Oct
29
Written by:
LarryMac
10/29/2008 4:05 PM
The Browns returned to Monday Night Football for the first time since 2003 to face the undefeated defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. With a disappointing offense the would further be lacking Kellen Winslow (who was out with an "undisclosed illness") going up against a high-powered Giants team, hopes in Cleveland were slim that the Browns could build on their previous game, a less than impressive win over the winless Cincinnati Bengals.
The Browns came in ready for the spotlight, keeping the Giants grounded in a slow first quarter, which ended with the Browns on top 3-o. The second quarter consisted of the Browns and Giants exchanging body punches and the Browns stood their ground maintaining that narrow lead, 17-14 at the half. In the second half, it was all Cleveland. Braylon Edwards nabbed a touchdown pass and a two-point conversion en route to a career-high 154 yards receiving while Derek Anderson passed for over 300. Eric Wright then capped things off, returning an interception (one of three that Eli Manning threw in the game) 94 yards for the game's final score. Steve Heiden filled in admirably for the absent Winslow, accounting for 59 yards, while Darnell Dinkins did the rest, with a touchdown of his own.
The Browns showed signs of the potent offense that carried them to a 10-6 mark last year. The team still made too many foolish decision, committing 10 penalties, but was able to overcome them with an impressive aerial assault and a disruptive defense that accounted for the game's only sack and all three of the game's turnovers.
This didn't have the look of a game that the Giants looked past, which they easily could have done coming in, this was a Cleveland Browns team taking the field and just flat outplaying the defending world champs. Finally, something to build on in what has started out to be a disappointing campaign!
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