| Ricky E. Morris. 25th September, 2005 - 9:06 pm
 The Browns are 1-1 in there first two games. There are so many positives offensively I don’t know where to start off. I decided to start off with a few congratulations to three people that helped the Browns win a HUGE GAME this past Sunday. First and foremost, congratulations to Romeo Crennel on his first win as a head coach. Trent Dilfer deserves congratulations for his back to back games where he throws for at least 300 yards. Finally, congratulations to Braylon Edwards on his very first touchdown catch.
The Browns offense has come out roaring in the last two games like it has never been before. They are currently ranked 4th in total offense. Though the Browns have only played two games there are things that need to be considered, the Browns are a brand new team, half of last years roster has been cut in the offseason, everyone is in a new offensive system, there is a new quarterback, new starting running back and starting receivers. So while it is easy to say that the Browns have faced easy defenses, they have also come without experience. The Browns have come out of the gates on fire and this is a good sign of things to come.
Imagine being a team, playing in Lambeau Field, while Reggie White (a Packers legend) is being honored and having his number retired. The emotion running through the home teams fans and players. The Browns were that team Sunday, and they won a tough game. Trent Dilfer is currently ranked 2nd in the NFL in total passing yards with 614. Dilfer has a 95 QB rating, four touchdowns and is completing over 62% of his passes. Dilfer has always been an underdog in his career and this weekend it was no different. “Expert” Steve King from ESPN predicted the Packers would beat the Browns 30-3. Dilfer in his career was 0-8 against the Packers all time. Instead of becoming another losing statistic he threw three touchdowns in a winning effort. Dilfer looked like a young 21 year old throwing the ball accurate and showing no signs of age.
The biggest difference on the Browns team is offensive line. For the first time since 1992, the Browns went back to back games without allowing a sack. New terms for Browns fans to learn since this new offensive line has come to form. Pocket is one of those new terms; Trent Dilfer has seen a pocket that Tim Couch, Kelly Holcomb, and Jeff Garcia would be very jealous of. If the Browns offensive line continues to give Dilfer the protection, the Browns may have a chance at a .500 record this year.
Andra Davis has had the quietest 29 tackles in the NFL. He recorded 19 this Sunday against the Packers. Davis during the preseason looked last at times in the new 3-4. Since the season started, Davis has caught on to it very fast filling up holes and making tackles. The Browns 3-4 defense only allowed Ahman Green to rush for 54 yards Sunday. Leigh Bodden has been a sudden surprise as well. Against the Bengals, Bodden didn’t allow Chad Johnson to catch any touchdowns and had two Interceptions (one returned for a touchdown). (Unfortunately one of those Interceptions was called back) Though the Browns still have a lot of work defensively, they are looking better and better since that first preseason game against the Giants.
With things looking positive there is plenty of optimism in Cleveland. It appears that the team is headed in the right direction. Led by an underrated quarterback, Trent Dilfer is full of passion the Browns may have a shot this year to play spoiler. |
