It's really impossible to fathom losing nine of 10 season openers at home. That's an indication that a team is either a) really not very good or b) really not prepared or c) a really not very good and not very prepared or d) really, really unlucky. This Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys were far and away the better team. But the Browns didn't play like a well-prepared team.
Too many mistakes, silly penalties (illegal formation trying to block an extra point, apparently for lining up right over the center, a no-no this year) and too much of one offensive guy having to tell another offensive guy where to line up. The defense was overmatched, and though Shaun Rogers had some pressure now and then, the pass rush was nonexistent. Browns players said it's a "pick your poison" thing with Dallas' offense. If you rush a bunch, you're vulnerable in the secondary. If you drop back, you get no rush. Bottom line: That shows the Browns knew they were not good enough to stop the Cowboys.
Dallas made it look easy.
The offense seemed to collapse when it learned that receiver Donte Stallworth had injured himself in pregame warm-ups. That's right. Pregame warm-ups. Think about that next time you see an NBA guy go down shooting layups in pregame. Never heard of it? That's because it never happens. Well, hardly ever, apparently.
"That was like, ‘Wow! How does this happen?'" running back Jamal Lewis said of Stallworth's injury. "To me as a running back, that's my meal ticket." Lewis went on to say that the absence of Stallworth left the Browns with basically the same team they had last year. Minus Joe Jurevicius of course. Which again highlights how big it was to lose Jurevicius. His absence took away a third-down receiver and wiped out the receiver depth. Dallas doubled Braylon Edwards and dared Syndric Steptoe to step in and beat them. He didn't, the vaunted Browns offense scored just 10 points and players seemed to spend a lot of time telling teammates where they should be lining up.
No, I do no understand Romeo Crennel's decision to take a field goal down 28-7 with 10 minutes left in the game. He said he wanted points to have some kind of momentum, and said had he gone for it on fourth down and failed he'd have been asked why he didn't kick a field goal. Hate to disagree, but I disagree. I don't think anyone would have asked why he didn't try a field goal. That's because going for the touchdown was the logical choice – if there was any real hope to win the game. It was simply a strategy decision I did not agree with.
Some other observations:
—No, I've never heard of a guy pulling a muscle – groin, quad, hamstring – in pregame warm-ups. Not sure how often it's happened either.
—Shaun Rogers was very active in the middle of the Browns line. He was the only guy who got occasional pressure on Tony Romo, and showed the qualities that have people saying he's unblockable when he wants to play.
—By game's end, Rogers and the rest of the big guys on the defensive line were pretty worn out, though. That's a negative to the big guys. They will wear down if the defense can't stop folks.
—Right now it seems like the defense can't stop folks, but they did face a huge, physical line and they did face one of the better offenses in the league. That's the going line at least.
—Dallas had 30 first downs, Cleveland 11.
—Dallas had 11 rushing first downs, Cleveland had 2.
—Expect NBC and ESPN to petition the league today to move the "flex schedule" start date up a couple months.
—Yes, the Browns offense should be expected to score more than 10 points. And they did have one nice drive. But the 10 points was what they deserved. We can say all we want that they should score more than 10, but if they fall apart to the extent that they did because one receiver is out, well that's just not good.
—Sunday's game against Pittsburgh has large implications. Win and the Browns are 1-1 and feeling pretty good. Lose and …, well … you know. Personally, I cannot and will not pick the Browns to beat Pittsburgh until they actually do. But if they want to erase a downer of an opener, a win over Pittsburgh on night-time national TV would be a very good step. Me, I just can't see it happening. Not the way this defense played, and not the way Pittsburgh's offense played. Geesh. An 0-and-2 start after all this offseason hype?
{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }
Any hope for a "competitive" season by da Browns this year just took a big hit today.
bandwagon fans! "3 pt" crennel is the best coach since lombardi! be patient! 44 years is nothing! cleveland fans are so stupid!
ok, i'm done channelling josh. same toilet bowl different turd. welcome to cleveland browns football. players are supposed to play until the final whistle. but romeo checked out with 10 minutes to play. last year the season turned around when they dumped frye after one game. maybe they can salvage this season with a quick coaching change.
Rock-solid entertainment value. Happy I got my money's worth. All tolled, it only set me back about $600 for me and my guests. Anytime I get to come back to visit the atomic bomb holocaust that is the city of Cleveland, it's always a treat. I hope Lerner, in turn, will take my money and treat himself to a nice refreshing back wax, or something.
"Savage" is such a brutal last name for a man. Has he ever considered legally changing his name to Chokeo Stinko?
When Crennel stated, "It will probably take the best game ever." to beat the Cowboys that's admitting that the Browns are not good enough to play with them. That's one reason that Crennel should be fired immediately. Another reason is Crennel dosen't even get his team fired up or anything. Third reason is Crennel's schemes are terrible. How succesful can your defense be in the NFL if you do not blitz. Who in the hell heard of a defensive philosophy that you do not attack the opposing offense. By the way, Did you notice the play when Romo dropped back stood still like he was posing for a picture, waited a few more seconds then completed a pass? I do not know if anyone in the city noticed this but it is obvious to me (Being a loyal Cleveland Browns fan) that Crennel does not have his team prepared. It should not matter if one or two people are missing from the offense. There is no excuse for the lack of preperation week to week!!! That falls on the responsibilty of the head coach. And finally, Crennel needs to grow a pair because the Browns had a small window in the 4th quarter to get back into the game and Crennel would not even show confidence in his offense and go for it on 4th down. Again Crennel should be fired immediately!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another fine job of coaching RC. Start the clock. I say before the 9th game he's gone. Should be gone NOW!
I said before while the Topix site was still being used that this teaam will be 0-5. I still stand behind that prediction. Romeo is not a head coach. He has proved it and will be gone by game 6.
He may have been the DC in New England, but Belechek was the defensive genius behind that. I really have a hard time saying that but it occured to me that Romeo has proved nothing, since Belechek was the brains behind that defense in NE.
Lerner was sold a bill of goods with Romeo. Let's dump him and call Cowher. Give him an offer he can;t refuse and let him come in and kcik some A S S!
The key to the loss, in my opinion, was Derek and Braylon. Derek had a terrible game and Braylon was worse. Braylon killed many a drive with dropped passes and penalties.
C'mon Braylon, step up.. You have the talent.
We knew that the defense was lacking, so I can't really blame them for their lack of talent (well, maybe for the defensive schemes). The offense was suppossed to be our saving grace, our Rocky's left hook, our Ace in the hole, etc., etc. They need to be held accountable.
Calm down everyone. You'd think Byner just fumbled by this reaction.
Don't forget the Cowboys won friggin 13 games last year. It's not like the Browns were playing the 85 Barberton Magics.
The same Crennellephant wont 10 games last year. You all should be used to the penalties and plain stupid play. But kudos to the pundit who pointed out that players are supposed to play until the whistle blows and the friggin coach should (in Herman Edwards voice) play to win the game. The Crennellephant pussed out, no ifs ands or huge asses.
Gee, let me think, how did the underdog Giants beat the Cowboys? Oh wait a moment, they got after the QB. Genius! Send everyone and their brother and then send them again. Gee, let me think, how did the underdog Giants beat the Patriots? Oh wait a moment, they got after the QB. Genius! Send everyone and their brother and then send them again. Now I know we don't have the same players but in principle…
Positives: Anderson got the passes where the should have been. Jamal looked good and strong. The o-line held their own. The d did get one 3 and out (kidding).
Negatives: The Crennellephant putting in his tampon and going for 3. Your players won't forget that. Braylon being Braylon and dropping passes like it is his job and then complaining about where they are thrown. Shut up and catch the ball! The d. The pee wee pass rush. The secondary that is really tertiary. Penalties.
Pittsburgh will determine where the season heads.
If you think what the Cowboys did to us was bad. Pittsburgh has had our number for 5-6 years now. Pittsburgh come in year in and year out and do whatever they want to us!!!! If the Browns cant get fired up for a team that has beatin us 9 straight times, division arch rival, at home, a national audience (Sunday night) game then I would start taking a serious look at our roster and start waiving some people and I would start with the head coach!!!!
Again!!! Everyone looks at the players but let me remind you that it is the responsibilty of the head coach to make sure the players are prepared to play. If you noticed the Browns didn't look prepared to play Sunday. If this happens against Pittsburg on a national televised game at home against an arch rival, then the head coach is gotta go PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A great post-game quote from RAC sums it all up:
"I can talk about this game and I can talk about a couple of others since I've been here. Some of them we weren't good enough because we didn't have the personnel. We've got better personnel. We didn't play as well. Generally, we haven't been playing as well, so you don't play as well."
There is your explanation. Any faith I had in RAC being the man to take the Browns into and through the playoffs evaporated during this game. There was an aura of defeat emitting from the team all week and that starts with the head coach.
Why are the browns never ready??? The Cowboys made us look like a division 2 college team. It was embarassing to watch. Anderson stunk, Edwards stunk, the defense stunk, and the coaching was worse. Way to get 3 points and not on side kick???? I swear it would be nice to see our team be ready to play when the game starts. What did this team do all during training camp, run foot races barefoot?? Play tag in the parking lot…hey how about busting ass and being ready. The Steelers are going to punch us right in the mouth maybe we can be ready. Or maybe coach can say we need to play the game of our lives to win!!! Nothing like going into the opener with an excuse to lose!!
Lou,
Thank goodness you posted RAC's comments because I was taken aback when I heard them also. I was like, "What the heck does that mean?" Lerner, Savage and Crennel have a bond that's pretty tight, and as a result, I don't believe Lerner will fire anyone. This team has talent, but it's a shame that their millions they make does not motivate them. Obviously they need something else and RAC hasn't found it. May be a little too "cushy" in Berea and Cleveland.
This team didn't win ten games last year because of Crennel, they won ten games in SPITE of his fat ass.
Crennel has to go this team is so unprepared there is no emotion and no intensity an this is a reflexation of their head coac
CRENNEL HAS TO GO
Quit complaining. It is a game, and someone is going to lose. If you are upset, it is your fault for letting something so insignificant control your emotions. Homelessness and hunger, war and crime, those are things to be upset about.
I did not have fun at the stadium yesterday. These guys are supposed to be professionals!?! They certainly didn't play like it yesterday. I want Cower for coach next year(this year if we could get him). We need a change and I think that's where it needs to be. Romeo was a defensive coach for crying out loud. The D should've been better than it was. I will still go to the games and am hopeful it will get better, but…I hate to say it, but I think it's going to be a LOOOOOOOONG season.
Romeo going for a FG was a sign he just wanted the score to not look bad to save his job rather than making an attempt to win. I have no faith in the 3-4, it isn't working here. We need a decent coach with some imagination when it comes to defensive schemes, and a desire to win at all costs.
Lola please leave the site. This is about football not the hemp dress and flower you are wearing in your hair. Go away….
Romeo was just on sirius w/ Tim Ryan, it is hard to believe this guy is able to motivate anything. I wish he would one time get in Braylon's face when he drops one of his 4 passes not 2 like he said….Steptoe also dropped a td pass as well. Crennell better toughen up this team or we will be lucky t owin 5 games. We need to ve able to compete in these smash mouth games.
I'm tired of being the laughing stock of any professional sport division. This team better wake and smell the coffee because if they don't Pittsburgh is going to walk into our home and stomp on us like we're little girls with frilly dresses. I read a comment by one of the players a few weeks ago and they said "we'll get it done, we're professionals, thats why we're here in the NFL" Professionals?!? i didn't see a single professional player on that field yesterday.
Best play of the game was Steptoe picking up the forward pass fumble when Anderson's arm got whacked near the end. Worst play was Braylon's brick hands on the bomb. Didn't anyone tell the wolverine that the season has started?
As for Stall(all the time)worth, someone from Philly warned us that he was a check chaser. That looks to be all too true, especially since Lewis played through a swollen hammy.
Sigh…
I tried. I really tried this time. I tried not getting my hopes up about winning this game. I tried to have some faith for Derek Anderson and Romeo. But yet again, like every Cleveland Browns season opener… I got my hopes up. Only to see them all crash down.
I still can see them winning against the Steelers if they get off their butts and get hyped up. I don't want to diss on Romeo to much, but if he can't beat the Steelers (or at least make it close) on national TV, an then lose to the Ravens… I don't want to see Romeo after the bye week.
But enough about my rambling. Time to get hyped up for the OSU-USC game Saturday… and then the Steelers on Sunday. Just not too hyped
Browns will win between 6-8 games this year.
The offense should be fine but the defensive line will hold this team back. No pressure on the qb, not stopping the run- don't expect to make the playoffs.
I have a feeling they'll lose to PIT next week, Anderson will play poorly and we'll have qb controversy on our hands.
I hope I'm wrong but the Browns havent' showed me much.
0-5 baby, 0-5!
Time to get rid of RC. If they play the way they did Sunday, the Steelers will rip them up.
I don't understand why Edwards has had the dropsies ever since he became a professional. He certainly didn't have Ilgauskas hands in college, nothing remotely close. It's only since he became a pro. That guy needs one of those sports shrinks or hypnosis, or something.
What can I say? I've lived in Ohio and Pennsylvania both – now in PA and a Steeler fan. Any given Sunday, boys and girls – any given Sunday. You be Brown's fans, I'll stick with my Steelers. But regardless, It's v. early in the season. Next Sunday will be a good game, regardless of which side of the rust belt you tend to root. But from this keyboard: go black and gold!
The RAC countdown has officially begun. The biggest question I see is does he last the entire season or get canned earlier. My money is on him leaving in October.
The Browns have a history of being losers. R the Browns'fans really shocked that the Cowboys pimp slapped them all over the field? The problem is that the Browns did not wear those brown game pants. Can u blame Art Modell for leaving a losing state like OHIO? Steelers are going to finish the job. Sham stop whinning. It's all about dem boys. Sorry OHIO,I live in the DFW. Take a page out of OSU 's playbook and steal a game. Pay the REFS. OSU paid the REFs to cheat MIami for the National Championship.
It is time for the people of Cleveland to turn their backs on this bunch of fraudulent idiots. Ever since their "return" in 1999, they have squandered whatever good will had been bestowed upon them. They made no effort whatsoever to prevent modell from a Super Bowl championship. Even today the fake browns' complete lack of resolve is coupled with a depraved contempt for what's left of their fan base.
Like many Browns fans, I was heartbroken when the franchise departed in 1995, and have never condoned the actions of the NFL in capitulating to modell and trying to cover it up with league-sanctioned identity fraud. Yet even today they attempt to rationalize their character flaws with even more lame excuses. Don't be surprised when the franchise announces its intent to move… it seems that there is nothing illegal about "cleveland Browns of Anaheim."
Alan, didn't you hear about Braylon's deal with Orville Redenbacher?