tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

Browns Win But It Is Brutal To Watch

Had the opportunity to go to yesterday's Browns-Seahawk game. I was hopeful that the Browns would be able to get a win and that Colt McCoy would give me something to believe that he is a franchise quarterback. The Browns did win but it was painful to watch and McCoy deserves full marks for withstanding a physical beating. However, I didn't see anything to make me believe that he is a franchise quarterback.

The Browns defense had a great game registering 3 sacks and continually pressuring Seahawk quarterback Charlie Whitehurst. They also shutdown the small Seahawk running backs but to be fair did not have to deal with Marshawn Lynch who had back tightness during pre-game warm-ups and was held out of the game. That notwithstanding, the defense played very well and there is reason for hope. The defensive front four played really well. Jabaal Sheard and Jaime Mitchell each had a sack and Ahtya Rubin was a problem all day for the Seahawks. Chris Cogong registered a sack and the second year tandem of TJ Ward and Joe Haden made an impact once again. The transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense has gone very smoothly to this date. Tom Heckert has done a very good job in building the defense through the draft as evidenced by Haden, Ward, Sheard and Phil Taylor.

The offense is a whole different story. The Cleveland brand of the West Coast offense is boring and ineffective. The Browns had nearly a 3-1 time of possession advantage yet only managed 6 points. Montario Hardesty rushed for 98 yards but it took him 33 carries to do it. On one of the most promising drive of the day, McCoy threw an interception as he was trying to hit Evan Moore. The play would have brought the Browns into the red zone. McCoy on numerous occasions was running for his life and the Seahawks corner blitzed at least 4 times and the Browns had no answer for it. One would think that on those plays someone would be open.

To make matters worse for this offense, guard Shawn Lauvao, wide receiver Mohammad Massaqoui and tight end Ben Watson were all knocked out of the game. Losing all three will certainly hurt an offense that seems to be regressing as the season rolls along. One has to begin to wonder if McCoy needs a good supporting cast to be a good NFL quarterback. That is not the making of a franchise quarterback. While I love McCoy's intangibles, I really am starting to believe that he is not the answer. In his defense, the offensive line has been woeful in pass blocking and the receivers are less than stellar. However, a franchise quarterback can make his receivers look very good and I think Greg Little has the talent to be a go-to-receiver.

Next week the Browns head to San Francisco to take on a vastly improved 49er team whose defense is one of the best in the league. The young Browns defense will certainly be tested as they will face Frank Gore and Vernon Davis. Unfortunately, this one could get ugly very early. In a season where Browns fans were looking for some improvement, it seems that it is going to be more of the same. While most fans were not expecting a winning season, we were expecting improvement particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Instead it seems to be regressing. Can't wait for next Sunday in San Francisco. Oh Brother!!!!