When the Browns traded for Shaun Rogers, all the negative publicity from Detroit followed him to Cleveland. Lazy. Takes plays off. Overweight. Overpaid. But then people started to tell me that when he wanted to play, Rogers was nearly unblockable.

Well that unblockable Shaun Rogers showed up Sunday in Jacksonville. He was primarily responsible for the Browns win with a destructive game from his nose-tackle spot. Rogers had nine tackles (an almost unheard of total for a nose tackle), one for a loss. He blocked a field goal and even recovered the block.

If that Rogers would show up each and every game, the Browns defense will be able to challenge anyone. This win over Jacksonville actually showed the defense the Browns wanted in the offseason. Strong against the run, don't allow the big play in the passing game. Rogers led the way. His game was as impressive as I've seen from a nose tackle.

Some other thoughts:

That was a very, very good game. Well-played. Players competed. A lot of effort given on the field. Big plays for both sides. And it went right down to the last two plays. Had Matt Jones managed to snag that second-last pass, the attitude would be different now. But he didn't. And the Browns can celebrate a win.

I'm worn out by the Kellen Winslow saga. I stand by what I wrote last week, that if it were my team I'd release him now. He's not going to be part of the Browns long-term, and it's questionable just how much value he'll have on the trade market if teams know the Browns have to get rid of him. His knee is so bad he might not have more than two more years to play. But the team does not seem inclined to release him, so the best all can hope is that Winslow returns, there are no more problems and the team benefits.

Steve Heiden, though continues to play well with more playing time. His three catches for 73 yards included a 51-yard catch and run on fourth down in the first half. Heiden clearly has a role in the offense, with or without Winslow.

As well as the Browns defense played, a lot of credit has to go to Jacksonville quarterback David Garrard. He ran for a team-high 59 yards and threw for 283. Pretty impressive. … Jamal Lewis continues to impress for the Browns – 20 carries for 81 yards. … The Browns only penalty of the day was a shaky roughing the passer call on Rogers. … The Browns had a stretch of six plays in a row in the second half when they did not gain a yard. … Four of those plays came after first and goal from inside the two. … The inability of the Browns to score from that position for the second week in a row was disquieting.

I hate to be an optimist, but if the Browns win Sunday they will be back to .500. And after a dismal start and way too much upheaval for one team, they will be back in the playoff hunt if they do reach .500. Who would have thought that possible after the first three games.