Browns Simply Run Out Of Time
By @mrgroce
The Kansas City Chiefs started the season 1-5. They are now 10-5, won nine straight, have clinched at least a Wild Card spot and have a small chance of winning their division. The Browns are 3-12. Not much hope surrounds the franchise, not too many guys in the locker room you can define as the "future", and a coaching staff and front office that may not be around in eight days.
Two franchises going in completely different directions battled to a 17-13 final score won by the Chiefs that was actually pretty entertaining. Alex Smith's ability to run in the first half gave the Browns' defense all kinds of fits and helped them build a two touchdown lead going into halftime, while Johnny Manziel's scrambling brought the Browns back into the game.
The Browns had the ball for the final possession of the game, but simply ran out of time. Once the clock hit 00:00, Browns QB Johnny Manziel slammed his helmet in disgust in what I've determined was his best throw of the day. Johnny was an absolute beast running the ball, finishing the game with 11 carries for 108 yards. Unfortunately he ran the ball better than he threw it. Manziel completed 13 of 32 passes for 136 yards. The Browns again put themselves in the hole going into halftime trailing 17-3. Surprisingly, the defense didn't give up another point for the rest of the game and had one of their best performances of the year. Rookie Nate Orchard led the way with an interception and a sack.
Browns running back Isaiah Crowell led the team with 88 yards rushing on 16 carries. With Manziel only passing for a little over a hundred yards, tight end Gary Barnidge led all Browns receivers with 47 yards. The offense did sustain a couple of long drives, but most of that was due to Johnny keeping the chains moving with his running.
Against another top defensive unit, Manziel struggled to put points on the board. I've said it before and I will continue to say it, with the same weapons and offensive line struggles, Josh McCown averaged 23 points per game and had the Browns offense sixth in the league in scoring.
Johnny has less than below average receivers, an average offensive line, and two decent running backs. I'm not of fan of this guy, but to get a gauge on how good he truly is or is not, can not be determined this year. He should have started from day one. Now the Browns will go into another offseason trying to figure out if Manziel can be trusted with the franchise.
I understand that these guys are paid professionals, but I can admire the fact that they have not given up on the season and continue to play hard, despite the fact that the coaching staff is incompetent and most of them probably aren't even sure who's going to be active on a weekly basis. The good news for us as fans is that it all ends next week.
Next week: Final game of the season at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers who will be playing for their playoff lives.
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