Browns - Bills Post Mortem

My Analysis
Here’s my best take on this one – the Browns’ kicker was better in crunch time than the Bills’ kicker. That’s why Cleveland won.

How’s that for great analysis?

Yea, I know there was a lot more to it than that, but that’s what it came down to. And it shouldn’t when you win the turnover battle 4-0. The Browns got lucky on this one – but I’m sure they’ll take it.

"A win is a win is a win," said Earl Bruce a long time ago. He was right.

Brady’s Play
Brady Quinn’s numbers weren’t very good, but he didn’t turn it over and that’s key, especially on the road against a solid defense. He also went downfield more this week, with little success.

The kid had a 100+ QB rating last week and lost and was barely over 55 this week and won. You figure it out.

He has a long way to go, but they have scored 59 points the past two weeks - that's pretty good, and needed with this defense.

Advice For Quinn
Change the snap count much more often so the defense doesn’t get a running start.

Advice For Chud
Don't forget about the screen and draws!

I don’t believe I saw one screen or draw used to slow down Buffalo’s blitz up the gut tonight.

Finally, get Quinn out of the pocket more when you anticipate blitz. I know it cuts down your options in the passing game because you are taking half the field away, but that’s better than having a young quarterback take shots in the pocket while trying to complete passes in crowded spaces.

Pass To fullback – Bad Idea
I think I covered this ground two years ago when Maurice Carthon was calling the shots, but it has reared its ugly head again.

If I see Terrence Al line up again in the slot in the four-receiver set, I just may pop an artery.

Early on in the contest, Quinn actually threw him (Ali) the ball and he caught it for a first down, but this play needs to be scrapped. I NEVER want my fullback in the passing game unless it’s a dump pass to avoid a sack.

The Browns also had a second down play inside the Bills’ 10 yard line where Ali seemed to be the primary receiver. STOP IT ALREADY. When you get in the red zone, go to your playmakers, not your second team blocking fullback. Even if it works, it’s a BAD idea.

Terrible Tackling
The Browns defense had a horrid day tackling. There is no other way to put it. I also don’t remember the Browns blitzing all night long. After the three early picks, the defense was bad - once again.

However, since Buffalo went wide right once again, all is forgotten. No really - they got absolutely no pressure on Edwards and couldn't tackle anyone. It’s clear this defense is getting worse instead of better.

Poor Coaching
The only time they (Browns D) tackled well was on Buffalo’s last drive when the Bills’ coaching staff did the Browns a favor and basically settled for a long field goal in cold/windy November in Buffalo. The Browns stuffed the three dive plays prior to the field goal attempt.

How many of you actually thought the Browns could stop Buffalo on that drive?

That’s what I thought.

Edwards makes his best pass of the night to get the Bills quickly in Browns' territory, then they shut him down.

Thank you Dick Jauron!

Poor Braylon
I am at the point where I believe you have to sit Braylon Edwards down some. I don’t mean bench him, just rotate the guy out once in a while. You have to be accountable for how you play. Plus, he needs to get his head together some.

Edwards had at least two more huge drops against the Bills. I know. I know. He had over 100 yards receiving in the game. Still, the guy is playing with absolutely no confidence, getting little or no separation and is dropping nearly every third ball thrown in his direction.

Plus, he hasn't made a tough catch in weeks. They made several attempt to get him in one-on-one situations downfield and he couldn't make the play on the jump balls.

The problem is Crennel has limited options.

Shame on Phil Savage for not adding more depth to this group of receivers once it was clear Joe J. was out indefinitely and after it was obvious Donte Stallworth was no Cal Ripken.

Jerome & Jamaal
The loss of Jerome Harrison hurt. Harrison was not seen again after taking a hard tumble out of bounds in the fourth quarter. Clearly, he has played very well when given the opportunity this season - both running the ball and coming out of the backfield in the passing game.

Hopefully, he will be available next week against the Texans. If healthy, he has earned 12-15 touches every Sunday the rest of this season to see if he’s the real deal.

Besides, Harrison seems to be a very good change of pace to Jamaal Lewis, who seems to be a step slower compared to 2007. Yes, I know the offensive line has not been as consistent as it was last fall, but Lewis has not won many one-on-one battles either in ’08.

No Record Setter
Thank goodness the Browns won and did not set an NFL record by blowing three straight 13 point leads. Had they lost, we would never hear the end of this from locals crying and whining and from those outside NE Ohio laughing.

From Week To Week
The NFL's great isn't it? A kicker misses a game winner and instead of being the laughing stock of the NFL for a third straight week by blowing another one, the Browns go 2-0 on Monday night and go home with a very winnable game next week against the Texans.