We all know the story -- the Browns, for the second game in a row, blew a double-digit lead and lost. At the helm, for the first time, was Brady Quinn. While he played well, he couldn't do it all.No matter how many points the offense scores, it's never enough if the defense can't make a stop. The Browns lost to the Broncos, 34-30.
A bright spot was, of course, the offense this week. While it did still have some weaknesses, overall it was a much more efficient unit with Quinn in charge.
The Golden boy got some great production out of them. But, as I said, the defense didn't do so well.
I'll let the grades speak for themselves:
Offense
- Offensive Line - This, quite possibly, could have been the best the offensive line has played all season. They blocked well for the run, and they protected Brady in the passing game. They didn't give up any sacks, but Quinn's quick feet and decisiveness was a big part of that.
Grade: B+ - Tight Ends - It was a tale of two halves for Winslow. The embattled tight end had not one, but two TD catches in the first half. For the game, he finished with 10 catches for 111 yards.
But, his mistakes in the second half could be blamed for costing the Browns the win. First, it was an offensive holding penalty that negated a long catch by Braylon. Then, it was a fumble that led to a Bronco TD. Finally, on the Browns final drive, Brady's pass sailed right through his hands on fourth down.
Grade: C+ - Wide Receivers - Of Brady's 23 completions, only six were caught by wide receivers. Four of those were pulled in by Stallworth, who made a cameo appearance. Perhaps Brady, having watched DA suffer from receivers who couldn't catch, wisely stayed away from throwing to them.
Grade: D+
- Running Backs - Jamal had 60 yards on 19 carries and Harrison had 48 yards on five carries. Overall, the running game was working against the porous Bronco defense. Why they didn't give Jamal the ball on the final drive is a subject that is hotly debated since the ball sailed through Winslow's hands on fourth down.
Grade: B+
- Quarterbacks - Let's face it, Quinn is a BIG improvement at QB. He was efficient, decisive and an overall commanding field general. I see all upside to the offense with him at the helm (OK, who didn't expect me to say that?).
Grade: A - Summary - The offense looked like a completely different unit than they had with DA at QB. Brady took command of the huddle and ran that offense. With more practice with the first unit, he should continue to gel with his teammates. Winslow is quickly becoming his favorite target ... from his days at Notre Dame, Brady knows how to use his tight end. All Winslow has to do is cut down on the stupid mistakes, and Brady will have him in the Pro Bowl every year.
Overall Grade: B+
- Defensive Line - Shaun Rogers is a beast, and the only reason this unit grades higher than the rest of the defense. What a great investment he was this past offseason. Let's get more guys like him this offseason.
Grade: C
- Linebackers - This is a HUGE weak spot on this team. Get rid of all of them and start over. They suck.
Grade: F - Safeties & Corners - Their youth showed big time against the Broncos as Cutler had 447 yards passing - including a 92 yard bomb - and three TDs. Unacceptable.
Grade: F - Summary - Two games in a row, the offense did their part to put point on the board to win the game only to have the defense totally collapse. Something needs to be done this offseason. Top priority is this dreadful defense.
Overall Grade: F
- Special Teams - Cribbs had another stellar game. What more can we ask of him?
Grade: A
- Coaches - Romeo needs to go. Mel Tucker needs to go. Chud, well the jury is still out on him. Bottom line: Our coaches are terrible. The way the Browns have lost games this season is a direct reflection of the horrible coaching.
Grade: F
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