Behind Peyton Hillis' Tough and Physical Running, Browns Tame Bengals, 23-20

Fellow Dawgs,  

For once, there was no dramatic Carson Palmer scramble or a clutch dagger throw to beat the Browns.

This time, the Browns took it to Palmer and finally showed that they are becoming a more physically hitting team as they knocked out Palmer and his Bengals 23-20.

Behind Peyton Hillis' 102 yards and rushing touchdown, the Browns were not going to let another fourth-quarter lead slip away.

To think that this Browns team is, in my opinion, light years ahead of last year's. If not for letting fourth-quarter leads slip away against Tampa Bay, Kansas City and most recently Baltimore, this team could easily be 3-1.

As for the game, Hillis has provided the Browns with a much-needed physical and tough inside running game that Jerome Harrison could never provide, along with great versatility in the passing game. Hillis, who was traded to Denver for Ohio icon Brady Quinn, has been a revelation for the Browns.

Starting quarterback Seneca Wallace provided another solid start going 18-for-30 for 184 yards with one TD and one interception. Alongside tight end Benjamin Watson's six receptions for 60 yards, the Browns are making steps in the right direction.

Beating Palmer, who has historically torched Cleveland, was a big win.   

Not to be outdone was rookie T.J Ward, who laid out Bengals rookie receiver Jordan Shipley on a potential TD/ They would later seal the game on a Hillis 20-yard run.

The Browns may be the best 1-3 team in terms of potential. Their defense still needs some work as Palmer connected with receiver Terrell Owens on a 78-yard TD play. The Browns must tighten up their secondary and get some pressure on opposing QBs.

With Ryan, Roethlisberger and Brees waiting, the Browns cannot afford to have their young secondary abused by more talented upper-ecehelon teams.  

And as for Hillis, who is averaging 80.5 yards rushing, 23.5 yards receiving with has four touchdowns, it won't be a matter of time before Browns fans start saying "Brady who?"  

Dawgfather