great or elite like the Defenses Quinn faced.
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
Denver is not elite, Vikings are not elite.
Ok, Baltimore might be elite, definitely great.
But these are just excuses for utterly terrible play from Quinn.
I know it’ll never happen, but I’d love for us to trade Quinn and a 2nd round pick to the Rams for James Laurinaitis.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
LAURINAITIS! i love him!
emily522 - October 4, 2009
Really?
Bernie19Kosar - October 4, 2009
Yeah, I don’t get that. Laurinitis was a second round pick just a few months ago, so you’re basically giving Quinn away for nothing.
Buckeye Brad - October 4, 2009
He’s shown to be the best player on their entire defense and was an absolute steal! He’s destined to be an all-pro one day. (Hey, maybe this is just Ohio State homerism, but I think we should get him even for the price I previously mentioned.)
The reason I say it’d never happen even with the 2nd round pick is the reasons I just mentioned. In his first year he is a stud, and will be the anchor for their struggling D. They can’t afford to lose someone like him. It was just interesting to think about.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
Getting a second rounder for Quinn, the Browns should consider themselves lucky. I would make that move in a heartbeat. Quinns value is quite low, benched on a 0-4 team, and sitting behind a average QB in Anderson. To get a second rounder for Quinn would be a steal for the Browns, and I am a Quinn guy
Grockcubs - October 4, 2009
Read the trade proposal again. It was the Browns giving up Quinn and a second round pick for Laurenitis, not trading Quinn for a second round pick.
Buckeye Brad - October 4, 2009
My bad Brad, read to quickly.
Grockcubs - October 4, 2009
I stand by what I said. Laurenitis has proven himself to be one of the best linebackers in the draft thus far, despite being on a repulsive team.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
4 games
DontCallMeJoey - October 5, 2009
Simmsinns - October 5, 2009
Please trade him to a better team than the Rams
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
maybe washington
emily522 - October 4, 2009
OK.
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
The Vikings are pretty darn close to elite.
Ryan Kelsey - October 4, 2009
Ranked 15th in total defense is hardly elite.
They used to be one of the best in the league, they’ve gone slightly down hill.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
Total Yards?
After week 3??
Pretty meaningless.
Ryan Kelsey - October 4, 2009
Points allowed per game. Not meaning less.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
When I evaluate a defense, I don’t use a stat that punishes them for them having a kick blocked and returned for a TD, and a Punt Return for a TD.
Points allowed per game just doesn’t work here. Especially after three weeks where a quarter of the points the team has given up had nothing at all to do with the defense.
Ryan Kelsey - October 4, 2009
Fair enough. Vikings are a great defense no doubt, I’m just not sure I’d call them elite. Though, using it as an excuse for Quinn’s poor play is excessive in my opinion.
Espescially when some of the same people willing to use this excuse for Quinn might not give DA the same benefit when he threw three picks when down 21 points and facing the Raven’s D.
Just sayin’
Simmsinns - October 5, 2009
agreed.
Ryan Kelsey - October 5, 2009
Also-
http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamdef
Ryan Kelsey - October 4, 2009
The Vikings ARE elite.
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
Vikes are the second best team in the NFC behind the Giants.
Grockcubs - October 4, 2009
Or we could have drafted him…Oh wait, we needed a Pac-10 CENTER in the first round…shakes head
guambrownsfan - October 5, 2009
What’s wrong with a Pac-10 center? Are they worse than center from other conferences?
Buckeye Brad - October 5, 2009
Mack looked beastly yesterday. Best center play I have seen from the Browns in awhile.
Roger Dorn - October 5, 2009
Agree. He was constantly five yards up field pushing someone to the ground in the run game.
e.c. matter - October 5, 2009
Let me guess, You are one of the people who thinks we should draft everyone from OSU?
TheRealSlimShady - October 5, 2009
I’m not one of those people, but OSU does happen to be quite the pro factory.
Simmsinns - October 5, 2009
I was talking about guambrownsfan
TheRealSlimShady - October 5, 2009
i love ohio state…but name the 3 best ohio state players in the NFL right now…
DontCallMeJoey - October 5, 2009
Antoine Winfield, Nick Mangold, Santonio Holmes.
Though Nate Clements, Will Smith and Chris Gamble would have something to say about it.
And if your going for best careers of active players I’d go with Orlando Pace, Mike Vrabel and Joey Galloway- though they are obviously on the downside of the career.
Ryan Kelsey - October 5, 2009
Are you saying Ohio State doesn’t have many good players in the NFL right now? Because I’d have to heartily disagree.
Buckeye Brad - October 5, 2009
This coming from BQIB?? HA
Brownie's Year - October 4, 2009
I want him to be given a chance.
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
I think he blew the little chance he had by completely sucking.
Brad D - October 5, 2009
Just a note, I think TRSS means that he wants to give Quinn another shot on a different team, considering it appears as if he could be done in Cleveland.
And I can’t say that I’m opposed to this if it means we can still decent get value.
Simmsinns - October 5, 2009
The only credit minor credit I can give Quinn at this point is that he had to deal with Jamal Lewis as the feature back instead of Harrison, mostly. Harrison is pretty clearly better in my opinion.
Roger Dorn - October 5, 2009
Anybody else amused by the fact that Sprint showed a Steelers fan to break out of her calling circle and talk smack with fans of EVERY OTHER NFL TEAM? Just throwing that out there.
woodsmeister - October 4, 2009
I like that commercial? Which team would you have picked, if not the defending champs?
Cols714 - October 4, 2009
I was just thinking how typical of Steelers fan behavior it was, that’s all.
woodsmeister - October 4, 2009
I thought it was funny that the woman’s name was “Tracy Palmer”. I thought it was Carson’s wife until I realized that she was wearing a Steelers jersey.
adhos - October 4, 2009
Corey Williams made two plays. TWO! So, we got that going for us, which is nice.
woodsmeister - October 4, 2009
Anderson was better than Quinn, but he still wasn’t very good. He averaged about 5 yards per attempt and couldn’t put up many points even though we started with the ball in Cincinnati territory all day.
Frankly, this was a day when absolutely everything went right from our defense and special teams, and we still only put up 20 points and lost.
But again, much better than Quinn!
Chemo - October 4, 2009
yeah.. he sucked.. threw for one T.D. .. ran for another…
Jamals6082 - October 4, 2009
68.8 QB rating, interception in the red zone, and a loss….Lets make his reservations for the Pro-Bowl!
guambrownsfan - October 5, 2009
Pretty sure nobody said anything about him going to the Pro Bowl.
Buckeye Brad - October 5, 2009
The receivers had many drops which can’t be blamed on him. Braylon and Furrey had one each, Royal had a couple. If Royal catches that last one then we have a chance to win the game in regulation.
Buckeye Brad - October 4, 2009
That’s a good point. The receivers didn’t help him at all.
Chemo - October 4, 2009
Yup.
The Browns could have stolen one here. I wish they had.
Cols714 - October 4, 2009
Part of the reason that DA has so many drops is that he seems totally incapable of putting any touch whatsoever on the ball. If the ball is even a little behind the receiver, he has to reach back for a ball that is totally blistered.
woodsmeister - October 4, 2009
Come on, he hit Royal in both the chest and the face. If you can’t make that catch you don’t deserve to be in the NFL. This is nitpicking at an extreme level. DA actually showed decent touch on his short passes today. Could he have been more accurate? Absolutely, if he hits Furrey in stride in OT instead of leaving it behind him, we may have gotten something going. Still, the drops are inexcusable. These people are paid to catch the ball. DA did his part.
Brad D - October 5, 2009
I actually thought of your Drew Bledsoe comparisons when he threw that pick in the end zone. Bledsoe was the master of the drive-killing INT in the end zone.
Overall, I think it is pretty clear that Anderson should be playing instead of Quinn. The fact that the offense found any sort of rhythm is enough to tell me that there is enough talent to pretend we have an offense, which was not the case with Quinn behind center.
Roger Dorn - October 5, 2009
I can’t believe we are still having a conversation about Quinn as QB. If coach Mangini put Quinn in as starter in the next game I think he’d be hung in effigy outside the stadium. There is no doubt that the Browns have a better chance of winning with DA in the game. If Quinn had looked decent at any point in the first 10 quarters I’d feel differently but a QB has to show some kind of spark and an ability to motivate the offense. For the first time this year I saw a team start to believe in itself. This can’t all be attributed to DA but he is a big factor in the improvement we saw this week.
I think DA should continue the year as the starter. Quinn should be traded if we can get something decent for him. He may do well on another team but I doubt he’ll start for any team next year.
Brownsyup - October 5, 2009
I was actually surprised to see DA put some touch on his short passes. However, I thought that he got a bit excited after some success and on the pass to Royal (I think) mentioned above that he put too much on it.
I was pretty disgusted when I saw the INT in the end zone, but if DA is playing, we have to expect that to happen from time to time.
JustBob - October 4, 2009
Off the top of my head I remember him throwing darts behind Harrison and Royal that would have been tough catches for a WR. Those have to go on Anderson. There were several other drops though.
Speaking of drops, TD catch non withstanding, Chad Johnson (I refuse to call him Ohco Cinco) and the rest of the Bengals really hurt Palmer. They must have dropped 7 or 8 passes today. Johnson in particular must have had 4 drops.
mgtbfb - October 4, 2009
I remember DA bouncing one off of a running back. Right off of the numbers on the front of the jersey.
He got VERY lucky on Cincy’s coverage with three passes that he placed into the ground.
If Cincy wasn’t playing man coverage, those passes would have been to defenders. All on 3rd down too.
The best part of the game was #11’s breakout. Call his number with Quinn playing QB!
tribe71 - October 4, 2009
Browns Show Some Life
Call it what you will, but today the Browns acted like they wanted to win. They played like a real NFL team on both sides of the ball, and I didn’t get the feeling the were giving up at any point in the game.
Joshua Cribbs is in another league as a kick returner. Massaquoi was a welcome surprise, and picked up a lot of slack for Stonehands Edwards. I wish Mangini would give Robiskie a little playing time, even if it means sitting Edwards a few plays.
Anderson once again made a critical mistake getting picked off in the end zone, and Harrison’s fumble and the seven points Cinci scored off of it were huge.
At least the game was entertaining to the end, as opposed to turning the game off by the 3rd quarter due to extreme nausea.
Hacksaw412 - October 4, 2009
Buffalo getting hammered by Miami. Both teams will be hungry next week.
woodsmeister - October 4, 2009
What I didn’t understand was why
a) The Browns punted instead of going for it at the end of the 2nd QTR and
b) The call for the flea flicker.
I was definitely more excited about watching this game, but I just don’t understand some of the calls.
JustBob - October 4, 2009
I didn’t like the flea flicker call either. I like that Daboll is willing to try it, I just hate his timing. I liked the punt, it would have been risky to air it out there.
Brad D - October 5, 2009
yeah, it seems that Daboll is willing to try stuff…but he just sucks. kicking 2 fg’s in the second half, as opposed to being able to punch it in, was brutal (to state the obvious).
DontCallMeJoey - October 5, 2009
I would also say that Massaquoi looks like a viable replacement for Edwards.
And I was kinda psyched to see Furrey play both sides of the ball (but I would rather see enough viable DBs on the roster that he didn’t have to).
One more thing (sorry if this seems incoherent) but I think St Claire actually played his position today.
JustBob - October 4, 2009
Lets hope that Mo Mass opens up things for Braylon a little bit. Harrison running like an actual legit NFL tailback might help Anderson/Braylon also.
mgtbfb - October 4, 2009
Just what was thinking. A legit threat opposite Braylon will at least give opposing defenses more to think about!
RelapsingDawgCatcher - October 4, 2009
Right. If defenses have to worry about MoMass then hopefully that will open up the field for Braylon some more, because it was obvious in the first four games that defense aren’t going to let Braylon beat them.
Buckeye Brad - October 4, 2009
I hope they keep triplling Edwards, MoMass can actually catch a pass thrown his way.
elsandito - October 4, 2009
With two threats, it works either way!
RelapsingDawgCatcher - October 4, 2009
Now if Robo can do something…
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
Amen to that!
RelapsingDawgCatcher - October 4, 2009
Maybe its me, but I thought Harrison looked a heck of a lot better than Jamal and Mo Mass looked way better than any receiver on our roster since 07.
elsandito - October 4, 2009
Couldn’t have said it better.
Brownsyup - October 4, 2009
Seconded. Um, thirded.
RelapsingDawgCatcher - October 4, 2009
We should have traded Edwards for a 2nd roudner, Steve Smith, and whatever else the Giants would offer
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
A little off-topic, but I’m 11-1 in my NFL picks this week. My only loss was the Titans. So far I have 16 losses on the season, and 25% of those losses came from me taking the Titans four times. I think they are trying to send me a message!
And yes, I did take Denver and Miami to win today, meaning both of my upset specials paid off.
Chris Pokorny - October 4, 2009
I cursed the Titans and the Panthers by picking them in the SB in my mock draft.
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
How are you against the spread though?
Roger Dorn - October 5, 2009
Since I historically don’t do as good against the spread (as I’m sure most people don’t either), I just stick with trying to attain the best straight up record that I can.
Chris Pokorny - October 5, 2009
…meaning I haven’t picked games against the spread for about two years. Either way, I’m only doing my picks for hobby at this point.
Chris Pokorny - October 5, 2009
The head-to-head calls are extremely impressive. My best year, I was about 75%. I started doing picks againt the spread which is incredibly challenging to do. I usually end up around 50% (which I think is the goal for those that set the spread), but last year I would have lost a ton of money if I were betting.
Roger Dorn - October 5, 2009
1. I hope they finally understand the true potential in Harrison and we trade Jamal or something.
2. DA, while not a permanent solution for the future, is the answer right now. Quinn just didn’t have it. And while it was not ALL QUINN’S FAULT, obviously from DA’s preformance, some of the fault was indeed his.
3. I hope Daboll get’s Cabled for that stupid Flea Flicker.
4. Why do we bench Mcdonald only to also have Francies benched? That was dissapointing.
5. While this may be hypocratic to the few I spoke to on the earlier thread, it makes sense. Cribbs should stay on special teams, we have actual people that played WR in college that can play the #2. Let them.
6. I love the fact we used Furrey’s safety ability. We were creative there.
7. All except for DA giving Odom the easiest sack of his life, the line did amazing.
8. And finally… DOES HE HAVE TO TACKLE JESUS HIMSELF?! START HALL!
Agree? Disagree?
SpecialBrownie - October 4, 2009
1. They’d just not resign him. It makes little sense to trade or cut him with so little depth at the position. Plus, no team is going to trade for captain stutter-step.
2. Agreed, though I don’t think it’s clear that Quinn can’t be the guy. The smart move might still be to trade DA before the deadline (especially if he continues to perform).
3. For three weeks we’ve been bitching about conservative playcalling. Now that Daboll has opened it up, are we really going to start bitching because a flea-flicker didn’t work?
4. Maybe Francies isn’t ready to play just yet.
5. Agree. A thousand times over, I agree. Use him here and there, but don’t sit anyone to make room for him at wide receiver. Cribbs is not a wide receiver.
6. And Furrey played well.
7. Including St. Clair. I didn’t think it was possible after weeks one and two, but he’s showed up the last two weeks and played well today.
8. I saw some good things out of Barton. The only thing I saw out of Hall today was a stupid, stupid offsides on a kickoff.
e.c. matter - October 4, 2009
You can’t be serious.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
Quite.
e.c. matter - October 4, 2009
Welcome to the ‘Not Giving up on Quinn yet’ group. I was getting lonely
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
I’ll admit to being a member as well. It may well be lonely until DA has one of his off streaks. Don’t get me wrong, I hope DA turns into the most consistent QB in Browns history, but experience leads me to think that’s highly unlikely….
RelapsingDawgCatcher - October 4, 2009
I’m here too. And besides, teh Browns aren’t giving up on Brady Quinn. At absolute worst- for his Browns career- he moves into Leinert or Young territory, as a young backup waiting for his next chance.
Ryan Kelsey - October 4, 2009
Leinert and Young are behind old guys
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
Yeah, but they have obviously lost the job.
Matt Cassel, Sage Rosenfels, David Garrard, Derek Anderson, Tony Romo, Matt Schaub.
All QBs that were backups with no promises or plans to ever have them start. Then they became unquestioned starting QBs in the NFL.
There is more than one way to become an NFL QB. Quinn isn’t taking the most direct route, but that doesn’t mean he never will.
Ryan Kelsey - October 4, 2009
You bring up an interesting point, and I’ve never thought of it this way, but perhaps all the fans crying and demanding for Quinn to start potentially hurt him in the long run.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
thats a good point. I am sure it was not taken into consideration as far as Mangini goes, however the fans support for Quinn was stronger than for DA. Now Quinn is stuck.
Grockcubs - October 4, 2009
This
drjeo - October 5, 2009
i’m taking applications for the “who really cares what happens with brady quinn” club
DontCallMeJoey - October 6, 2009
i am so adding momass to my fantasy team. i don’t have very good WRs, so hopefully i’ll get him. i’m last on the waiver order, so i may get screwed out of it if someone else tries to get him.
emily522 - October 4, 2009
Let’s hope he rolls up some big numbers for you (and us) from here on out!
RelapsingDawgCatcher - October 4, 2009
PROGRESS
Twenty two first downs
6/19 3rd down conversions
time of possession 31:10
Nuts4359 - October 4, 2009
Funny it took the 4th week for this team to show some energy and a sense of urgency.
For the record I was in Quinns corner. Anderson did play well in spurts. However when the game is on the line he still comes up short. 4 Possessions in OT, no points, missed Fuery over the middle for the first down. Pick in the redzone. As mentioned above 5 yards per attempt. Thats fine, he is here to stay, move Quinn now Browns cause Brady won’t see the field again, “The Browns just scored 20 points”
Massaquoi finally finds the field when in the first 3 games he had limited snaps. Harrison fully healthy for the first game back and looked good besides the fumble.
I don’t get moral losses. Personally I have had enough of them. This team for the longest damn time is use to losing. Moral, so called victories around this team is not needed, Wins are. This team needs a whole different mind set, and playing a OK game and losing is not what this team needs.
The Browns are 0-4, go on the road to play a team that got its ass beat. Browns better have some juice and energy or another “Moral VIctory” will be in the column.
Grockcubs - October 4, 2009
Hard to get consistantly better when staff is changed every year. They had a graphic today that DA has had what 4 OCs in 4 years.
I just don’t think Quinn can handle the pass rush yet and of course if he is on the bench he won’t ever get that experience but I always felt that DA should have got the start from the beginning of the season.
They didn’t look lost today like they did against the Ravens and I really felt if they were just a tad better they would have got the W today. The Battle of Ohio is always a weird game for whatever reason and is never a given no matter who is the better team.
Yes I care about Ws and Ls but I also want to see them play the full game and today they did.
cadfile - October 4, 2009
Well the staff has changed under Quinn also.
This game should of been a win. Browns block the extra point, the house is going nuts, and DA and the offense can’t muster a drive to get at least into field goal position in 5 straight drives.
Played a full game, no I don’t think so.
Grockcubs - October 4, 2009
You are seriously going to complain about DA after what we had to watch the first three weeks? Seriously?
Brad D - October 5, 2009
Yes I am. I would say the same if it was Quinn, Kosar, Bill Nelson or Brian Sipe. But hell, after another loss to a team the Browns should beat, who cares. 5 drives can’t get into field goal range, yeah everything is fine with the Anderson and the Browns. You make my point to the “T”, fans are happy that we “look” better from the last 3 weeks and are satisfied. Thats what it has come down to. Beautiful.
Grockcubs - October 5, 2009
Of course that is what has come down to, we suck. Looking better is what we have right now. There is no way you can say that the Bengals are a team we should beat. They’ve beaten the Packers and the Steelers already, did you honestly think before that game started that we should win it?
Brad D - October 5, 2009
yes
Grockcubs - October 5, 2009
That’s just nonsensical.
Brad D - October 5, 2009
I don’t think anyone has said they are “satisfied” with Sunday’s result. That the Browns looked better there is no doubt. So since when does a team that looks as bad as the Browns did in the first 3 games suddenly begin winning without looking better in between? I think it is pretty unrealistic to expect the team to go from looking as bad as I’ve ever seen a team look to beating the division co-leader in one week. Am I satisfied with the loss? Nope. Am I encouraged by what I saw Sunday vs what I saw the previous three! You bet.
Brownsyup - October 5, 2009
What makes you think the Browns should have beaten the Bengals coming in to this game? The Bengals were 2-1 (and one freak play away from being 3-0) while the Browns looked like the worst team in the NFL the first three weeks. You cannot honestly say that the Browns should have been expected to win this game. That’s just nonsense.
Buckeye Brad - October 5, 2009
Wow, so you say 2-14 this year. Cool.
I am sure the team felt the same way, Hell the Bengals are 2-1, may as well not even show up.
Freaking ridiculous, Bengals are OK, and to think that the Browns didn’t have a chance to win is bullshit. Nice fan base.
I just don’t get it, Browns play a decent game and it appears that is enough to get through the week. I guess if the Browns lose to the Bills 26-23, that will be another moral victory.
Grockcubs - October 6, 2009
I never said we are going to be 2-14 this year.
I never said we didn’t have a chance to win. I never said that at all, and I never implied that.
I have no idea why you would think that from my statement. Do you have a reading comprehension problem?
Buckeye Brad - October 6, 2009
Progress?
SportsMumboJumbo.com
Thats a bold statement for an 0-4 team that barely has a starting QB settled.
EricFeld - October 4, 2009
Chart the offense and points scored for the first four weeks and tell me it isn’t progress. Wait, you’re not just spamming for SportsMumboJackass, are you? Forget it.
RelapsingDawgCatcher - October 4, 2009
We sure as hell didnt get WORSE!!
TheRealSlimShady - October 4, 2009
How is a recognition of progress bold in this game? Progress means you got better. If you don’t think that game was better than the other three you need some remedial football training.
Brownsyup - October 4, 2009
In lighter news, SD just made it a ball game vs. Pittsburgh with a fumble recovery for a TD!
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
As I said in an earlier post on an earlier thread, Browns fans are gonna have to be patient. The tough part of our schedule is still upon us. The combined record for our opponents so far this year (Minnesota hasn’t played yet this week) is 13-2. As much as the national media wants to minimize Denver and the Bengals they actually seem pretty good. And good teams are characterized by finding a way to win even when they seem over-matched.
So the first team we play with a losing record this year is going to be next week when we play Buffalo. I predict a win there and I’ll make that a lock.
I thought the Browns played pretty good today and showed a lot of character.
Pros
- The defensive line definitely played well with Rogers having another great outing
- Massaquoi – don’t even have to say anything – a break out game for the rookie
- Special teams. It is like a mantra for us. The rest of the league can learn from this part of the Browns game
- DA – came in a difficult situation after a shaky start last week and played a dang good game
- Harrison made a flub that pretty much decided the game and made the Browns have to dig out of a too-deep hole. But I think there is promise there.
- O-line gets kudos for giving Anderson time. Anderson gets another nod here for using the time to full advantage except for that one time he ran into a sack.
- The defense played 4 quarters and then some. Defense was more creative and tenacious than we’ve seen this year.
Cons
- Braylon, Braylon, Braylon… what is going on? And in a contract year. Surprising.
- Again with the off-sides on a kick off?
- Didn’t bring home the win with multiple chances in OT. When you have a chance like today you have to bring home the win at home!
- Still some questionable play calling but better than the previous 3 weeks.
- What is the deal with Robiskie? Could he be as good as Massaquoi? Who knows?
As discouraging as this loss at home was I think we can see a map now to a better season than last year. Remember, we have a soft schedule past the half-way point. If the Browns can stay healthy, I still stick with my prediction of 7 wins.
Brownsyup - October 4, 2009
Patience eh? 10 losses in a row. Really. No I think my patience is about shot. Sure this is a new coach and staff, but if the Browns can’t beat the Bengals at home, sorry I don’t buy it.
This is what this team has become, moral victories, improvement on actually scoring an offensive TD that is not in the last 30 seconds of game when the Browns trail by 3 scores.
Win a football game Cleveland.
Grockcubs - October 4, 2009
Bengals Fan Here
But I’m not here to troll, I think you guys had something for a minute. The Battle of Ohio is never a given on any meeting in any venue no matter the records. It was a nailbiter right to the finish. If the Bengals keep playing in close games, I may have heart/liver failure before the season is over. And I honestly think that for most of the game, you guys were the better team. We jumped out of the gate early but we couldn’t put the nail in the coffin. It came down to the final seconds in OT to decide this one. I have always been a Bengals fan, but I will show respect when it comes to the Battle of Ohio. It is never a game decided early no matter what the first quarter may dictate. It was definitely too close for comfort, but I’m glad we came out on top. In the end, I don’t think either team deserved to win. It just came down to who wanted it more.
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 4, 2009
I’ve lived in all parts of the state, but mostly in the southern half in the last 7 years. Does anyone in the Cleveland area call the Bengals/Browns or the Reds/Indians the Battle of Ohio? I don’t think they do, but maybe I’m wrong.
Ryan Kelsey - October 4, 2009
You know...
Maybe Browns/Bengals, but definitely not Reds/Indians. I currently live in NW Ohio, to be exact, in Findlay, home of Worthlessberger. Browns fans in NW Ohio have been calling it that for a little while now. Reds/Indians should be called battle of farm teams for the rest of MLB as far as I’m concerned.
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 4, 2009
Or rather, what's left of Browns fans where I live
since they all jumped to the Steeler bandwagon as soon as they drafted Worthlessberger
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 4, 2009
I actually live 20 minutes east of Findlay (224). One thing I find funny about the front-runners is that they all know Ben is an asshole. And those who don’t know it, find out quickly anytime ol’ Worthless returns home.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
Yet they continue to root for the guy and his team.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
20 minutes east...
So you’re in Tiffin or Fotown, correct, or around that way anyway
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 4, 2009
You got it. Tiffin (20 minutes down 224). We go to Findlay for pretty much everything that we can’t get at Wal-Mart.
Simmsinns - October 4, 2009
I’ve been to Tiffin a few times. I got some friends there, I also have been to the strip club(long time ago on that one)
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 4, 2009
Haha, Fantasy Land. Hope you washed your hands before afterwards. And avoided the crabs. That place is NASTY.
Simmsinns - October 5, 2009
I will second that. I never got a lap dance there, I was just there for other business, so to speak. I care not to elaborate on it
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 5, 2009
I can say that it wasn’t legit business, but that’s as far as I’m going
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 5, 2009
But enough of that. May the next matchup be an exciting game as well, like all Browns/Bengals games
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 5, 2009
I get your drift, and I’m sure it happens a lot there….
And lets hope so.
Glad to see there are some civil Bengals fans on this board, good talking to you.
Simmsinns - October 5, 2009
Good post. This is the kind of sentiment that leads to healthy rivalry. It was a fun game to watch that is for sure and it went right down to the wire.
Hope the Browns can be more competitive in the future… except we get to win the next one. Might we play spoiler this year and crush the Bengals play-off hopes? You never know…
Brownsyup - October 5, 2009
You Know...
Considering how unlucky the Bengals are year in and year out, I wouldn’t be surprised. I hope not, but we’ll find out on 11/29/09. I’ll probably be on Cincy Jungle doing most of my analysis, but I’ll probably pop in here now and again. I have a lot of friends who are Browns fans(or worse…Steelers fans). Maybe one day we’ll be battling it out for the division title while we look down on Baltimore and Pittsburgh…I can dream, right?
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 5, 2009
That certainly would be sweet.
Simmsinns - October 6, 2009
interesting. I live in Tiffin, too.
drjeo - October 5, 2009
True that
He is an asshole. he was one in middle and high school, too
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 4, 2009
Very clearly a douche- from middle school through college and today.
Ryan Kelsey - October 4, 2009
The funniest thing is
Worthlessberger can’t go anywhere in Findlay without at least 6 security guards.
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 4, 2009
I mentioned this yesterday. I really don’t think that anyone up here pays that much attention to it. In baseball we have the Yankees, Twins and Red Sox. In football we have the Ravens and the Steelers. This is way more a Southern Ohio thing. (I lived there for a long time and don’t want to go back).
Brad D - October 5, 2009
Reds fans couldn’t care any less about the Tribe. It’s the people who don’t actually follow baseball who buy the tickets for those games.
e.c. matter - October 5, 2009
Well that’s not quite true, I used to buy those tickets when I lived down there. I figured that the Reds fans had actual rivalries to worry about. Are we in agreement that this is all just a media creation?
Brad D - October 5, 2009
Yeah, it’s by and large a media creation.
e.c. matter - October 5, 2009
I won't
I hate the guy with every fiber of my being
Danimal, Destroyer of Worlds - October 4, 2009
Patience is a virtue. Hah! I’m all out of virtue. No more Here we go Brownies! Being
0-4, we’re now in the Colt McCoy-Tim Tebow derby. I see that we have to play the
Lions and the Chiefs so we may and I do say may win two games this year. That is if everything goes right. Now the Browns have learned how to lose in 5 quarters instead of 4. The Bengals were giving this game to us and we gave it back to them. In the NFL,
there are NO moral victories. A loss is a loss is a loss. I hope Mangenius is renting and hasn’t bought.
RiverDoc56 - October 4, 2009
Would everybody please, please, please stop mentioning Tim Tebow as if he’s going to be the #1 pick in the draft. That’s completely idiotic. He’s not going anywhere near the top of the first round — not as a QB, at least.
Buckeye Brad - October 5, 2009
He’s going to be our freaky flanker.
Roger Dorn - October 5, 2009
/agree. I brought up Tebow once because I like his attitude and work ethic. I really think he will not be all that successful as a QB in the NFL.
Which brings me to something I’ve wanted to ask about Quinn. He seems to hit the weights a lot and as an athlete myself, I always was careful about gaining too much bulk. In skill positions or in sports like Golf, Tennis, etc. you have to be careful about putting on too much bulk too fast. I was always advised that doing so would throw off your shot and affect things like accuracy in pitching. Could Quinn be lifting too much and bulking up too much? I know from experience that this really would affect throwing accuracy and he seems to have been off this year.
Brownsyup - October 5, 2009
That’s funny you mention that because I asked this same thing in the below comment in a preseason thread.
here
I am wondering if it has affected his ability to throw accurately and potentially even with strength.
Roger Dorn - October 5, 2009
I would put him at Right Tackle.
TheRealSlimShady - October 5, 2009
So would mooncamping.
Brad D - October 5, 2009
It was a joke because of how bad St. Clair is
TheRealSlimShady - October 5, 2009
He was solid this week and good last week.
e.c. matter - October 5, 2009
He must only like blocking for Anderson
TheRealSlimShady - October 5, 2009
I really do not think we will be getting a 1-5 pick this year. I expect the Browns to end up in the middle somewhere… 12-15 I suspect. That might be a prime spot to pick up a good coverage linebacker or even a decent running back. It is hard to say though, what will be our biggest need at that point. I think other players will break out this year as Mo Mass has. Others will wane and we’ll develop new needs in those spots.
Brownsyup - October 5, 2009
I’d say that you’re nuts, but then I look at the last four games on our schedule.
e.c. matter - October 5, 2009
Can we wait a couple more weeks before calling this a breakout? He’s played only one good game so far.
Brad D - October 5, 2009
I am curious how many games the Browns have had like that at the WR position since 1999 sans Braylon.
Roger Dorn - October 5, 2009
Cleveland Browns 100-Yard Receiving Games
Date Opponent Player rec, Yards
12/15/2008 at Philadelphia Eagles Braylon Edwards 5 Rec., 102 Yards
11/17/2008 at Buffalo Bills Braylon Edwards 8 Rec., 104 Yards
10/13/2008 vs. New York Giants Braylon Edwards 5 Rec., 154 Yards
12/2/2007 at Arizona Cardinals Braylon Edwards 7 Rec., 149 Yards
11/25/2007 vs. Houston Texans Kellen Winslow 10 Rec., 107 Yards
11/4/2007 vs. Seattle Seahawks Kellen Winslow 11 Rec., 125 Yards
10/28/2007 at St. Louis Rams Braylon Edwards 8 Rec., 117 Yards
10/7/2007 at New England Patriots Braylon Edwards 6 Rec., 110 Yards
9/16/2007 vs. Cincinnati Bengals Kellen Winslow 6 Rec., 100 Yards
9/16/2007 vs. Cincinnati Bengals Braylon Edwards 8 Rec., 146 Yards
12/7/2006 at Pittsburgh Steelers Joe Jurevicius 7 Rec., 111 Yards
11/19/2006 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Braylon Edwards 7 Rec., 137 Yards
9/24/2006 vs. Baltimore Ravens Braylon Edwards 5 Rec., 116 Yards
9/17/2006 at Cincinnati Bengals Braylon Edwards 4 Rec., 110 Yards
1/1/2006 vs. Baltimore Ravens Antonio Bryant 9 Rec., 123 Yards
9/18/2005 at Green Bay Packers Braylon Edwards 3 Rec., 107 Yards
9/18/2005 at Green Bay Packers Steve Heiden 6 Rec., 104 Yards
9/11/2005 vs. Cincinnati Bengals Frisman Jackson 8 Rec., 128 Yards
12/26/2004 at Miami Dolphins Dennis Northcutt 4 Rec., 114 Yards
12/5/2004 vs. New England Patriots Antonio Bryant 7 Rec., 115 Yards
11/28/2004 at Cincinnati Bengals Antonio Bryant 8 Rec., 131 Yards
10/17/2004 vs. Cincinnati Bengals Lee Suggs 5 Rec., 100 Yards
10/10/2004 at Pittsburgh Steelers Andre Davis 5 Rec., 101 Yards
12/14/2003 at Denver Broncos Dennis Northcutt 3 Rec., 115 Yards
11/16/2003 vs. Arizona Cardinals Andre’ Davis 7 Rec., 117 Yards
11/16/2003 vs. Arizona Cardinals Quincy Morgan 5 Rec., 116 Yards
9/21/2003 at San Francisco 49ers Kevin Johnson 11 Rec., 109 Yards
1/5/2003 at Pittsburgh Steelers (playoffs) Kevin Johnson 4 Rec., 140 Yards
12/8/2002 at Jacksonville Jaguars Quincy Morgan 3 Rec., 118 Yards
10/6/2002 vs. Baltimore Ravens Dennis Northcutt 8 Rec., 165 Yards
9/8/2002 vs. Kansas City Chiefs Quincy Morgan 9 Rec., 151 Yards
11/25/2001 vs. Cincinnati Bengals Kevin Johnson 6 Rec., 113 Yards
10/14/2001 at Cincinnati Bengals Kevin Johnson 8 Rec., 153 Yards
10/29/2000 vs. Cincinnati Bengals Kevin Johnson 6 Rec., 102 Yards
10/1/2000 vs. Baltimore Ravens David Patten 7 Rec., 113 Yards
12/19/1999 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Darrin Chiaverini 10 Rec., 108 Yards
12/12/1999 at Cincinnati Bengals Kevin Johnson 7 Rec., 135 Yards
10/3/1999 vs. New England Patriots Kevin Johnson 6 Rec., 131 Yards
e.c. matter - October 5, 2009
I’d say this list is a compelling argument for not calling Massaquoi a breakout yet. Darrin Chiaverini, I inexplicably liked him.
Brad D - October 5, 2009
Wow….Darrin Chiaverini. I haven’t heard that name in years. Everyone loved him, but then we realized he sucked.
Steve Heiden had a 100-yard receiving game? Really?
Buckeye Brad - October 5, 2009
100 yards and two TD’s. His long was 62.
e.c. matter - October 5, 2009
Heiden actually picked up a lot of slack while Winslow was convalescing the first couple of years.
JustBob - October 5, 2009
I just saw Frisman Jackson up there. Wow.
Brad D - October 6, 2009
Remember when Quincy Morgan had his breakout game? That worked out well.
e.c. matter - October 5, 2009
Remember when we took a WR in the 2nd round 4 years in a row, the best of which was mediocre, and I threw up all over my keyboard thinking about it?
Roger Dorn - October 6, 2009
Who was that CBS announcer who tried to nickname then the “Four Deuces”? Steve Tasker? Brent Jones?
Buckeye Brad - October 6, 2009
Don’t remember that thankfully.
Roger Dorn - October 6, 2009
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