Written by Chris Hutchison

---

You can only get so eloquent writing about the frustration of futile repetition.

We've seen this game before.  Maybe not this season so much, but many times in the past.  The Browns get up on an opponent.  You KNOW it won't last.  It doesn't.  It comes down to the last minutes, and more often than not they will find defeat no matter where it is hidden.

The 1st Half showed great promise, including the long-awaited 1st Quarter TD.  After a Jabaal Sheard sack/forced fumble led to a late score, the Browns went to the locker room up 17-7, sporting an effective Offense and looking better than they have all year.

But the only question Browns fans were asking was "How will they blow it?"  Literally.  Two separate people texted me that question at Halftime, verbatim.

Here's how:  The Offense went into a shell.  One scoring drive (34 yards, resulted in a 54 yard FG), then 3 straight drives that ended in either a 3 and Out or a turnover.  A return to the predictable and conservative - every 2nd Half drive (except the last that started with about 30 seconds left) began with a Hillis run up the middle.

The Defense was culpable too.  Top ranked Pass Defense my ass - Andy Dalton is solid, but he shouldn't own the Secondary the way he did.  The Browns got up by 10 twice, but the Defense was embarrassed by the riches and gave it all away to charity.

The aforementioned turnover (a terrible McCoy INT that he was apparently trying to throw away) killed any cushion the Browns had, and they did what they do when faced with adversity - crumble.

Despite the collapse, Cleveland still had a chance to win the game at the end.  But a flubbed FG attempt gave Cincy great field position which they predictably cashed in for the winning score.  Cleveland's final drive was messy and incoherent and nowhere competent enough.  Browns lose another close one.

Except when they play the upper crust teams of the NFL (and the Bengals sure aren't one), the Browns can hang with anyone.  The can also lose to anyone.

If they played Cincy 10 times in a row, they'd probably win 4.  There's just not that much that separates the 2 teams.  A player here, a player there.  A play here, a play there.  That's all it takes to sweep a season series which easily could've been swept by Cleveland.

Ah well.  I was really hoping they could pull this one out, if just to douse the false hopes of all 236 Bengals fans, but losses hurt less when you're out of it anyway and the L gets you a better draft pick.

Because AJ Green just showed you the difference an elite player can make.  No one on the Browns makes that leaping grab (51 yard catch on 3rd and 8 with a minute left and the score tied), and they probably punt and take their chances in OT (or lose it in regulation).  But Andy Dalton sails that ball high and a special player like Green jumps up and takes it down to where Cincy can run down the clock and put the winning points on the board.  The game ended with that catch.

Cleveland needs a few more guys that can do stuff like that.  Even just one or two.

That's the difference between 4-7 and 7-4.

_____________________

Stats

Time of Possession:  CIN - 31:34, CLE - 28:26

Total Yards:  CIN - 389, CLE - 274

Yards Passing:  CIN - 257, CLE - 140

Yards Rushing:  CLE - 134, CIN - 132

First Downs:  CIN - 18, CLE - 17

Turnovers Forced:  CIN - 1, CLE - 1

Sacks:  CIN – 2, CLE - 1

Final Score:  Cincitucky 23, Cleveland 20

The passing yardage seems skewed to me - I got no sense during the game that the Bengals were significantly outgaining the Browns.  51 of that came on that horrible damn AJ Green catch near the end, so a big chunk of the disparity can be explained by that.  The fact that Green is better than Greg Little and Jermaine Gresham is better than Ben Watson and Andy Dalton is better than Colt McCoy also probably has something to do with it.

A disappointing number over the last several weeks has been Cleveland's sack total.  After starting off with 16 sacks in the first 6 games (that was in only 5 games really, since that included a donut against the Titans), they've managed only 5 in the last 5 (1 sack each).  The pressure reduction can be easily explained by 2 starters being rookies that are surely running out of gas by this point, but it is troubling nonetheless.

Again, the Browns outrushed a team they had no business outrushing, but this week it feels a little less impressive since 38 of those rushing yards came on McCoy scrambles.

_____________________

Game Balls

Jabaal Sheard - He and Phil Taylor seem to switch their good weeks back and forth (Sheard had a sack and forced fumble and almost had a couple more).  Imagine if they can have a big game at the same time.

Jordan Norwood - Hard to believe this guy was riding pine in deference to Brian flippin' Robiskie for a chunk of the season.   

_____________________

Honorable Mention

Colt McCoy - Pretty good again today, just not good enough to get the win.  That pick was just inexcusable (if you're "throwing it away", then make sure that thing lands in Kentucky), but he IS starting to look like he grasps what he's supposed to do, and probably would've had a much bigger game but for the drops.

D'Qwell Jackson - He was fairly invisible in this game, but still led the team with 9 tackles (5 solo, 4 assist).

Peyton Hillis - For showing up.  Yeah, he looked slow and unimpressive and reminded me why the Browns are willing to let him dangle, but he does have some power on the short runs the other guys don't.  So... yeah.

Scott Paxson - If only for the valiant battle he won to recover Dalton's fumble.

Kaluka Maiava - Nice stop of Cedric Benson on 4th and Goal.  It just delayed the inevitable, but nice nonetheless.

_____________________

Wall of Shame

Joe Haden - What happens when your shutdown Corner is just "down"?  Haden was playing at an elite level earlier this season, but he's not quite there anymore.  Could it be injury related?  Sheer speculation.  But right now, Revis Island he ain't.  He's so far from finding Revis Island right now that it might as well be that island from Lost.

Sheldon Brown - It hurts my soul to watch him out there being so not-good.

Eric Hagg - It was Hagg's turn to be the Safety-Get-Burned-By-Tight-End.

Ryan Pontbriand - This is how long snappers find themselves unemployed:  Muff the snaps on potential game-winning FG's twice in 3 weeks.  Dude got cursed since Mike Polk was seen wearing his jersey on YouTube.

Greg Little - How many drops you have, G?  6?  10?  Sure, you caught a few and got your 1st NFL TD (congrats).  But you are this team's Larry Fitzgerald (no, I'm not saying you're anywhere near as good as Fitzgerald, just that you're that much better than the rest of the team's WR's) and you can't be screwing your team with your Braylon-hands.

_____________________

Regarding First Quarter Touchdowns

INT. OFFICE - NIGHT

Pat Shurmur sits at his desk, contentedly reading an old issue of Mad Magazine (this one featuring the Star Trek Musical).  A knock comes at the door and he glances up.

Shurmur:  Come!

Mark Whipple, QB Coach, and Mike Wilson, WR Coach, both walk into the room.  Shurmur smiles and stands up.

Wilson:  You wanted to see us, Coach?

Shurmur:  Yes.  Have a seat.

He motions to a couple chairs, and they sit down.  Shurmur walks over to a chalkboard, where he picks up an oversized piece of orange chalk with a blue-haired troll on the end.  He turns, smiles at the men, and takes a deep, nervous breath.

Shurmur:  Gentlemen, I have a radical idea.

Whipple and Wilson look at each other, then back to Pat.

Wilson:  You've had radical ideas all year, Coach.

Whipple:  Yeah!  How 'bout the 5 yard pass on 3rd and 9?  Who could see that coming?

Wilson:  Or all those runs on 1st Down!  You just don't see that nowadays.

Shurmur holds up his hand, smiling placatingly.

Shurmur:  Thank you, thank you, but this is even crazier.  This is OUT there.

Whipple and Wilson are excited - they're on the edge of their seats.

Shurmur (drawing a large number 1 on the board):  I call it "First Quarter Touchdown".

Wilson mouths the words "First Quarter" while Whipple looks around, clearly confused.

Whipple:  First Quarter what?

Shurmur:  Touchdown.

Whipple:  Touchdown?

Shurmur:  Touchdown.

Whipple looks to Wilson for help.

Whipple:  Are we allowed to do that?

Wilson (shrugging):  Don't look at me.

Shurmur:  I know, I know, I thought it was illegal too.  But I did some research... well, my son did some research... and it is my understanding that there is nothing in the rulebook preventing us from doing it.

Whipple scratches his head and looks like he's in pain.  Wilson narrows his eyes.

Wilson:  Have you checked this with the league office?

Shurmur:  Well... no.  If we're wrong, I'm kinda hoping they don't notice.  Because, remember that San Francisco game?

Wilson and Whipple (together):  Yeah...

Shurmur:  They scored a First Quarter Touchdown, didn't they?

Whipple:  By gum, they did!

Shurmur:  And Houston, hell, they scored 2 of them on us.

Wilson:  I told you you should've thrown the challenge flag on that.

Shurmur:  Well I'm glad I didn't, cuz now it looks like I would've lost.  And then that Houston game might not've been so close.

There is silence as the two Offensive coaches process this new information.

Whipple:  So, how do we go about doing one of those... whaddaya call 'em?

Shurmur:  First Quarter Touchdown.

Whipple:  ...First Quarter Touchdown.  How do we do a First Quarter Touchdown?

Shurmur:  Well, that's where you guys come in.  I've kinda hit a brick wall on this one.  I googled "First Quarter Touchdown", and it came back with a lot of stories about teams getting these things, but it doesn't really say how.  Any ideas?

Wilson stares at the ceiling and makes a face of concentration.  Whipple chews on his thumb.

Wilson:  Not go 3 and out?

Shurmur:  Good!  That's good.  If we don't go 3 and out, we'll have a better chance at a First Quarter Touchdown.  Anything else?

Whipple:  Get some 1st Downs?

Shurmur:  Well... that kind of goes hand in hand with that thing that Wilson said, but, yeah, I suppose so.

Wilson:  Throw the ball down the field?

Both Shurmur and Whipple break out laughing.

Shurmur:  Whoa whoa whoa there, crazy horse!  We need something radical, but that's just off the rocker!

Wilson looks down at his feet, ashamed.

Wilson:  I know, I don't know what I was thinkin'...

Shurmur stares at the men for a few more moments, but when it becomes apparent no more suggestions are forthcoming, he turns back to the chalkboard and draws a big "TD" next to the 1.

Shurmur (still drawing):  I want you guys to look into this more in preparation for the Bengals game this week.  Ask around, maybe look at those tapes that have plays and stuff on them.  Find out what we need to do to get one of these things.  They might even help us win!

Wilson and Whipple glance at each other again, breaking into eager smiles as they stand up.

Wilson:  You got it, Coach!

Whipple:  You can count on us!

Shurmur smiles reassuringly at them, and they turn and leave the room.  Shurmur turns back to the chalkboard, drawing a smiley face in the "D".

Shurmur (quietly, to himself):  Big Time, here we come.

FADE OUT.

_____________________

Regarding Mock Drafts

As the college season winds down and the NFL haves and have-nots begin to solidify their positions, mock drafts begin to sprout like herpes sores on the mouths of Steelers fans.

I checked out 10 mock drafts this week to see who the "experts" saw coming Cleveland's way with their two 1st Round picks, and this is what I found:

Walter Football

1st pick - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

2nd pick - Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

National Football Authority

1st - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

2nd - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

Football Draft Notebook

1st - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

2nd - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

CBS Sportsline/NFL Draft Scout

1st - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama (Rob Rang)

1st - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama (Chad Reuter)

2nd - Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama (Rang)

2nd - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina (Reuter)

NFL Mocks

1st - Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

2nd - Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

NFL's Future

1st - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

2nd - Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

FF Toolbox

1st - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

2nd - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

NFL Draft Geek

1st - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

2nd - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

My NFL Draft

1st - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

2nd - Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

So, uh... hmmmm... hard to see any patterns there.

Despite the needs at DE, CB, LB, and RT (and maybe QB), most everyone sees our most pressing needs at RB and WR.  Only one guy has the Browns taking a QB, and that was a half-hearted give at best.

It appears that everyone is assuming that Peyton Hillis is gone (good assumption) and that Montario Hardesty is too fragile (also a good assumption) to get it done on a consistent basis.  Thus, we have to draft a RB high.

I gotta tell ya, part of me hates that pick.  RB's are a dime a dozen.  Maybe not "great" RB's, but have "great" RB's helped the Eagles, Vikings, Jaguars, or Rams?  Running Backs don't make or break teams anymore - Quarterbacks do.  Pass Rushers do.  Cornerbacks do.  Offensive Tackles do.  You can pick up a RB in the 2nd or even 3rd Round, plug him in, and count on 3 or 4 good years.

But every time I watch Richardson, I consider it.  He has the potential to be a Top 5 back right away, and man would that be sweet.

And Alshon Jeffery with the 2nd pick?  He's the consensus 2nd best WR in the draft, and it looks like once again the Browns are just good enough to miss on the best one (Justin Blackmon).  I'm not absolutely sold that Jeffery has the speed to stretch the field - something that Cleveland desperately needs.  But he is a hell of a prospect and would turn the Browns WR corps from a joke into a menace, what with their depth chart going Jeffery, Little, Massaquoi, Norwood, Cribbs.

Hypothetical starting lineup:  Alshon Jeffery, Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Alex Mack, Jason Pinkston, Free Agent/Drafted RT, Ben Watson, Greg Little, Colt McCoy, Owen Marecic, Trent Richardson.

Even the excuse-makers would have trouble defending McCoy if he failed then.

_____________________

Regarding Whatever

***Dave Chudowsky of Channel 3 News on the Browns Tonight program:  "The Browns could have had [AJ] Green, but instead they waited and took Greg Little in the 2nd Round."

Chud, how, pray tell, could they have had AJ Green?  Should they have selected him even though he was already off the board?  Should they have held Mike Brown at gunpoint and forced a trade?

He was gone.  I'm sure if he was there, the Browns would've taken him.

If you're a Cleveland Sports Anchor, you should know these things.

***By the time you read this, Scott Fujita might be on IR with a broken hand.

Will we notice?

***Welcome to Columbus, Urban Meyer.

***Wow, are those Michigan fans excited about their "big" win.  A victory at home against a 6-6 Buckeyes team headed by an interim Coach with a freshman QB.  Whoopidy-doo.  You should have a freakin' parade.

Christ, it must've been bad in Ann Arbor the last several years for the Wolverines and their fans to act like Browns fans that just beat a 6-6 Steelers team.  Yep, very exciting for you.  Enjoy it while you can.

***Speaking of Michigan, they have to be the worst 10-2 team I've ever seen.  They play a nothing non-conference schedule (unless you're one of those homers that considers Notre Dame "good"), then lose to every high-quality conference team they play.  It certainly doesn't attest to the strength of the Big 10.

Somehow, they got lucky and didn't make the Big 10 Championship game.  It would've been very entertaining to see what Wisconsin would do to them.

***Which backs up my opinion that teams that don't play in Conference Championship games shouldn't play in BCS games.

***From Pat Shurmur's Monday Presser:  "Throwing and catching is very important."

No word on if he later added "Water is very important" or "Oxygen is very important".

***I heard a lot of people this week claim that Hillis' return sparked the run game.

Huh?  They ran the ball much better last week with Og.

***Several weeks ago, when my starting QB was on a bye, I picked up and started Tim Tebow on a whim.  That was the week Denver played Detroit, who drilled them.  I think Tebow had negative points for me as he "led" my team to a loss and a 2-6 record.

Naturally, I dropped Tebow and changed my team's name to "We Suck, But Not As Much As Tebow".

But apparently Tebow is such a "winner" that even the presence of his name on my team has allowed me to reel off 4 straight wins and a very real shot at the Playoffs.

He's so dreamy.

_____________________

Next Up

Baltimore Ravens (8-3).

Cincy is what I thought they were.  The Ravens?  They're much better.

In fact, they're up there with San Fran and Houston with the Best Teams Cleveland Has Played.  However, they're also Massively Inconsistent.

At home, Baltimore is deadly.  They kill even good teams, the way they treated the 49ers like a female dog on Thanksgiving, or Pittstown in Week One.  But on the road, they lose to teams like the Seahawks and Jaguars.

I doubt the Ravens overlook the Browns.  It's not like they'll be looking ahead to a big game - they play Indy in Week 14.  Not to mention that they're tied for first in the AFC North and can't afford to drop one against a 4-7 team.  After 10 days to prepare, they'll be ready to play.

Baltimore once again has a great Defense and will make it difficult for the Browns to move the ball.  They have a solid run game (not great), and they get some big plays from their WR's.  Look for Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta to tear the middle apart, especially if TJ Ward isn't back.

I think the Browns can hang in this one for a while, but there's just too vast a talent gap for them to pull this one out.  I see them entering the 4th Quarter within a score, but ending with a comfortable win for the Purple Rats.

Ravens 24, Browns 13.