Offense
Offensive Line - The O-line looked solid, for the most part. And, it was nice to see first-round pick Alex Mack playing center with the first team. Protection was decent and run-blocking was just OK.
Grade: C+
Tight Ends - Steve "The Swede" Heiden had one catch for 20 yards, and that's all she wrote.
Grade: C-
Wide Receivers - Braylon was the leading receiver with, wait for it, one whole catch for 34 yards. The ball was spread around quite a bit, though, with nine different players catching passes.
Grade: B-
Running Backs - A quick look at the box score reveals that the Browns rushed for 194 yards. Not bad at all. Then again, the leading rusher James Davis accounted for 81 of those yards on one run alone. Starter Jamal Lewis gained only 23 yards on seven carries.
Grade: C+
Quarterbacks - The QB derby continues. This time, Derek Anderson got the start and perform well, actually. he was 8-of-10 passing and lead the team down the field for its first TD since last November. But, when he was re-inserted into the game to run the two-minute drill just before the half, the result was an INT. Brady saw limited action and was only 3-of-5 for 29 yards.
Grade: C
Summary - Not a bad showing, but not a great showing either. I'll say it again: I think they'll continue to show improvement and, as soon as Quinn (I hope) is finally named the starter, they'll be able to adjust to his leadership and work together and continue to improve.
Overall Grade: C+
Defense
Defensive Line - Kept enough pressure on Lions QB Matthew Stafford to make him look like the rookie that he is. Also, forced many three-and-outs for Detroit.
Grade: B
Linebackers - Wimbley stepped up this week and led the team with six tackles. I think, finally, he's starting to come into his own. I see great things for him this year (I hope).
Grade: C+
Safeties & Corners - No huge breakdowns this week. Nothing that can't be improved upon and fixed, that is.
Grade: C-
Summary - Like I said, they looked pretty good this week and forced Detroit to many three-and-out situations. Of course, a rookie quarterback on a formerly winless team is a far cry from the offense they faced the week before.
Overall Grade: C-
Special Teams, Coaches and Intangibles
Special Teams - Cribbs returned the opening kickoff for a TD, only to have it called back. Then, he returned a punt 84 yards for a TD later on, which counted. Great job by the special teams all around.
Grade: B+
Coaches - I tell you, I really like the way Mangini is handling everything thus far. There were too many penalties though, but I'm sure the players will be paying for those in practice this week. It'll be interesting to see how he handles the QB competition leading up to the penultimate preseason game this week.
Grade: B-
Intangibles - Many empty seats in the stadium, which was quite noticeable. Nice, however, to notch a win and take back the Great Lakes Classic trophy.
Grade: B
The team did do much better this week, but I can't express enough how important it is to remember: It's the Lions. Don't get me wrong, the Browns were so bad toward the end of last season that, had they faced Detroit in December, I believe the Lions would not have been winless. Still, enjoy this win but don't put too much stock into it.
How the Browns perform this week against the Titans should be a better preview for what the season has in store.
Go Browns!
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