Cleveland Browns vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: What the Browns Should Have Done
All the optimism for the Cleveland Browns is now gone after a devastating loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2010 NFL season opener.
Experts, critics, and local Cleveland media have all been down on the Browns and new veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme and after a Week 1 loss, and rightfully so.
In the first half, the Browns looked improved, but in the second half, they reverted back to their 2009 ways and the playcalling was suspect.
And suspect is saying that in a nice way.
Here are observations on where the Browns should have done things differently and perhaps they would be sitting at 1-0 instead of 0-1 to begin the new season.
Play Calling Should Not Have Been Conservative in Second Half
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Back in 2009, the Browns' offense was completely inept for the majority of the season, and the second half of the Bucs game was more of the same.
Obviously, after Delhomme threw his first interception, you knew that the Browns were going to walk on eggshells and get conservative until Delhomme regained his composure.
Sadly, the conservative play-calling never stopped after he threw his first pick and the Browns should have used that time to run the Cyclone more.
Where Was The Cyclone?
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After all the hype in the offseason about the new Wildcat the Browns were going to run with both Seneca Wallace and Josh Cribbs on the field at the same time, the Browns did not use the formation enough to throw off the Bucs' defense.
After Delhomme's first interception was the perfect time to bring in Wallace and Cribbs for several plays while Delhomme got his bearings and recovered from the pick.
The Browns did not take advantage of that time and instead went way too conservative.
Not Enough Cribbs
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Josh Cribbs is the Browns' playmaker, but he was a non-factor in the game for reasons unknown.
You gave the guy more money, now use him better.
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Hillis Fumbles Should Have Led To James Davis
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Running back Peyton Hillis had two fumbles, losing one of them, and then he did not see much playing time after.
Jerome Harrison played most of the game after the second fumble, but the Browns should have brought in James Davis to mix up the running attack.
Once again a failed opportunity by the coaching staff to better use their roster and Davis' talent.
Bonus Positive: Linebacker Marcus Benard
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One of the few bright spots for the Browns against the Bucs was backup linebacker Benard, who had 1.5 sacks.
He continues to excel in the Browns' pass rush and he should see even more time after his quarterback pressures and sacks on Sunday.
Final Thoughts
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A very disappointing loss for the Browns to start the new season and even on Facebook there are many already saying the good old phrase, "There's always next year."
Delhomme looked sharp at the start, but his confidence was rocked after that first interception and the ineptness of the Browns offense in the second half is a direct result of bad play calling.
Browns fans are already in an uproar and some are even calling for offensive coordinator Brian Daboll to be fired now.
Hopefully, the train can get back on the tracks for next week's home opener in Cleveland against the Kansas City Chiefs.
(Also posted on Dawg Scooper: THE Cleveland Browns Blog)
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