Gary Barnidge caught eight passes for 139 yards and a touchdown that will likely be in the running for catch of the year in the victory that brought the Browns record to 2-3 on the season.
Cleveland will host Peyton Manning and the 5-0 Broncos on Sunday.
My apologies for this going up so late.
I did the podcast instead yesterday,so I watched the tape last night to type this up today...
Brownie Bits
1) I have to say it-Josh McCown has far exceeded anything that I thought he was capable of.
Ok vs Oakland,Good vs San Diego,but his performance in Baltimore was unreal.
McCown became the first quarterback in the HISTORY OF THE GAME to have over 450 yards passing,two touchdowns passing,a rushing touchdown and not get intercepted.
You cannot quibble with that.
2) All of that written,I still stand by that Johnny Manziel needs to play sometime during this season.
The Browns need to know if they are young passer shopping next year and unless (and I would not be surprised if this is the case) they have already decided that Manziel isn't the guy and they are looking to draft a QB no matter what,they need to find some time for him to play eventually.
If you have come to the conclusion that you are doing that in any circumstance already,then play Josh McCown.
The only reason to play Manziel is to evaluate and if that process is completed-I would have no issues with McCown playing the season...
3) Considering that the Browns want to be a running team and that they have put virtually nothing into the wide receiver position (Unless you like the nine million for a guy to be inactive in Dwayne Bowe) by Ray Farmer,this has become an effective passing team.
I have been screaming for two years about the lack of attention shown to the pass catchers,but these obscure players have certainly played well.
This makes me think one of two ways-Is a number one pass catcher a need or is it now even more of a glaring opening as a top level player could really open things up for the current crop.
4) Still not thrilled with the pass protection as Alex Mack and Joel Bitonio still regressing.
Bitonio in particular stood out as he was dominated by journeyman Lawrence Guy,who beat him for two sacks and another one that was called back by a Baltimore penalty.
It's perhaps the most clear problem with the lack of continuity in the front office and coaching staff.
Bitonio was a great fit in one blocking scheme and struggles like a castoff in another.
5) The defense still has holes.
Justin Forsett rushed for well over 100 yards and if not for an ankle injury on a run that moved the ball inside the Cleveland five,could have possibly ended the game in regulation.
The run defense still is far from even average..
6) Joe Haden suffered a concussion and will mostly likely miss the Denver game on Sunday.
The bigger question is will Haden be available for the following game against the Rams.
The injury came at a bad time as Haden was in the middle of the best game that that he has played all season...
7) Gary Barnidge continued to roll up receiving stats that far outweigh the wildest dreams of Browns fans.His catch for the touchdown that Tyebriefly gave the Browns the lead was caught with his thighs and then he reached down and transferred it to his hands for the score.
Barnidge's numbers are surprising to say the least,but the veteran deserves the time in the sun...
8) Travis Coons improved to 10 for 10 on the season in field goals with the game winner included in the total.
Young kickers are always a high risk high reward play when you sign them,but thus far,the Washington Huskie has been quite the find...
9) The Browns did have some dumb penalties.
Ka'waun Williams had a really dumb high hit on a uncatchable ball that would have left a 4th down.
Danny Shelton got two-one for twisting an ankle of a Raven which was justified and a tossing the ball "at a Raven" which appeared to me to be tossing the ball to the ref and a Raven walked by him...
10) Finally and you can check the podcast for more Browns talk,where does this place the Browns?
I'm concerned this will be another win enough to not be rotten,but not enough to be even average.
Few things are worse than 6-10 or 7-9.I'd rather be 3-13....
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