Browns Fall To 1-11 But All Is Not Lost

San Diego looked like a team headed for the playoffs  in beating the Cleveland Browns 30-23. The Browns put up a fight much like you would not expect from a 1-11 team. While the 2009 season will go down in Browns’ history as one of its worst ever, they are still playing hard.

In a season to forget, Cleveland may have found a few pieces to their puzzle in the loss to San Diego. Quarterback Brady Quinn looked solid against the Chargers, throwing for 271 yards and three touchdowns. It looks like Cleveland won’t have to use a draft pick on a QB next spring. Quinn is starting to look like the player the Browns thought they were getting with the 22nd pick in the 07 draft.

Cleveland may have also found a tight end in 6-6 247 pound Evan Moore, who caught six passes for 80 yards in his first NFL game. Moore showed excellent hands and an ability to get open while becoming Quinn’s favorite target.  Another pleasant sighting was Brian Robiskie, who caught four passes for 69 yards. Is it just me or are Cleveland’s young wide receivers starting to grow up. Stuckey, Massaquoi and Robiskie all had good games against the Chargers. I also have to give credit to the offensive line on an overall good game.

While I saw some reasons of hope for the future in this game, there are also a lot of areas that need addressed  this off season. Cleveland’s  secondary play was horrible. The lack of a playmaker at safety is a huge weakness for the Browns. Brodney Pool’s absence  was felt against the Chargers.  Cleveland needs to strengthen this area either through the draft or free agency.  Also, can someone explain to me why the Browns draft college defensive ends, convert them to OLBs, then put them in pass coverage?

Even though the Browns lost, there are some players stepping up to state their case for next year. In a very dismal season, that’s good to see.

Article originally posted on http://www.nfltouchdown.com/