You know what, that was a very nice first half. Anytime the defense can come out and give up just seven points in a half, you've got to consider that a success. You do that in the second half, and it comes out to just 14 points—which should be enough for your offense to win the game. So even though the defense coughed up a big drive at the end of the half, that's why I'm not that upset about the Browns 10-7 halftime lead.
Alright, so the big story was the Browns first offensive drive which led to a touchdown. Did you know: that's the first time the Browns have scored a touchdown on their opening drive the entire season? Ugh. Regardless, yes it was a very nice opening drive. But, then the Browns got the ball on their second possession inside Arizona territory and couldn't even kick a field goal. Things like that infuriate me—you can't just go out, run some good plays and call it progress. You need to sustain it.
We did get that 44 yard field goal on a drive that started at our own 20, and that was great, but Browns should have at least 13 points. No excuse for not scoring when you get the ball in the opponents territory.
One thing I'm very, very happy about is Peyton Hillis running the ball. The man looked like he did last season with five carries for 35 yards on the opening drive—including two for 10+ yards. All told, Hillis had 15 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown in the first half. That's excellent production, considering the lack of run game the Browns have had all year.
Defensively, the team played quite well until the final two minutes, when they allowed John Skelton 'n Co go 65 yards in 1:30 on nine plays to make the score 10-7. Strangely, the Browns have kept the Cardiñals run game pretty quiet, as for a team they have 11 carries for just 29 yards. Beanie Wells hasn't run rampant either, with just six carries for 22 yards. I'll take that.
But it does seem like the Browns have a two-minute defense problem—especially when they're not backed up to the goal line. That's got to get better, because the Cardinals may keep their backs against the wall with the hurry up in the 2nd half, since it worked so well.
Also, on Phil Dawson's 44 yard field goal, someone came clean through what looked like the space between the left guard and left tackle, or the left tackle and tight end. Either way, you can't let a guy come from the inside free like that—it's going to get blocked.
In order to win this game, the Browns are going to have to keep posession of the ball and try to run the clock down as much as possible. And please, Browns, when you get the ball in the opponent's territory, score some freaking points!
No Final Word today—I've got plenty of finals to study for. But, once I get home on Thursday night, look for a bunch of blog posts to come your way as I've got plenty to say about the Indians, Cavs and Browns that I just don't have time to put down right now.
I hope we all enjoy the second half, and have a pleasant week, folks.
~MAS
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