The Cleveland Browns lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 30-10 Monday night in what had to be the most lackluster, uninspired offensive game plan, perhaps designed to put fans to sleep and make them forget the Browns now 4-10 season – almost the reverse of the 2007 10-6 Browns.
It is not that the players didn’t try. Cornerback Brandon McDonald had two interceptions, one for a touchdown when McDonald intercepted a pass from Eagles backup quarterback Kevin Kolb in the fourth quarter. The other came just before the end of the first half when McDonald jumped in front of Donovan McNabb’s intended receiver in the end zone and ran it back 98 yards to the 7-yard line where he was tackled as time ran out. The effort was all for nothing, a fitting summation of the Browns season.
In fact, McDonald’s touchdown was the first time the Browns scored a touchdown in four games. It wasn’t the same as scoring from the Red Zone. Doing that, would be an offensive touchdown. But the Browns might have a chance on Sunday against division rival, Cincinnati. The two Ohio NFL teams are deep in the basement.
But at least the Bungals managed to tie Philadelphia in a game last month. Afterward, McNabb said he didn’t know there could be a tie. Against the Browns, McNabb showed a lot of clarity – especially in his passing attack. McNabb threw TDs of 14 yards to Kevin Curtis and 10 to Greg Lewis. McNabb was 26-of-35 for 290 yards, averaging 352 yards in his three wins against the Browns.
Beleaguered wide receiver Braylon Edwards played a great game, catching everything Ken Dorsey tossed his way, including five catches for 102 yards, including one catch sandwiched between two Eagles. Unfortunately, Braylon’s prowess Monday proved to be too little, too late.
Browns Head Coach Romeo Crennel stood on the sidelines, attempting to look involved. But Crennel knows his time with the Browns is short – and it seems offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski is biding his time, too. With all the talk and promises of giving running back/receiver/quarterback/defensive special teams tackle Joshua Cribbs a major role, it just hasn’t happened.
A couple of times Cribbs took the snap from center and gained a few yards, running. But he has only thrown the ball for a pass twice in two games, and is 1-of-2 . That is hardly what the media and fans expected from the former Kent State University quarterback.
What is there to lose?
Here is Chudzinski’s game plan: Running back Jamal Lewis up the middle on first down; Lewis up the middle on second down. Now, it is third down and seven yards to go – and guess what, Dorsey tries to hit Edwards on the sidelines.
Real creative, Rob. That’s the way to fool Philly – and lull Browns fans to sleep.
If Chudzinski is fighting for his job or “interviewing†for a new offensive coordinator position elsewhere in the NFL, he is doing a very poor job of it. The Browns had to pay “Chud†a big chunk of change to stay, rather than try for a head coach position for another team. Is Chudzinski suffering from a sophomore jinx or was last year’s inspired and inspiring play-calling an aberration? That question could be asked of management and players.
But one thing is very clear: The Cleveland Browns were in no way or shape ready to start the 2008 season. And that lies on the coaches.
The Monday Night Football crew tried to make the game interesting. For instance, it was pointed out the Browns won the first two Monday night games with two different quarterbacks – Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. And this was Cleveland’s chance to set a record by winning three Monday night games in one season with three different quarterbacks.
Of course you have to have a legitimate quarterback to make this happen. Browns players say Dorsey has a great football mind, can read defenses, and can call audibles at the line. But he loses his ability to reason when being mauled by defenders – and he doesn’t have the greatest arm.
The game went south in the Eagles opening drive when McNabb & Co. waltzed down the field and scored a touchdown within four minutes. That’s when house porch lights blinked out and many Browns fans went to bed. The rest would be asleep and dreaming of the Super Bowl before the final gun.
The Browns running game was almost as abysmal as the week before against the Titans when running back 
Jamal Lewis had seven yards for seven carries. The Eagles contained Lewis to 32 yards on 14 carries. Josh Cribbs added 25 yards on five carries.
Dorsey was 8-for-21 for 127 yards and picked off twice, with one interception returned 50 yards for a touchdown by Asante Samuel. Another by linebacker Stewart Bradley set up Philadelphia’s last score.
At one point it looked as if Browns new back-up quarterback Bruce “Zeke†Gradkowski would get in, but that might have taken too much effort for Chudzinski and Crennel. Plus, it may have delayed the end of the debacle
Field goal kicker Phil Dawson was called in when a Dorsey third-down pass banged off the hands of tight end Darnell Dinkins inside the 5-yard line. Dinkins put his head in his hands in frustration, knowing the ball had “touchdown†written all over it.
Dawson’s field-goal was the 30ththof the season – good news, if is three-pointers weren’t the consolation prizes for touchdowns.
After the final play, the Eagles swaggered off the field believing they are still in the hunt.
But Philly is going nowhere. After all, they had just beaten the Browns.
What does that prove?
