Th Browns a Sloppy Mess

The Browns suffered their first loss of the preseason to the St. Louis Rams in a sloppy fashion 19-17. When I say sloppy I'm not just referring to the wet, rainy conditions. I'm also referring to the effort and execution displayed in the 1st quarter. Fumbles and uncoordinated snaps tell me that the Browns were not prepared to be playing in inclement weather. I'm not sure if the 1st quarter was a throwback to the old Browns that couldn't move the ball an inch and forgot how to tackle and defend passes, or the nerves of playing in front of a virtuously empty Cleveland Browns Stadium.

On a positive note, Jake Delhomme continued to shine as the Browns leader and quarterback as he went 12/16 for 127 yards and a TD. His quarterback rating, a stunning 118.5 after posting a 106.0 quarterback rating in one drive against the Packers. Jake Delhomme has continued to impress me with his command at the line. I'm seriously looking forward to seeing what he can do during the season.

I was discouraged by the play of Jerome Harrison. Aside from his 32 yard reception, Harrison was non-existent against the Rams. I was very impressed with Peyton Hillis who had 12 carries for 51 yards. Now don't throw me under the BUS, but Hillis is starting to remind me of Jerome Bettis. Several time Hillis attempted to carry the majority of the Rams defenders on his back as he consistently fought for extra yardage. Although Montario Hardesty hasn't seen action in the preseason, and may not be ready until the regular season, Hardesty figures to play a role in the Browns running game. If Hardesty shows the explosive speed and elusiveness expected, with Hillis playing the role of the power back, Harrison may find himself fighting for playingtime.

Colt McCoy is another issue. I wouldn't be upset if McCoy got "injured" this week in practice. By "injured" I mean that Mike Holmgren and Eric Mangini decide to save the former Texas University superstar any further embarrassment and allow him to just sit and learn behind Jake Delhomme. To be honest, if I had my choice right now between A) Brady Quinn, B) Derek Anderson or C) Colt McCoy, I'd have to choose either A or B. Yes Browns fans, it's that bad.

I wasn't happy with the result of the game but once again I saw solid potential in what the Browns are going to offer this season. I am really enjoying the aggressiveness of the Defense. I'm sure head coach Eric Mangini and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll aren't showing all their cards in the preseason, so I'm very excited to see what type of schemes they are going to throw at opposing defenses.

Game Ball goes to: Peyton Hillis (Great Effort)

Hero of the game: Benjamin Watson

Biggest Surprise: Peyton Hillis

Biggest Disappointment: Colt McCoy (2nd Week in a row obviously we                                    are not in Texas anymore Toto.)

Best Play: Jake Delhomme's 6 Yd TD Pass to Benjamin Watson




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