Browns Recap 9.26.16: Browns @ Dolphins: The Good, The Meh & The Ugly

The Cleveland Browns fell short in overtime vs the Dolphins 30-24, are now 0-3
By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Browns had many opportunities to win this game but their kicker basically blew the game for them like the Warriors blew their 3-1 lead in the 2016 NBA Finals to the Cleveland Cavaliers. (Who, by the way, start up preseason this week)

There was lot of good in this game, considering the week the Browns had on the injury front. And all credit goes to Hue Jackson and his coaching staff for putting a really good game plan together. This game made me a believer in Hue Jackson.





The Good

First, the offense played really well under rookie quarterback Cody Kessler. Kessler was 21/33 for 244 yards and only had one turnover which was fumble on the first drive. Kessler did exactly what he was suppose to do. He managed the game extremely well.The play calling was conservative at times with a lot of slant routes and three step drops but it played to Kessler's strengths Yes, it started out shaky with the two fumbles but he settled down and got into a really nice rhythm. This game by Kessler left me wanting to see more of him, which is a win in my book...and more importantly the Browns coaching staffs' book.

Second, the running game has returned to Cleveland. The Browns averaged 5.3 yards per rushing attempt. Isaiah Crowell ran for 79 yards on 15 rushes, Duke Johnson had 69 yards on 10 rushes, and Terrelle Pryor had 21 yards on 4 rushes and a touchdown. It was surprising to see how well the Browns could run the ball with the Dolphins stacking the box. The running game under Hue Jackson is starting to compare to the Bengals. With Crowell being the "bell cow back" (compared to Jeremy Hill) and Johnson is the "third down scat back" (compared to Gio Bernard).

Third, the Browns rush defense was really good...well besides the last play of the game. Danny Shelton has grown leaps and bounds since last year. Shelton consistently drew double teams during running plays. Another plus was Christian Kirksey. He ended up with 9 total tackles which was only second to Jordan Poyer who had 13 total tackles. Kirksey played well not just in the run defense but in pass defense. Kirksey is ranked as one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL.

Last, but certainly not least, Terrelle Pryor. Pryor was unbelievable. He wasn't just a threat on the ground but he threw the ball too. He was 3/5 for 35 yards...and oh the actual position he played wide receiver he had eight receptions for 144 yards. Pryor is one of the best athletes in the NFL and was the best player on the field Sunday.  Pryor is the heart and soul of this team and you can tell how much he wants to win. Sunday he did everything in his power to do that.



The "Meh"

The Offensive line was solid. Now to be fair they would have been part of the good, but Austin Pasztor might be the worst right tackle in the NFL. He had five or six penalties which resulted in over 30 lost yards. Now the Offensive line did give up three sack and I believe two of them were given up on the right side of the line. Now to the positive of the pass protection. Kessler was given ample time in the pocket to go through his progressions. The entire line besides Pasztors played really well.

Greco, who was playing center for the first time since 2014, didn't have a good start with the errant snap on the first drive. But after that he was a key cog in the pass protection and the run blocking. Another guy who should get some credit is Alvin Bailey who started at right guard with Greco at center. Bailey was a starting o-lineman for Seattle the past few years. Bailey isn't really known for his pass protection but he is a monster in the run game. He was a huge factor in the Browns ability to run the ball for 5.3 yards per attempt.

Jarvis Landry : 7 catches, 120 yards & 1 TD (6 catches, 116 yards & 1 TD in the 2nd half) #Juice pic.twitter.com/ZR33GvifZP

— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) September 25, 2016

The last "Meh" was the Browns pass defense which includes the pass rush. Yes they forced two interceptions and a fumble but they did give up 300 yards with Jarvis Landry going for 120 yards and seven catches. Now the secondary was without two of their starters (Joe Haden and Ibraheim Campbell) and they played well at times, But it seemed like the Browns struggled with getting to Ryan Tannehill. The time few time they did, it resulted in a fumble and an interception by Briean Boddy-Calhoun who returned it for a touchdown. The down on the secondary was they couldn't cover the crossing route which is how Landry got most of his yards and his touchdown. The Dolphins ran the crossing route multiple times and each time it seemed the Browns had no answer for it. Now without reviewing the tape I'm a bit unsure what defense was called on those plays and to blame the play calling or the youth of the secondary.



The "Ugly"

*Note Austin Pasztor should be part of the Ugly but the o-line group played well as a whole...and that is how we should judge and offensive line.

THE UGLY is the kicker Cody Parkey. Parkey, a former PRO-BOWLER, missed THREE field goals...yes THREE including the potential game winning field goal from 48 yards. This was the worst kicking game I've ever seen. I get it, the kicker was just signed on Friday and didn't have any rhythm with the long snapper and holder but the guy missed THREE KICKS!!!! Kickers have one job, and he failed. I have a feeling he's gonna get fired on his day off.


Sunday MVP

Terrelle Pryor and this one is pretty easy. When you have 200 total yards and make history while doing it you're the real MVP. He literally did everything he could to win this game. His performance is everything you want in a Cleveland Brown.

“I gave everything I had.”

1-on-1 with @TerrellePryor:https://t.co/roX7enM9JC

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 26, 2016

Conclusion

This is another one of those win-win games for the Browns. A lot of good teaching moments along with a lot of great performances. In hindsight we might look back on this game and be glad we lost. Usually these are one of the four game we win a year that end up messing up our draft position.

This game was an emotional roller coaster but we did learn this team has heart and won't give up...and Hue Jackson is a damn good Head Coach.

Browns Preview 9.23.16: Cleveland Browns @ Miami Dolphins

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The (0-2) Cleveland Browns travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins who are also (0-2). Last week the Browns lost to the Ravens 25-20. while the Dolphins lost to the Patriots 31-24. This week also marks the 26th different starting quarterback the Browns will have since 1999. Cody Kessler will start with Charlie Whitehurst as the number two.


Browns Offense vs Dolphins Defense

Now its hard to use that stats from last week since the Browns will be heading into week three on their third quarterback, and also will be with

out rookie first round pick Corey Coleman (who broke his hand this week in practice). The game plan for the Browns with Kessler under center should be get the ball out of his hands quickly so expect short to intermediate throws. Now yes the Browns will have to keep the Dolphins honest so I'm sure there will be a few deep balls down the field. But overall expect guys like Gary Barnidge and Duke Johnson to get a lot of check down catches just to keep the offense moving forward.

The Dolphins have injured two starting quarterbacks in as many weeks. Week one was Russell Wilson and week two was Jimmy Garoppolo. So its extremely important for the Browns to come out of this week with Kessler's health intact. Running the ball will be difficult against the Fins front seven, with guys like Cameron Wake, Ndamukong Suh, and Koa Misi. The Dolphins will want to force Cody Kessler to beat them and force him to throw the ball down field which really isn't his forte. For the Browns to be successful they can't give up on running the ball no matter how much they are trailing by.

This will be an interesting week for the rookie wide receivers Rashard Higgins, Jordan Payton, and Ricardo Lewis. All three will get ample playing time these next two weeks with Corey Coleman out and Josh Gordon still being suspended until week five. This week is the personification of this entire 2016 season. The ultimate tryout year.


Browns Defense vs Dolphins Offense

The Browns defense is going to have to force Miami to run the ball. Last week the Dolphins lost Arian Foster for a few weeks due to a groin injury. With Foster out, the 'Phins leading rusher is quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

The Browns need to get to Tannehill too. If he has time in the pocket he will be able to find guys like Jarvis Landry, Jordan Cameron, and DeVante Parker. The Game plan on defense should be similar to the one last week against the Ravens. Prevent the deep ball, force the running game to beat you, and force Tannehill into some errant throws.

 Last week the Dolphins had 459 total yards while only having the ball for 23:14. Which means a lot of the their yards and points came in the fourth quarter where they scored 14 points. Yes stats can be misleading. This week the Browns defense needs to step up since Kessler is starting. If the Browns defense can give the offense a short field a few time then maybe the Browns can pull out a win in Miami.


Five Guys to Watch

Cody Kessler: Well this one is pretty obvious. Its kinda weird to thing Cody Kessler will start an NFL game before first overall pick Jared Goff and Paxton Lynch. The Browns didn't expect or want him to start this early in his career but it will be interesting to see how well he conducts himself. If he can have a game with 250+ yards and one interception, I think the Browns and their fans will be just fine with his effort. Hell at this point if he just makes it to next week I think the Browns and fans will be happy.

Rashard Higgins: "Hollywood" Higgins was a fifth round pick out of Colorado State. Scouts said he was one of the best route runners coming into the draft. If he can come out and have 4+ catch game it will be a plus. Higgins has the opportunity to show why he should have been one of the top receivers picked in the 2016 draft...and with a nickname like "Hollywood" you got to prove it on the big stage.

Joe Haden: Joe shut up some of the haters last week with his two interceptions. Now he has to go up against Jarvis Landry who is one of the top up and coming receivers in the league. If Joe can shut down Landry the Browns will have an opportunity to pull out a win in Miami.

Duke Johnson: Lets hope Johnson gets a few more touches this week. He could be very important going forward with Kessler starting. Johnson, who was second last year in catches by rookies, really excels at catching the ball out of the backfield. When he is on the field it gives Kessler another playmaker besides Terrelle Pryor and Gary Barnidge.

Danny Shelton: Shelton has played pretty well the first two weeks. If he can continue to grow like he has it can really help the Browns rush defense. This week its important for the Browns to force Miami into running so Shelton is an easy pick for one of the five guys to watch.


Injury Report:

Weather Report:

Betting Line: Miami -9.5


Prediction: Miami 31 Browns 10

The Browns will fall to (0-3) this week. I think Kessler will play well but not enough for the win. The offense will be stagnate at times this week but its to be expected with a rookie quarterback. The defense overall will be good but by the of the game they will be gassed and give up a few big plays. Its going to be a frustrated week for the team and fans. But as long as Kessler and this team stays healthy its a positive in my book.

Leadoff with Lee 4.23.15 #GregHardy #ScottBrooks #Hawks #Rondo

By @cleeverizon

- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has suspended Cowboys DE Greg Hardy without pay for violation of the Personal Conduct Policy. The Investigation concluded that Hardy violated the code by using physical force against his then girlfriend Nicole Holder in at least 4 instances.

According to the NFL reports, he used force which caused her to land in a bathtub, threw her on a futon covered with rifles and put his hands on her throat, leaving a visible mark and threw her against a wall. Hardy has three days to appeal. He has reached a civil settlement and NFL says Holder did not participate in the investigation. Hardy has $2M coming from base salary and workout bonus. He gets $578K for each game he is active, and sack bonuses that start at 8 sacks. Greg Hardy and the NFLPA will appeal the suspension. His suspension begins September 5th and he can participate in the Cowboys offseason program, OTAs, mini and training camp, as well as preseason games.

Here is the statement released by Roger Goodell and the NFL. 

- Judge Anita Brody has approved the settlement against the NFL and players who have suffered damages from concussions during their playing years. The $765M will be used for players who need financial assistance to help deal with the head injuries and medical costs from concussions that came during their playing years. But as always when a lawsuit happens like this the NFL is set to appeal.

- Wide receiver Greg Jennings will be trading places with Mike Wallace as Jennings signs a 2 year $8M contract with the Miami Dolphins. He is a great fit for a team who was in search of a veteran wide receiver after Brian Hartline signed with Cleveland, and Mike Wallace was traded to the Vikings.

- The Oklahoma City Thunder fired coach Scott Brooks Wednesday after 7 seasons with the team. During that time, Brooks had a 338-207 (.620) regular season and 39-34 (.534) playoff record as coach. He reached the NBA Finals in 2012 and was the 2009-2010 Coach Of the Year. Upon his firing, he instantly became the top candidate in Orlando and in Chicago if/when Tom Thibodeau gets fired. University of Connecticut head coach Kevin Ollie and University of Florida's Billy Donovan are the front runners to replace Brooks.

- Looks like the Atlanta Hawks are on the verge of being sold for nearly $900 to a ownership group that includes Jesse Itzler, co-founder of Marquis Jet whose wife, Sara Blakely, is the founder of Spanx. Former NBA star Grant Hill will also be an investor in the group. Current team owner Bruce Levenson is being forced to sell the team after a racially sensitive memo surfaced last year. The NBA Board of Governors will need to approve the new ownership group before the sale can be final.

- The Mavericks have ruled Rajon Rondo out indefinitely Wednesday due to a back injury. Ever since being traded to Dallas, Rondo and coach Rick Carlisle haven't been the best of friends. Reports early yesterday indicated the Mavs had to choose between bringing back Rondo or Carlisle next year. And if this is true, it looks like the team will choose the coach over the disgruntled player.

TV Tonight 11.13

By @nevaRWilliams

NFL
Thursday Night Kickoff (NFL Network, 7:30 PM)
Bills @ Dolphins (NFL Network/WOIO 19, 8:25 PM)

NBA
Bulls @ Raptors (TNT, 8 PM)
Nets @ Warriors (TNT, 10:30 PM)

NHL
Avalanche @ Rangers (NHL Network, 7 PM)

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
East Carolina @ Cincinnati (ESPN 2, 7 PM)
California @ USC (ESPN, 9 PM)

===

The Biggest Loser (NBC, 8 PM)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC, 8 PM)
Bones (FOX, 8 PM)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8 PM)
The Vampire Diaries (The CW, 8 PM)
Mom (CBS, 8:30 PM)

You Oughta Know Live in Concert, Sam Smith, Echosmith, Aloe Blacc, Bleachers (VH1, 9 PM)
White Collar (USA, 9 PM)
Bad Judge (NBC, 9 PM)
Scandal (ABC, 9 PM)
Gracepoint (FOX, 9 PM)
Two And A Half Men (CBS, 9 PM)
Reign (The CW, 9 PM)
A to Z (NBC, 9:30 PM)
The McCarthys (CBS, 9:30 PM)

Covert Affairs (USA, 10 PM)
Parenthood (NBC, 10 PM)
How To Get Away With Murder (ABC, 10 PM)
Elementary (CBS, 10 PM)
Slednecks (MTV, 10 PM)