THE MONDAY MORNING DUMP 9-23-13

 

Who were those guys? The Browns played one of the most exciting games they’ve played in years, and actually won it. They didn’t build a big lead and actually snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. For a while there it looked like the same old Browns, blowing a half time lead for the third straight game, but they made just enough plays to get the win. It was enjoyable and fun to watch!

After a week of turmoil and distractions head coach Rob Chudzinski found a way to rally his troops and have them ready to play on the road and pick up their first win of the season and his first win as an NFL head coach. A tip of the cap to Chud for a job well done.

For a week at least, Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi look like geniuses with the moves and decisions they made this past week. But let’s wait a little longer before we anoint them front office of the year in the NFL.

Loved the aggressive playing calling by Norv Turner and Chud of going down the field to Josh Godon and the fake punt and field goal and going for it on 4th down. The Browns took some chances and they paid off in a big, big way!

A lot of money was spent on beefing up the pass rush in the off season and it has paid dividends for the Browns as they registered six sacks against the Vikings, including the game saver on the final play of the game by Desmond Bryant.

First round pick Barkevious Mingo flashed again, picking up his 2nd sack of the season. Mingo has that lean on the edge that great pass rushers have that allows them to turn the corner and get to the quarterback.

Josh Gordon is a play maker and a game breaker. Just having him on the field creates opportunities for everyone else and then when his numbered is called he seems to answer with a big play! Just keep clean off the field Josh, so you can continue to make those big plays on the field!

Speaking of play makers, how about the start tight end Jordan Cameron is having in this Norv Turner run offense.  Four touchdowns in three games and he had the hat trick yesterday. My biggest concern with Cameron wasn’t his ability, it was him staying healthy and on the field and so far, so good. If he can play in all sixteen games this season, he’ll score double digit touchdowns in Norv’s offense. He’s a red zone nightmare for the opposition!

It had to be a dream come true for Brian Hoyer. A Cleveland kid, getting to start for his hometown team and then leading them on a game winning drive, late in the 4th quarter. I still have my doubts about Hoyer, but no one will ever be able to take away the 31-27 win over the Vikings from him in his Cleveland Browns debut.

As much as I criticized the offensive line last week, I’ve got to give them a little credit for their efforts. They were far from perfect or even really good, but they did improve in their pass blocking, only allowing 3 sacks this week. That still has to get better, but it’s a start.

We praised Chud earlier, now it’s time to take him to task a little bit. His team has led at halftime in all three games this year only to give up the lead in the second half in all three games. The Browns have been outscored 41-10 in the second half of games this season. That cannot continue if the Browns expect to win more games this year. Chud and his coaches have to do a better job with their halftime adjustments.

Everyone shouldn’t get too carried away with the win, it was against the win less Vikings whose quarterback play is shaky at best, but take them any way you can get them and then build on it. Let’s see if the Browns can do exactly that, as they play a very good football team in the Cincinnati Bengals at home on Sunday.

 

 

Filed under Feature Articles
Please visit my sponsors.... and tell em' "the roadman" sent ya!
Sponsorships are currently available! Contact Kenny for details.