The Browns look like a pretty darn good team today, so far. I have to say that I really was expecting a competitive game, especially given how the last couple of games has gone for the Browns, and despite the 17-13 score, the Browns had a really nice half against another Super Bowl contender.
I haven't been this hyped up for a Browns game in a long time, and so far the game just hasn't disappointed. Let's get right to the stats. On offense, Colt McCoy has looked poised as ever, on one play staying in the pocket and delivering a great pass to Chansi Stuckey for a first down. He was 8/12 for 112 yards in the first half, no TDs but no INTs as well. Again, he does not turn the ball over and I think he looks a lot more like a veteran in there than a rookie. Peyton Hillis continues his Pro-Bowl caliber season with 60 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown from 14 yards out. The Jets just do not allow 100 yard rushers, so it would be a great accomplishment if Hillis could get to that plateau today. Also important to note that Josh Cribbs was making a great impact with a 14 yard reverse play and also a great reception where he had 20+ yards after the catch for an all told 37 yard reception. The downside is that he was injured on that play when he was tackled. Still, I think Brian Daboll is really growing in his position as Offensive Coordinator and it's showing in the results on the field.
Defensively, the Rob Ryan side of the Ryan brothers duel has got the shorter end of the stick right now, but they've been alright so far. They've allowed too many yards on the ground so far today, as the Jets have 80 yards on 18 carries as a team, and I also think they're not putting enough pressure on the Jets quarterback, Mark Sanchez. I think this leads well into the fact that he's a 2nd year quarterback, and I think he can still be rattled pretty well as long as the defense gets to him.
Watching these two teams, I get the feeling that they're pretty similar. I mean, yes the Jets are more along in terms of their development, and they have more potential to go farther in the playoffs, but they're both teams who's offense has to start with a good running game - and most of the time it does. That's a credit to the offensive lines of both teams. I think they're also teams who have a big emphasis on defensive aggression, and I believe that's a big credit to both of the Ryan brothers.
In any case, hopefully the Browns can force the first punt of the game on the Jets first drive of the 2nd half and then proceed to get the lead back and keep it. The post-game blog will be a little bit later than usual today, but fear not (you three loyal blog readers) it will be there tonight. Go Browns!
~MAS
No comments:
Post a Comment