Browns Run Short On Time And Lose To Bengals 19-17

Colt McCoy took the snaps, but the results were the same, another disappointing loss. Peyton Hillis was pretty much a non-factor running and totally missing from the passing game, which was a change from previous outings. The Bobbling Bengals, who looked terrible on defense, pelted the Browns with field goals. Cedric Benson went on a rampage while Carson Palmer sputtered. There were no turnovers by either team. The difference was the Browns total inability to convert 3rd down attempts and maintain possession. The Bengals controlled the clock with over 38 minutes of possession time.

Colt McCoy ended the game with a rating of 132.6. He completed 19 out of 25 passes and threw two touchdowns. The first touchdown started with one of the strangest looking line formations ever seen, which was probably why the Bengals defense was so baffled, they didn't know what to make of it. It would have been an opportune time to blitz McCoy with only three line men to protect him, but they didn't. The Bengals spread themselves out and McCoy put in the air to Robert Royal, who made a great catch in the end zone. The second was to Brian Robiskie late in the game, but too little too late. Phil Dawson added the other 5 points with only one field goal. Ben Watson was the go-to-guy with 7 receptions for 92 yards.

The big scorer for Cincinnati was Clint Stitser. He completed four field goals. Cedric Benson compiled 150 yards on the ground and scored the Bengals only touchdown. Palmer was so-so with 209 yards on 14 completions out of 23 attempts. No-Show-Cinco didn't have an impact and No-show-Wens left the game limping. Despite all of this, the Bengals controlled the clock and the game for the win.

The Browns were showing so much promise after beating the Saints and the Patriots. The hometown fans finally had something to cheer about. There was even talk of a possible playoff spot. The Browns then lost two tough games against the Jets and the Jaguars, won two more against the Panthers and the Dophins. Well, you know the history, no sense in repeating it. Through all of this, Joshua Cribbs remains a mystery. Is it his injury that has limited him or is it Mangini? The long ball had been missing and finally emerged in today's game a couple of times, if you can call the Royal and Robiskie catchs a long pass. The final games against the Ravens and the Steelers will be the toughest games of the year. Browns, make us believers again.