Written by Dave Kolonich

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I called it on Saturday – not a win, mind you, but rather the prediction that yesterday’s game would be incredibly entertaining.  After all, the Bengals were in town.

The Moralist

After yesterday’s game, I found myself on the Cleveland.com website looking at reader comments….and yes, the euphoria of our team’s first win did some strange things to me. 

Anyway, I found an odd strain of moralism beginning as T.J. Ward was bashed repeatedly for his cheapshot on the Bengals’ Jordan Shipley. 

Just imagine that. 

Suddenly, Browns fans unaccustomed to hard-hitting, successful NFL football took issue with Ward’s aggressiveness.  As if anyone truly wants to return to the days of Sean Jones and Brodney Pool’s anemic safety offerings.  If Ward’s hit should be viewed as anything, it should be as a harbinger of things to come for the Browns.  Finally, The Process has evolved enough to the point that a physical on-field product has been revealed in Cleveland.

The Moralist – Part Two

And for those of you who truly remain affected by Ward’s fine-worthy offense, then consider the case of the Bengals’ big-hitting Roy Williams pinging helplessly off a charging Peyton Hillis.  If any image can – or hopefully should – set the tone for the rest of the season, it was this run. 

From the aspect of strength vs. strength and young vs. old, Hillis knocking out Williams out of Sunday’s game was nothing but a signature moment in the evolution of the Browns….

…at least for now.  Baby steps.

Anyway, let’s take a deeper look at what came before us…

Looking Up

1.  Obviously, the Browns’ running game was the highlight of Sunday.  However, more significant was the idea that the Browns returned to their running game roots after a slow first half start.  Considering the way the Browns finished the afternoon, with a “four-minute offense” featuring nothing but the ground attack – such a move was necessary in order to finally finish off an opponent.

2.  Ben Watson and Chanci Stuckey were the first down equivalent of what Mohammed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie (remember him?) were supposed to offer on third downs.

Or something like that….

Anyway, much like last December, it’s quite remarkable that the Browns pulled out a win – along with leading in the fourth quarters of their first three games – without having a consistent wide receiving threat on the roster.  However, in the case of Watson and Stuckey – and Evan Moore – the Browns did just enough in the passing game to survive.

3. Anyway, how refreshing was it to see the Browns throw the ball on first down?  Probably not as refreshing as witnessing some actual completions. 

However, in this sense – give some credit to beleagured offensive coordinator Brian Daboll for mixing up his calls.

4.  Credit is also due to Rob Ryan for using some early corner blitzes – which sometimes forced Carson Palmer to get rid of the ball early.  While not always successful, at least Ryan gave the Bengals’ offense something to think about.

5.  Of course, the Browns’ pass rush seemed the most productive later in the game, when Matt Roth and Marcus Benard played ends on a three-man line.  And some food for thought - are Roth and Benard better “hands-down” players than standup outside linebackers?  Or is that merely a question of integrity?

Hiding Your Face

1.  In the glow of an early October win lies the inconvenient fact that the Browns’ passing offense managed only two second-half completions.  On the drives prior to the final one – the ones in which the Browns managed to give away most of a 13-point lead – the passing offense was abysmal.  Gone were the efficient first-down passes and short yardage gains – to be replaced by a series of Reggie Hodges punts.

2.  I guess winning does cure all.  Had the Browns not pulled out a win yesterday, Sheldon Brown would have been the latest Browns’ corner to be crucified.  Unfortunately for Brown, his biggest mistake yesterday was a case of the stumbles – as Terrell Owens compiled a third of his receiving yardage on just one play.  Otherwise, T.O.’s big day was created more by the Browns’ tendency to give all the Bengals 3-4 yards to work with.

3.  Another easily forgotten item regards the most high-profile position on the field, as Seneca Wallace made his third consecutive start.  Again, the cheap descriptions of “game manager” could be applied here.  However, Wallace was relied on more heavily yesterday than in any of his first two starts, as the offense threw the ball far more often early on.

4.  Of course considering that our Browns are featuring a “backup QB”, you have to take the good with the bad.  In this sense, Wallace is an interesting case.  On one hand, he fits well within a “system” offense – one that features quick reads and passes.  However, when the initial reads aren’t open and pass protection begins to break down, Wallace has shown he can make some plays with his feet. 

Of course, the problem lies in that grey area in between.  For the third week in a row, Wallace made a few passes that showed he was far too entrenched in a preset route.  Or in other words, once the arm goes backward…..

5.  Like most of Browns Nation, I love the rededication to the ground attack.  However, like any concerned parent, I have to worry about how Hillis’ body will respond to his increased workload.  To this end, it would be great if the Browns could find a “change of pace” type of back – one who could give Hillis an occasional rest.

Hmmmm…..I wonder if we have anyone like that on the roster.

Happy Returns

1.  Even though it isn’t technically a “return”, it was great to see Tony Pashos play another game at right tackle.  While not the most revelatory of moves, it’s worth noting that a huge Hillis run and a great sideline pass to Stuckey happened because of Pashos.

2.  It’s easy to forget, but Shaun Rogers can still be a force at defensive tackle – if not at least a distraction.  Although the defensive staff can still not figure out a way to get both Rogers and Ahtyba Rubin on the field at the same time, the veteran nose tackle made some plays and clearly disrupted the Bengals’ pass protection. 

3.  Welcome back, David Bowens.  Talk about some versatility.  From playing inside linebacker to coverage man and defensive tackle during passing downs, the Browns’ defense benefitted from playing one of the team’s most flexible defenders.

4. And if we’re talking about figurative returns, let’s give Kenyon Coleman some credit.

5. And how about that Matt Roth?

The Pick – Part Two

It’s far easier to make this statement after a win, but yesterday’s game showed us a more ideal vision of The Process.  However, the extent to which this process plays out over the course of 2010 is still to be determined. 

But in the end – one thing is clear.  Like I mentioned a couple weeks ago, part one of The Process has been established.  These Browns – as flawed as they are – match up well within the AFC North.

And in doing so, they’ve actually created a bit of excitement moving forward.