Each week I take a look back at the previous Browns game and recap what I learned from the game. I also write a different introduction to this page. Last week the Browns won 7-6 in adverse weather conditions.
The Browns won a sloppy game over a Chargers team that has been steadily dropping from week to week. It wasn't pretty, but the defense stepped up and the offense stayed away from major mistakes for the most part. I still haven't had a chance to watch the dvr of the game, but I've read enough about it to put some thoughts down.
Trent Richardson needs to get the ball at least 20 times a game. This has become abundantly clear. In the two games against Cincinnati and last week's game, the Browns made a conscious effort to run the ball and the offense hummed along nicely as a result, at least as much as it could given the weather last week. In the other games, they threw much more than they ran, and while competitive, the offense was a lot more disjointed. In this game, the offense HAD to go through Richardson and he delivered 122 yards and the game's only touchdown.
TJ Ward needed that defensive stop as much as anyone on this team. He came into the league as a physical safety who would be a force on the defensive side of the ball, but hasn't been the same since he was fined for a hit in his rookie season. He's been tentative since, but lately he's been getting more aggressive. Coming up with the stop on fourth and one was huge and gave the Browns the ball for their only score of the day.
The defense overall played a good game, getting stops when needed and holding a high-scoring offense to just 6 points. The popular stat going around is that the defense has held opponents to those 6 points in the last six quarters, which is a nice streak that needs to continue. The front four have held up nicely in the absence of Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin, who both could be back this weekend.
Drops again plagued the receiving corp, as they dropped at least 4 passes this past week, most notably another drop from Greg Little and Josh Cooper getting in on the act, both on third down plays. The receivers haven't helped Brandon Weeden at times, but he's refused to throw his teammates under the bus thus far.
One guy not dropping the ball is Josh Gordon, who caught three more passes in the game without a drop. This on the heels of his infamous drop in Indianapolis when the ball bounced off his hands as he entered a sunfield. It could've been a game-winning catch, but instead it was an unfortunate drop. Gordon didn't let it linger though and has continued to be an integral part of the offense.
The coaches didn't overthink things as much in this game. Sure, there weren't many chances to be taken in this game, but when they needed to roll the dice, they did. Of course, when your owner's reaction is all over social media after a previous fourth and one decision, it makes the next one easier to make.
Brandon Weeden didn't have a great game, but he managed the game well given the fact that northeast Ohio was dealing with the preliminary effects of Hurricane Sandy. It was windy, it was rainy, it was cold, but Weeden was under control. He didn't throw any interceptions and didn't fumble the ball away, as was the worry coming in. He missed on some passes, but he gets a pass given the conditions since Philip Rivers was having his share of issues as well. Overall, it was a solid effort by the rookie.
Alex Smith may have earned himself the fullback job after he helped open up some running lanes for Richardson. The offensive line overall did a nice job of run-blocking and has continued to grow throughout the season. There were a couple of sacks in the game, but overall they have done a nice job since the opening week. Smith certainly did his part by blocking well.
Next week is a big game for the Browns as they host a depleted and wounded Ravens team coming off its bye week. The Browns, if they're smart, should be able to run the ball against the Ravens, which should, in theory, open up the passing game more for Weeden. He needs to do something about the batted balls though. That's been an ongoing issue lately for him and it needs to be corrected soon. A third win would do a lot for the coaching staff in its efforts to keep their jobs.
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