Browns-Patriots Instant Impressions

Here’s what we were thinking at the time.

The Browns do not have any defenders that attack the ball-carrier and consistently win the initial collision. Most of their back eight defenders are “drag tacklers” – guys who when they make the play, allow the extra yard or two after contact. They desperately need a big-time, hard hitting linebacker or strong safety that can win those collisions.

I actually saw the Browns drop nine in coverage on one passing down for the Pats in the first quarter. I don’t ever remember seeing that at this level. They are trying everything to confuse Brady.

E. Wright had a pick at the goal line and didn’t make the play. To stay with the Patriots, you have to take advantage of every opportunity you get. It cost them (Browns) three points.

With the offensive line playing so well this season, why not take four cracks at running it in from the one yard line? Instead, they (Browns) put the ball in the air twice in three tries and DA turned it over. So what if Lewis is out with an injury. It’s one yard. Pound it in behind the #3 pick overall. You simply can’t turn it over there. Period.

The first quarter ended without one pass attempt in Winslow’s direction. That can’t happen. It reminds me of when Maurice Carthon was in charge.

As I watch the Browns’ secondary at work, I go back to wondering how they kept McCutheon and let A. Henry go. All Henry did was get nine picks as a rookie while McCutheon made of habit of tackling receivers after they picked up first downs. I didn’t like the move then and hate it even more today. He (AH) and Bodden would look good at the corners right now. Thanks Butch.

I normally don’t complain about officiating, but the Pats’ offensive linemen get away with a lot of grabbing on passing downs. Maybe it’s the homer in me coming out.

Anderson has imploded again! That’s twice in his four starts so far where he has put them in the hole in the first half of a game by throwing multiple picks. You can get away with that against the Raiders and make a game of it, but you can’t do that against these guys (Pats). It’s the equivalent of being on the mound and giving up a five-run second inning.

Please, let’s turn the page and put the kid (#10) in so we can start the learning process. I’ll keep banging that drum until they get it right.

The only question now is if they (Pats) will cover (-16.5).

Halftime.

The Browns have absolutely no pass rush again today. K. Wimbley hasn’t made any plays yet and we’re in the third quarter.

That’s a textbook drive by NE following the Browns’ score. They marched downfield and got R. Poole matched up on the tight end running up the seam – advantage Brady. Touchdown Pats. That was too easy.

It’s garbage time now (9:34/4th quarter).

Once in a while, B. Edwards shows why he was taken third overall – the one hand grab on the Browns’ sidelines was outstanding. Unfortunately, it comes and goes. Like when he jumps off-sides.

Randy Moss has for the most part been kept in check.

I just heard Dan Dierdorf actually say the following in his color commentary - “This game is far from over” with 6:02 remaining and the Browns down three scores. What the hell is he watching?

I would never accept a penalty and give an explosive offense two downs to get 20 yards if my other option is giving them one shot at getting seven yards. That’s especially true if I have no pass rush.

“Improvement is not always reflected in the wins and loss columns” was just stated by one of the two announcers referencing Romeo and the nice comments made on his behalf by his good buddy, Mr. Happy (Bill B.) Right. Next, they’ll tell me #@!% doesn’t stink.

When announcers go to "filler material" - in the business, that's filling time when the game is out of hand - you often get stupid statements.

As this game draws close to an end, what comes to mind is the following – The next two games versus the winless Dolphins and Rams are MUST wins for this organization. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE for losing either one of those games. When was the last time a team got to play two potential winless teams back-to-back this far into the season?

Nice move Bill. The Pats just ran a play action pass, coming off a timeout with less than a minute to go, inside the Browns’ 10 yard line, on fourth down, with the game already well in hand. Nice way to treat your GOOD FRIEND Romeo. Mangini had it right Romeo. Stop kissing BB’s #$@#. He doesn’t deserve it.

That’s why you NEVER gamble. Winslow just caused many gamblers to jump off the roof by being stripped, resulting in a defensive touchdown putting NE up 17 with the line at -16.5.

Like I said at halftime – the only question was if they would cover.

Classy move Vrabel. He almost undercut DA after the quarterback spiked the ball to stop the clock with seconds remaining. There was absolutely no need for that.

I can see why the rest of the league can’t stand this team. Which begs the question – Who do I root against if the Pats play the Steelers in the playoffs? Is a tie possible?