Oct
15
Written by:
LarryMac
10/15/2008 2:59 PM
The Browns limped into this game after two disappointing losses, looking to right their ship against a Baltimore Ravens squad that, with an aging defense and a young, unproven quarterback, wasn't expected to contend this year. The Ravens came in with a 1-0 record having taken care of the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1, before Hurricane Ike postponed their Week 2 match-up with Houston.
Lackluster performances by both teams left the Browns on top at the half, 10-7. That would be it for the Browns, as the Ravens would wake up at the half and lay 21 points on them in the 3rd quarter as the Browns continue to battle themselves as well as their opponents this season. Derek Anderson was constantly under pressure, as the highly touted offensive line of the Browns would yield five sacks and countless hurries en route to three interceptions. Kellen Winslow and Jamal Lewis remained under-utilized and the team's sloppy play continued, as they accumulated more penalty yards in the game than rushing yards. Leading receiver, Braylon Edwards, racked up only 27 yards as the offense never really seemed to get on track. Questionable clock management once again reared its ugly head, as coach Romeo Crennel opted to punt with 9 seconds left in the first half instead of a last, long shot at the end zone with no time for Baltimore to do anything with the ball should the attempt fail.
The Browns continue to be their own worst enemy. The defense stepped up the last two weeks, only to have the offense sputter last week and completely implode this week. Game management is non-existent, as is discipline.
If ever there was an opponent that the Browns might be able to wake out of their funk against, it would be their upcoming opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals - a franchise that has mastered self-destruction.
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