On The Mark 10.26.15: #Browns v. #Rams Recap

Browns beaten down by the Rams, 24-6
By @MarkW2112

The Cleveland Browns lost to the St. Louis Rams, 24-6, in a game that the Browns could have won.  But, instead, turnovers and penalties killed any momentum they may have had during drives.  Josh McCown was 26-of-32 for 270 yards, but was sacked 4 times and fumbled.  The biggest turnover was in the very beginning of the game, when a screen pass to Taylor Gabriel was fumbled and brought back for a touchdown by the Rams Rodney McLeod.  Gary Barnidge made another spectacular play and had 101 yards receiving, but the run game once again was ineffective with Robert Turbin leading with 30 yards on 5 carries.

The defense actually played another solid game until they got tired from being on the field too long.  That and the fact that Todd Gurley got going after the first quarter, rushing for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns.

My take:  The season is over for the Browns.  Coming back from 2-5 will be almost impossible.  Mistakes, penalties and turnovers show how much of a huge mess the Browns are in.  It may be time for Johnny Manziel to start the rest of the season.  But with bull headed Mike Pettine, he may stick with McCown if he isn't suffering from another concussion.

Player of the game:  Todd Gurley, who looks every bit the first round running back, especially hurdling over defenders and his own men to get more yards.

Turning point:  Taylor Gabriel's fumble which was picked up by Rodney McLeod for a touchdown.  It was really the only points they needed to win the game.

Next for the Browns: next week, at home, against the Arizona Cardinals.

On The Mark 11.7.14: #Browns Recap

Browns Dominate Both Sides Of The Ball, Destroy The Bengals 24-3, Tied For First Place
By @MarkW2112

The Cleveland Browns are now tied for first place with a 24-3 pounding of the Cincinnati Bengals that wasn't even close.  Brian Hoyer, now 9-3 as a Browns starter, was sharp once again, throwing for 198 yards while the running trio of Terrance West, Ben Tate and Isaiah Crowell each scored a rushing touchdown and combined for 170 yards rushing with West leading the way with 94 yards.  Even without Andrew Hawkins or Jordan Cameron as well as fighting the wind at Paul Brown Stadium, Hoyer was able to get the ball to Miles Austin, Travis Benjamin, Taylor Gabriel and Gary Barnidge when needed.

On the other end, the Browns defense was dominating from start to finish against Andy Dalton, who may have had one of his worst games a pro.  He threw for 3 interceptions,  2 of them to Buster Skrine, and was off all night.  A.J. Green, covered by Joe Haden for most of the night, was a non factor and Greg Little, for all of his "someone will pay" comments, was once again plagued by stone hands and was hit with a personal foul for head butting.  Tashaun Gipson also caused a fumble on Jeremy Hill which was recovered by Joe Haden so the Browns had 4 turnovers all together as well as keeping the Bengals to 3 points in 4 quarters.

My take: The Browns are for real.  They brought their A game to a Thursday night national audience on the road.  Mike Pettine, Jim O'Neil and Kyle Shanahan all had great coached games tonight with the players absolutely ready for this important division series.  It also ended their 17 game AFC North road losing streak.  Ironically, their last AFC North win on the road was to Cincinnati in 2008.  Even with the wind and rain, Brian Hoyer showed his leadership on offense while the Browns were absolutely dominant on defense.  The Browns are a viable playoff team at this point.  Damn that feels good to type!

Next up: A long 10 day stretch until they face the Houston Texans back in Cleveland.  The Browns fans will be pumped for that game.

On The Mark 11.3.14: #Buckeyes & #Browns Recap

Big Wins For The Buckeyes And Browns As Both Prepare For Their Biggest Battles
By @MarkW2112

It was another fun weekend for Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns fans this weekend.  2 games and 2 wins are becoming a surprising norm, especially with Browns fans.  

Buckeyes

The Buckeyes (7-1, 4-0 Big 10) were able to easily handle the Illinois Fighting Illini 55-14 in a laugher from start to finish.  The Illini were no match for the explosive Buckeyes on both offense and defense.  The good news was that with the blow out, J.T. Barrett and Ezekiel Elliot were able to rest.  Barrett played well in the first half, going 15-of-24 for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Curtis Samuel also rush for 2 touchdowns while rushing for 63 yards.  Elliot did have 69 yards on 9 carries but was able to keep himself in good shape for next weeks huge match up against Michigan State.  Cardale Jones played well and also had the play of the night with a big time tackle on a play where the refs said he fumbled the ball only to determine it was an incomplete pass.

The Buckeyes defense was once again dominant, with Joey Bosa leading the way with 2 sacks while the defensive backfield recorded 2 interceptions against starting quarterback Reilly O'Toole as well as 2 fumble recoveries.  The Illini were able to score 2 late touchdowns against the third string defense but otherwise they were completely outmatched.

Browns

The Browns were able to come back and hold on to a 22-17 against a surprisingly tough Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Brian Hoyer was 21 of 34 for 300 yards and 2 touchdowns as well as 2 interceptions.  His big play was a 34 yard touchdown pass to Taylor Gabriel which turned out to be the winning points the Browns needed.  He did this with center Nick McDonald continuing to get beat and no sign of a running game from Ben Tate.  Terrance West was able to get some yardage as well as a touchdown pass from Hoyer but was otherwise held in check.

Mike Glennen was 17 of 33 for 167 yards, 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.  It was also a big game for rookie Mike Evans, who caught both touchdowns while doing the Johnny Manziel money sign after each one.  In the end, the defense was able to hold the Bucs offense in check when needed.  Big games by Donte Whitner, Joe Haden and Tashaun Gipson helped the cause.

My take: the Buckeyes were able to take care of business before the big game next week in East Lansing as well as the Browns taking care of their business before meeting up with a huge division game in Cincinnati.  The Browns, though, have to address their issues with the offensive line.  Nick McDonald is a weak link and has caused issues not only with the running game but also keeping Hoyer from being pressured.  The Buckeyes need to keep focused on the task at hand and hopefully playing in front of the loud and enthusiastic crowd at Happy Valley will be a good lesson learned in front of the Spartan's home crowd.

Next up: Thursday night game for the Browns against the Cincinnati Bengals and Saturday nights game for the Bucks against the Michigan State Spartans.  

On The Mark 8.29.14: Browns React (By @MarkW2112)

Browns win their final preseason game 33-13 over the Bears, now prepare for cuts and the Steelers
By @MarkW2112

As the Browns played their final preseason game Thursday night against the Chicago Bears, they needed to come out and make a big splash in order to bring a positive vibe going in to their first game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh on September 7. Thankfully, there were a few more positives than negatives during the Browns 33-13 victory over the Chicago Bears at First Energy Field.

The Browns 1st string offense had an 85 yard drive (albeit against Chicago’s backup defense) capped by a 2 yard touchdown run by Ben Tate. The most impressive part of the drive was Taylor Gabriel who may make the team as the slot receiver with Andrew Hawkins starting opposite Miles Austin this season.

After the successful first series, Johnny Manziel and the second team offense came in and were hot and cold, with a dropped pass by Gary Barnidge and then a fumble by Terrance West on their first drive. After that, Manziel was able to make some dynamic plays, including a 27 yard pass to Nate Burleson after doing what he does best, weaving and avoiding defenders before making the throw. It was probably the most dynamic play Manziel had in the 4 preseason games this year, leading the Browns to a touchdown and a field goal before the end of the first half. The only downside were JFF’s long ball, which looked like wounded ducks more often than not.

Defensively, they were not as bad on third down as they were against the Rams last Saturday night. However, Leon McFadden yet again looked to be a bubble guy who won’t make the team. Justin Gilbert, like he did many times last Saturday, got burned on pass plays, with his most poignant on a catch by Santonio Holmes in which he ran 32 yards for a touchdown where Gilbert went inside instead of outside to stop Holmes. Hopefully Gilbert will learn but his struggles are slightly worrisome for the number 8 pick in the 2014 draft. After that touchdown, the Browns second and third string defense played with much more passion, with guys on the bubble making a case to make the team.

Probably the biggest surprise of the night was the explosiveness of Isiah Crowell, who really hasn’t been on the field that much during the preseason. His 48 yard TD run was absolutely incredible. He ended his night with 102 yards on 13 carries. He absolutely made a case for himself with his burst off the line of scrimmage and tough running, plowing over defenders for extra yards. It’s obvious Dion Lewis will make the roster but Crowell may make it difficult for the Browns to cut him and hope he doesn’t get picked up before going on the Practice Squad.

Now the Browns have some tough choices to make before the final cuts. Do they keep receivers like Nate Burleson, Taylor Gabriel and Willie Snead or go after some cut veterans? Or do they trade one of their linemen (perhaps Ahtyba Ruben) for receiver help? Also, with the emergence of Isiah Crowell tonight, do they keep 4 running backs? A lot of decisions to make it the 53 man roster.

This may have been the final preseason game for the Browns, but it’s now time to get to work.