Our hapless Browns actually gave us hope for the first two quarters of yesterday's game that we might actually be able to play with the best team in the AFC, and even possibly flirt with the idea of another “Giant” upset. Then with the second half kickoff, reality came crashing in on our heads as the Titans used the Browns as crash test dummies and defeated them soundly 28-9, after leading at the half only 14-6.
The Titans gained 390 yards with outstanding performances by their backfield. It's bad enough to give up 100 yards to one player, but to give up 136 on 19 carries to Chris Johnson, and then 99 yards on 24 to LenDale White? Our defensive minded guru of a head coach seems to not know a thing about stopping the run. The Titans demonstrated just how to win a game by closing it out by running the ball efficiently and effectively. The Browns failed to pressure Kerry Collins at all, and had no sacks, which only aided in opening up the running game for Tennessee.
Meanwhile the anemic Browns offensive attack could only scratch out 178 yards of total offense. The leading rusher was Josh Cribbs with 6 carries for 24 yards that came from direct snaps while playing in the QB position. Jamal Lewis carried the ball 7 times for just 7 yards. The team rushing stats were ghastly - 35 yards on 19 carries for a 1.8 yard average! A tremendous job by the Titans defense, but an equally disgusting job by the Browns offense which failed to open anything up offensively. Ken Dorsey may have well just watched the entire game from the bench, because it's not like we noticed him on the field anyways.
The only player of note yesterday was the up and coming D'Qwell Jackson who had 12 tackles, 3 defended passes and two picks - one of which was a nifty tip and pick.
The rumor out of Cleveland this morning is that Romeo Crennel's future has already been decided, and that yes he will be fired following the season. In my humble opinion, this is long overdue and should have happened after week #4 when the Browns were 1-3. Not only has he demonstrated poor decision making skills and indecisiveness, but he has completely lost this team whether they will admit it or not. The Browns should give Phil Savage another chance, because he has brought some good talent to this team, but unfortunately his future rests on Randy Lerner and his choice for the Borwns' next Head Coach. If he can somehow convince Bill Cowher to come out of the studio and back to the field, I am positive he will want to make all personnel decisions, which would leave Savage without a job. If it's someone like Marty Schottenheimer, Savage may be safe for another season or two.
One things for sure, the Browns have been a colossal disaster after showing a lot of promise in 2007. Instead of building on that promise, they squandered it away. With 3 games left, and two against Playoff bound teams, it may be time to evaluate for next season. Pack it in… season's well done.
No comments:
Post a Comment