Sunday, October 3, 2010

cleveland's calling















the average person would look at the statistics from the Cincinnati vs Cleveland game and probably believe the winner of the game was Cincinnati. This would be a logical assumption seeing as the Bengals are home to a receiver two-some hyped to be the difference and the browns have comfortably been home to losing records the past two years.

This assumption, however, would be false as the Bengals lost to the browns for only the third time since 1999. The game remained even-keeled throughout the entire game but was decided in the fourth quarter. In fact, even though the browns didn't trail at any point, the Bengals still seemed to have a chance.

Both the browns and Bengals acquired 21 first downs. Both the browns and Bengals contained possession for almost 30 minutes a piece. The Bengals surpassed the browns in total yards with 413 while the browns only attained 295 but that didn't matter as the browns total yards led to 23 points while then Bengals yards only led to 20.

the minimal differences, however, had to have been the deciding factor as the game ended with Cleveland up top by 3. the question remains: whether or not the browns can rally the rest of the year to be in contention for a playoff spot for the first time in 8 years.

my answer is this: the browns must learn how to maintain the lead through the end of the game, as consistently scoring every quarter will not suffice. The browns established and held onto a lead against the Ravens, Chiefs, Buccaneers through the first 3 but could not retain it through the fourth quarter. With a 1-3 record and a tough schedule of playoff worthy contenders in the weeks ahead, the browns must convene with their leader enabling his growth and most importantly look at ways to improve their running game.

jerome harrison, peyton hillis..answer your calling.