Freakin' Phil Dawson

I always feel great the day after a Browns win. Today is no exception. Freakin' Phil Dawson's go-ahead 56 yard field goal and a missed 47 yarder by the Bill's Scott Norwood, er, Rian Longwell ensured a little happiness in many a Browns' fans day. Dawson's monstrous kick would have been good from 65 yards out, let alone 56, and it was in wind and blistering cold. From now on I submit that Phil Dawson shall now be known as Freakin' Phil Dawson.

I will admit to having doubts about the game as early as halftime. For two weeks straight the Browns held 13 point leads, only to lose both affairs. The defense benefited early from huge mistakes on the part of the Bills' Trent Edwards. Each time the Browns looked poised to capitalize on the interceptions, only to foil themselves with costly drops or minimal gains on the ground. (Can we see more Jerome Harrison please?)

Brady Quinn was a stark contrast to Derek Anderson. What I saw last night was a young QB who made mistakes, but didn't force mistakes or try to do more than the weather or the Bills would give him. Credit the Bills defense with creating massive pressure and disrupting Quinn's rhythm, or lack thereof. DA in the same position has shown us that he forces passes into spots he shouldn't; Quinn did not. DA has absolutely no touch; Quinn threw a beautiful touch pass to Harrison on a great wheel route up the side line. Now I am not bashing DA, but there is an obvious difference between the Scapoose Moose and Quinn, and it shows on the field and in the huddle. Quinn carries himself with poise and looks like a general on the field. He takes control and that is very promising for a young NFL QB. Brady did have two really bad throws last night. On the one that was first called an interception and then over-turned, it appeared that he short-armed it due to pressure in his face and his arm getting hit. He should have never thrown that ball in that scenario. Luckily for us Romeo Crennel remembered what that red hankie in his pocket was for. It was the first play he has challenged all season long.

Overall, the defense didn't play horribly until the end of the game. Which is a major concern that RAC should address immediately. It appeared that they, dare I say it, quit? Maybe a bit too harsh, but there seemed to be a drop in effort. Maybe some fresh blood on the field? I didn't see Alex Hall until the second half. Willie McGinest actually played really well last night, as did Andra Davis. Shuan Rogers is still a beast and is turning out to be a great free agent acquisition. Still missing in action is Kameron Wimbley, who benefited from being in the right spot and the right time with his interception. It was a hard game to judge either passing game, so I think the passing stats on both sides can be a bit deceiving. Favorably for the Browns D, and unfavorably for Quinn. With Sean Jones out, and McDonald back in at corner Edwards should have been able to light up the scoreboard a bit more. Thankfully the Lake Erie Winter is in effect.

Offensively, where are the holes and lanes that Jamal Lewis had to run through last season? It is hard to get anything going offensively when you can only muster 2 to 3 yards per carry. This is why I have always wanted to see more Jerome Harrison. Is it only me that sees a spark in this kid? Ever since he has been with the Browns he seems to see limited playing time, but always comes through with some very impressive runs or catches. We need to mix a little Harrison in with Lewis. They compliment each other well and would make match-ups more difficult for opposing defenses. I have never understood why he was always listed 3rd on the depth chart behind Jason Wright. Maybe Romeo could enlighten us?

Special teams was a almost a killer last night. Lack of sound tackling and too many questionable kicks. I still can't believe they would chance a short field with a short pooch kick instead of kicking it away late in the game holding a slim lead. I never liked that theory and probably never will. It just never works and seems to always backfire. Never put your defense on their heels if you can help it.

All in all, a win is a win. Ugly or not, it counts the same as if it were a blow out.

With that I will exit with a huge thank you to Freakin' Phil Dawson! THANK YOU!