Written by Dave Kolonich

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Let’s wrap up our midseason awards show by lumping all of the rest into one shiny trophy….one that is so immense that it could easily topple over and suffocate one of our starting quarterbacks.

And I’m not going to reveal which one….

Anyway, to add to the first two segments….

2010 Midseason Awards – Offense

2010 Midseason Awards – Defense

Game of the Year
Vs. Cincinnati

I already know what the popular pick is here, but since I’m such a fan of the underdog, I’m going with easily the most entertaining and well-rounded game the Browns have played so far this season.  While the shocker at New Orleans was more than satisfying, the entire experience was a bit surreal.  Did David Bowens really have two interception returns for touchdowns?

In terms of a full team football effort, nothing touches the Browns’ performance against the Bengals.  Although some would say that the Bengals shot themselves in the foot repeatedly with turnovers, our Browns managed to capitalize and win in all three phases of the game.

Of course, more importantly….an offensive identity was further forged by a largely mistake-free passing performance and some tempo-setting running by Peyton Hillis. 

Not the Game of the Year
Vs. Tampa Bay

Nearly two months have passed since the season opener and the Browns have evolved into a much different team than they were in September.  The ghosts of Jake Delhomme and Jerome Harrison have been extinguished and some new legends have arose in Tampa Bay.  Yet, this loss still stings….largely because of the way Delhomme melted down, along with the rest of the team in the humid Florida air.

Worst Fractions
14 1/2

No, this isn’t a reference to the pointspread of the Steelers game – but rather the number of quarters that the Browns played competitive football during their five losses. 

Special Consideration
Brad Seely’s Special Teams Units

It’s so easy to overlook just how good the Browns’ kick coverage units are.  Because the special teams are not winning games by themselves or compensating for a still shaky defense and primitive offense, the likes of Ray Ventrone, Blake Costanzo, T.J. Ward and Joe Haden are unfairly overlooked.  However, in a manner of giving these units their proper respect, can you only imagine how much worse things could be without them?

Special Regression
The Return Game

And in a nod to getting spoiled, special mention has to be given to Josh Cribbs’ struggles this season.  Of course, Cribbs’ well-deserved reputation as a future Hall of Famer has contributed to this decline, since opposing teams are gameplanning against him. 

Marty Schottenheimer Outstanding Gleam Nominee
Eric Mangini

Like him or not, Mangini has performed a Herculean task by keeping these Browns competitive in every single game this season.  Woefully overmatched on a talent basis, Mangini’s Browns have been physical, focused and somewhat disciplined throughout the entire season. 

And for an even better perspective on Mangini’s feat this season, just imagine if we could take back the crippling interceptions of the first two games.  We could easily be looking at a 4-3 team heading into the bye.

Vegas Gambler
Rob Ryan 

Yet for all of Mangini’s hard work, most of the praise falls on Rob Ryan.  While Ryan has certainly improved the defense – another unit void of talent – his best performance came against New Orleans, when he dialed back the self-crippling fake blitzes and endless stunts in favor of playing traditional, hard-nosed defense.  And speaking of the personnel involved, it’s worth noting that Ryan’s defensive line is old and brittle, while his secondary is featuring two rookies and the likes of Abe Elam.

Junior Acheivement
Brian Daboll 

I know it’s popular to bash Daboll, simply because someone has to be held accountable for the team’s offense.  And while Daboll certainly has his moments of ineptitude, he has begun to show some signs of becoming a passable offensive coordinator.  Considering the talent he has to work with – meaning virtually no pass catching threats – it’s amazing that this team has accomplished the success they have.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Rational Members of Browns Nation

Always remember….it could be worse.  And it just may be getting better.