Palmer, Bengals Escape Cleveland, Browns Lose 23-30 in OT

Browns Backers, 

slip - "to get away or free oneself from; escape (a pursuer, restraint, leash, etc.)" 

In a game in which the Browns offense may have finally found a spark of life, it was the defense that once again flat-lined.

The question that remains is that at 0-4, will the Browns 2009 season need to call a coroner? 

With their first win withing their grasp, Bengals QB, Carson Palmer manged to not only slip out of the grasp of the Browns, but also help keep the Browns first win out of reach.  

Make no mistake about this latest loss, the Browns looked a lot more competitive and played tough and hard for a full 60 minutes. 

Browns QB, Derek Anderson, yes THAT Derek Anderson, who is the bane of every Browns fan moved the team down the field and led them to a 17-14 lead well into the third quarter by running for a TD and finding TE Steve Heiden on one. He threw for 269 yards along with one INT. 

Second round draft pick, WR Mohammed Massaqoui had a breakout game, catching a career best 148 yards, and looking like the new No. 2 Browns receiver in the process with some nice smooth catches. Massaqoui managed to keep fellow Browns WR, Braylon Edwards, without a catch.

Browns running back, James Harrison would gallop for 121 yards including some tough inside runs; and it would be a crime to not mention PR/KR Joshua Cribbs, as he would compile 223 yards of total offense and constantly set up the Browns with good field position. 

So you have to wonder how the Browns, with this sudden offensive eruption after being dormant for so long; and managed to rally from a 14-0 deficit; are 0-4, their worst record since coming back in 1999.

I will first give Rob Ryan and his defense some credit, for playing a tough and hard game, highlighted by Shaun Rogers blocking two FG's and even getting some production from Kamerion Wimbley and Corey Williams. 

But once again, the defense would fold like a cheap hand in Texas Hold-Em and allow a game-deciding score in the second half.

Except that this time it was in overtime. 

Make no mistake, Mangini showed some serious cojones in benching Quinn and starting Anderson. He did this despite the unanimously negative Cleveland backlash in benching the hometown hero, Quinn. Since, even Brain Daboll ditched his offensive courdinator's instruction manual for once.

Anderson played confident, spread the ball around and didn't throw an INT.

This team must now learn to finish a game and play a full and complete 60 minutes of football.  

If the offensive output and tough-as-nails defense can continue the way it did today, then I am confident in saying Cleveland is indeed heading in the right direction.   

A spark may have been lit after all.

Dawgs Die Hard!