The previously winless Cleveland Browns defeated the one win Buffalo Bills in an offensive-less game earlier today, with the final score finishing at 6-3.
The highlights were not plentiful, but yes, there were a few.
Let’s begin with the return of Jamal Lewis. Early in the week, Lewis was not even considered to be able to play versus Buffalo because of a lingering hamstring injury. Later in the week, Lewis was possibly going to play, but would be eased into action. And then here is the Jamal Lewis stat line from Sunday: 117 yards on 31 carries.
I’m glad to see they took it easy on him.
Onto the Browns defense.
Only giving up three points for the game was an incredible feat, regardless of the opponent. The Browns D had two fumble recoveries, an interception, and two sacks. In addition, they gave up only 288 total yards.
Team discipline was also a huge positive. The Cleveland Browns were penalized only three times for 29 yards.
Finally, Dave Zastudil was outstanding. Zastudil punted nine times with a 42.1 yard average. His long was 57 yards, and seven out of his nine punts were downed inside the 20 yard line, with two punts downed at the one yard line of Buffalo!
Now onto the bad.
Let’s reflect back to the Browns-Ravens game from Week 3. Brady Quinn’s first half consisted of him going 6 for 8 with 34 yards passing and one interception. This performance led to his benching in favor of Derek Anderson. Anderson’s second half versus the Ravens produced three interceptions and 92 yards on an 11 of 19 performance.
This week versus Buffalo, Anderson was 2 of 17.
TWO OF SEVENTEEN. No, that is not a typo, but yes it is a franchise record for passing futility in one game.
TWO OF SEVENTEEN FOR 23 YARDS, WITH A PICK.
 60 minutes of football, and all Derek Anderson could produce was 23 lousy yards!
Based on this, how can you honestly keep Derek Anderson in the lineup as your starting quarterback. Buffalo’s D is not Baltimore, Philly, Pittsburgh or Minnesota.
23 yards?
I have never been more disappointed in a Browns win than I was today.
What’s the fix? (Here’s a hint: it does not include Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson!)
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* – Jamal Lewis photo credit: John Kuntz via The Plain Dealer
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Kurt Fraschetti / Profootballinsight.net
MSF Senior Writer
Kurt@ProFootballinsight.net
