Browns lose Carthon, gain a win
The Browns survived a last-minute Jets comeback and held on for a 20-13 win, their second of the season. Throughout the week, players said the team was going to put a stronger emphasis on the running game now that Jeff Davidson is the OC. Droughns carried the ball 33 times for 125 yards and a touchdown as the Browns pounded away at the Jets. Kellen Winslow led Browns receivers with seven catches for 76 yards and a score.
The Jets came in with the worst run defense in the league so it’s hard to effectively analyze whether or that was the reason Droughns had a big day. However, I do believe a victory the game after Carthon left was no coincidence. While it didn’t seem like the Browns offense changed all that much (other than lining up Braylon in the backfield) under Davidson, the execution was much better. It seems that the players are more relaxed and comfortable with Davidson calling plays and that is looking to translate into better performance on the field.
I do disagree, however, with the play selection towards the end of the game when the Browns continued to run the ball instead of being aggressive and looking for a first down. I’ve never been a fan of conservative play-calling in the fourth quarter. It just keeps the opposition in the game and gives them an opportunity to win.
John I agree with that running the ball was very good but hard too say if it was really effective against the 31st ranked defense on the run. However, your statement about playing conservatively does not tell the whole story. The Jets did not blitz that much in the first half and into the 3rd quarter but in the 4th they biltzed and the O-line did not handle it so Frye got sacked and knocked around. The play-calling could have been better but it was JD’s first day as OC so he deserves a little slack. Anyway, your thoughts or response?
Overall, I thought JD did a nice job for his first time and I really think the players are responding well to him. If he is what the offense needs to get kick started so be it. I also like the fact that he’s up in the press box calling plays so he can actually see the whole field. That makes it so much easier to analyze a defense.
Also the play by the offensive line was obviously very encouraging. I thought backup Kelly Butler filled in very well for Tucker and let’s just hope Andruzzi isn’t out long.
A win is a win, even against a bad defense. The defense was encouraging against an offense that has put up some points in several other games.
As for JD’s first game, I think he did well. It helps when they had second and third and shorts to deal with. I hope they can have Charlie on more designed roll outs. He is much more dangerous when he has the ability to run. Braylon lining up in the backfield is a great look that other teams seeing it on the film has to try to guess what the Browns will run from that formation AND account for Braylon. Better yet, if Cribbs were back there, he could take a direct snap, run, throw, catch a screen pass, you name it.
Go Browns!!!
does anyone really believe they would of won today with carthon? come on, they won and scored 2 touchdowns and as far as i know , no full back passes, runs…..
The Jets D was a factor, but the offense was much crisper. One can quibble with the conservative calls late in the game, but there wasn’t one ridiculous play call during the game. Usually there were many with Carthon calling the plays. I agree with Vegas Vic – the Jets started blitzing so we began to have problems with the passing game. The defense was playing well so the Browns decided to burn the clock. Fortunately it worked.
On third down, they decided to start giving the ball to Droughns and they had some success.
So far so good – next week will be tough in San Diego.
The play calling was definitley too conservative in the 4th quarter. Sure, the Jets were blitzing more often but that’s when you throw a screen, a slant, a draw, etc. Just because they blitz doesn’t mean we have to run up the middle on first, second, and third down.
Great win – can’t complain about that, but some thoughts:
What’s up with Cribbs – he’s had 2 horrible games.
Where was Jurevicus again?
Do we really want Ryan Tucker back? He was toasted the last few games he played.
Great game!!
The offense looked fluid and quick. I loved that we were finally running, and using the the HB Screen on first down. I believe the first time we used it in the game we had a gain of 8 yards, and that was on First and 10. I like how this offense responded to JD.
I STILL WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE JEROME HARRISON IS!!??
The defense looked great as well. No offensive touchdown allowed, only 6 points given up.
DID ANYONE NOTICE THAT JD WAS UP IN THE BOOTH AND CARTHON WOULD BE ON THE SIDELINE DURING GAMES??
I agree with you Dan, where is Jerome Harrison??? This offense needs somebody who can pressure the corners. The linebackers are cheating in to block the inside lanes because they know Reuben can’t beat them to the outside. Put Jerome and Reuben in there together and the LB’S can’t do that. T his would open up the whole offense in my opinion. Then Charlie would have time to throw downfield. I think we have the potential to be a very potent offense.
ditto those thoughts on harrison.
i would go as far as saying that i’d like to see the browns use harrison in a manner like the saints are using bush.
harrison has shown to me that he could be the quickest and most elusive of all the backs on this team.
the saints learned quickly that metcalf up the middle, er, i mean bush up the middle is not going to work.
it certainly couldn’t hurt this team to try a few things like that.
Great point kessler, I totally agree! If we can use Harrison like Saint’s use Bush, that adds another threat to this offense & another player teams gotta plan to defend against!!! Maybe some plays with both Ruben & Jerome both on the field!! We got nothin to lose, so now we play the role of spoiler. Plus, we gotta beat Shitsburgh a least once this year!!!
Excellent point about Harrison. I’m assuming JD didn’t want to try anything too fancy his first week so he didn’t play him, and I’m hoping he will work Harrison in soon.
Also, I’m hoping they weren’t “punishing” Jurevicus because he dropped 2 passes the week before. He’s too good not to be a part of this offense.
Good until the 4th quarter. I guess they went conservative because they had the lead, a rookie mistake. The Browns are not that good to let off the gas. They should be 5-2, after last weeks game. Good for morale, but I still think they’ll finish 4-12.