Written by Dave Kolonich

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Let’s take yet another look at Saturday’s night mirth-quake, which easily ranks among the top ten games played by the Browns over the past few seasons.  If you recall, I devised a rather simple technique for charting the overall progress of our still rebuilding team….one that does not overly rely on actual wins. 

Meaning that this….

The Formula

….was deemed irrelevant late Saturday night, considering that the Browns won.

Anyway, let’s have a look: 

1.  Time of Possession

The key to 2010 success was lost on Saturday night – 33:14 to 26:46.  Of course, preseason games being what they are, these numbers are a little skewed.  Certainly, if Jake Delhomme played longer, the Browns would have put together at least 1-2 more long drives.  Of course, likewise – the Packers were a passing machine late in the first quarter and into the second – which certainly carved up some time.

1.  Yards Per Pass Completion

5.1 Yards.  Is anyone jumping out of their seats yet?  While Delhomme and Wallace gave the passing attack a rare sense of actual competence, it is clear that our current system is constructed out of a series of underneath routes and check-down options.  Or in other words – there is no deep threat currently found on the roster.

2.  Red Zone Efficiency – Offense

2/3 – 66% for a first preseason game is not bad.  Throw in the idea that the Browns both ran and threw for a score and the results look a little better.  Perhaps the most exciting event regarding Saturday night was the manner in which the Browns didn’t waste their two longest drives by settling for field goals.

3.  Red Zone Efficiency – Defense

2/3 – 66%

This number represents the Browns’ complete inability to slow down the Green Bay passing attack – highlighted by those moments when a taller Packer receiver created separation in the endzone. 

4.  Third Down Efficiency – Offense

Anyone thrilled with this number?  5/14 – 35%.  More importantly, is anyone thrilled with the combined production of backups Colt McCoy and Brett Ratliff?  Obviously, this stat is more reflective of the deep divide between the top of the QB depth chart and the bottom.

5.  Third Down Efficiency – Defense

3/11 – 27%.  Isn’t this an interesting number?  Thanks to the Packers not having to face many third downs during the first half, this stat is a bit inflated (or is it deflated?)  Anyway, the Browns were tough on third downs – during those times that they actually occurred.

6.  QB Pressures – Offense and Defense

Evidentally, this isn’t the most popular stat to check – if only QB Hurries were a part of fantasy football.  But until that day, I’ll have to rely on my own eyes.  The Browns accounted for two hurries and another sack, while basically giving up the same.

7.  Average Starting Field Position

Depending on how you slice these numbers, the Browns started around their own 27 on their non-turnover drives, and close to the 34 – with the two Green Bay offensive turnovers factored in.  Owing to these numbers were the contributions of two fringe roster players, Gerard Lawson and Syndric Steptoe.

8.  “Big Plays”

With the focus shifting to the passing game, the rushing game did not prove as dynamic as once thought.  Having said that, the number of “big play” rushes were non-existent.  On a related note, Jerome Harrison only had a handful of carries, while Josh Cribbs didn’t play.  However, in a most encouraging sign, I counted 5 “big” passing plays, including the 26-yard catch and run by Peyton Hillis.

9.  Turnovers

It’s possible to just discount these two turnovers as further evidence of why rookie QB’s shouldn’t play in NFL games.  However, on a more positive note, the Browns created three turnovers – suggesting that the Browns could improve in a most vital area.

10.  Penalties

Let’s just equate penalties to practice laps.  5 for 51 is pretty steep…at least for a Mangini-coached team.  Although someone needs to teach John St. Clair some illegal tactics….ones designed to slow down opposing pass rushers.

The Pick

A win is a win….even in the preseason.  But having said that, the numbers do look pretty good.

Of course, once the adult season begins, the Browns will need to reduce their overall number of turnovers (or just not let any rookie QB’s play), increase their time of possession and get more pressure on opposing passers.

But, small steps first.