The Browns were overtaken in the final minutes against the Jags. Despite giving up the losing touchdown near the end, the Browns defense did everthing they possibly could to win this one and the Jags offense did everything they could to throw a bone to the Browns time and time again, to no avail. Dawson missed two 51 yard field goal attempts that could have made the difference in the score. Long kicks are tough, but making one is what sets the great ones apart. All chances for a playoff spot, remote as it were, are now a chewed up splintered bone.
The Jags offense threw four interceptions and put the ball on the ground twice. Garrard accounted for four of those turnovers. He was harrassed and manhandled by the Browns defense who sacked him four times. T. J. Ward had two interceptions and Joe Haden and Abram Elam each had one. Elam also gathered up a fumble for a touchdown in the third quarter. The only weak spot for the Browns defense was the running game where they gave up 133 yards to Maurice Jones-Drew and a touchdown.
Peyton Hillis was stuffed throughout the game in the running department, but seemed to be McCoys primary receiver in this one gathering up 6 receptions for 95 yards. Colt McCoy had a so-so game with 241 yards and a touchdown. The Browns are still lacking a key element in their offense, the long ball threat. Until they have that quick strike potential, they will not be a genuine threat. Mangini needs to show more confidence in McCoy's abilities and unleash him to explore that capability out. He needs to show more confidence in his receivers also, or find a receiver with that potential. The Browns were missing an important piece of their offensive puzzle in Joshua Cribbs.
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