The Browns struggled their way to a victory in the closing minute of the game against mistake riddled Miami. All the mistakes for Miami came from Chad Henne throwing three interceptions. You would like to say it was great defense on the part of the Browns, but the truth of the matter was the Dolphins inept offense led by Henne. Still, the opportunities presented themselves and the Browns accepted the gifts courtesy Henne. The last one caught by Browns' Mike Adams led to Dawson's winning kick.
Peyton Hillis pounded out 57 yards on the ground and caught 7 passes for 22 yards, not his usual output. Jake Delhomme managed to avoid the usual mistake and threw for 217 yards and 1 touchdown. Ben Watson was the offensive standout with 10 receptions for 100 yards and the recipient of the Delhomme touchdown pass. Mohamed Massaquoi pulled in 4 passes for 81 yards, a decent showing. The offense got the job done even though their third down efficiency was terrible at 2-14.
The Browns' defense only had one sack through the whole game and 2 hits. Adams, Elam, and Haden each had a pick. Aside from that, there was alot of punting from both sides, which gives you the idea that offense was lacking, especially when it came to 3rd down conversions. Miami's only bright spot, if you want to call it that, was their running game, and that wasn't enough to eliminate the Miami fans disgust, which they vocalized frequently through the game.
The Browns have won two in a row and four of their last six games. They are now 5-7. They can realistically win their next two games, but the final two of the season will be against Baltimore and then Pittsburgh. Those games will be nasty to say the least. Baltimore and Pittsburgh both have punishing defenses. Will Jake be ready for that conflagration? He could be, with the help of Peyton Hillis and Ben Watson.
It may be time for Mangini to call out the wildcat offense or think about airing it out once in awhile, something that has been lacking in the offense. Also, Joshua Cribbs is still missing from the offensive scheme and that is somewhat perplexing. Is it because of his injury or is it because Mangini just isn't playing him? If Mangini wants to beat the Ravens and Steelers, Cribbs would be a key ingredient. Wouldn't that be something, to win their final four games and end with a record of 9-7? Enough to be in the playoffs in some divisions. Mangini, if you make that happen, that would be a Super Bowl season in my books.
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