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Taking Us Back to the Old Days – 12-18-07
Sunday’s game felt like past teams with fans left wondering what’s in store for the future.

I’m dreaming of a White Christmas. And northern Ohio got just that this past week – most notably Sunday morning – as the Browns were dumped with close to six inches of snow against Buffalo in the most crucial game for the franchise in recent history. The players resembled figures in a snow globe as 40 mph winds kicked around the flurries, and the icy temperature checked in at 30 degrees.

In the end, Cleveland prevailed, in a 8-0 win – catapulting themselves into the thick of the playoff chase.

Tis the season to by Merry.

Recent heroes Jamal Lewis and Phil Dawson did most of the dirty work on offense. Dawson’s two field goals were as impressive as any scores this season - when taking into account the blizzard-like conditions. Lewis, who claims to love this weather and is ready to take on an enhanced role, rushed for 163 yards, all but capping the victory for the Browns down the stretch.

The game resembled those from the Ghost of Cleveland Past where a harsh running attack and a stingy defense get the job done – especially in critical games in December with the added factor of wintry conditions.

But we’re not talking about playoffs yet right? While the scenarios are staring us in the face like that fifth piece of holiday cake daring to be eaten, this team needs to continue to do what it has done all year - focus on the task at hand.

Cincinnati hasn’t forgotten what happened to them in September last time they played Cleveland. This time it’s in their house. They are just aching to play the role of spoiler.

The Browns have to focus on the upcoming game and not look forward to games potentially coming up in January. Hopefully, Romeo Crennel can keep his young team concentrated on the game.

At least we know now, that if it comes down to this team facing unforgiving elements the rest of the way, the Browns can get it done.

Have a holly, jolly Christmas – it’s the best time of the year.

Rumblings from Sunday’s Game – 12-10-07
Some thoughts from Cleveland’s Victory in the Meadowlands

Jamal Lewis is running like a man possessed and is rewarding the team that took a chance on him after Baltimore felt he was expendable. Highlighted by two touchdowns, Lewis ran looking like a pinball bouncing off would-be-tacklers against the Jets. His smash mouth running, among other things, is what the Browns have been missing since 1999. Lewis signed a one-year deal in the offseason, when most teams in the NFL deemed him washed up. The Browns took a chance on the same player who lit up Browns defenses the past several years. He is proving that he still has a lot to give. At age 28, he’s no spring chicken, but he still has a few years of productive play. The Browns need to offer Lewis a two-year deal after this season – no doubts about it.

Six points through three quarters and holding the Jets to 2-of-12 on third downs is what stands out in the Browns’ victory Sunday. The defense has begun to come together. Some guys who were hardly on the radar for this season – Robaire Smith, Leon Williams and Brandon McDonald – led the way to what could be considered one of the best defensive games of the season. A key interception by Sean Jones on a drive that surely appeared that it was going to end in New York scoring points, was a huge play. They thrive on red zone stands, as the Jets were forced to settle for Mike Nugent field goals, when they should have grazed the end zone grass. The defensive play is going to be crucial in these last three games.

The battle of the return men – Joshua Cribbs and Leon Washington – didn’t live up to the hype. Neither was really a factor in the game, but the poor weather deterred big return plays. Cribbs still deserves to be in the Pro Bowl.

Coach Romeo Crennel never seems to get intense and emotional with his players. I would like to assume that he may have let his players have it after the game in Arizona. That game was a winnable game, but turnovers, penalties and ineffectiveness led to a disappointing loss. Chances are, Crennel may have gotten fired up behind closed doors after the sloppy play, and the team responded the next time on the field.

Browns Didn’t Deserve to Win in the Desert – 12-3-07
Sunday’s game should have been no where near as close as it was

The first play of the game set the tone in a game filled with miscues, acts of frustration and a lack of discipline. Derek Anderson’s pass in the first play of the game soared out of bounds for an intentional grounding call – and the Browns never looked back, taking a step backwards during Sunday’s game against Arizona.

Five plays later, a pass intended for Tim Carter found Roderick Hood instead, and he found the end zone.

Next possession for the Browns, led to a fumble recovery for the Cardinals. Leigh Bodden put the icing on the cake for that blunder by kicking a dead ball, leading to a delay of game penalty, and eventually an Arizona score.

Ok, 14-0. The Browns aren’t going to continue this unmanageable play. Think again – it got worse.

In the end the penalties totaled 10 for 77 yards, and comprised of a blatant horse collar tackle and unnecessary late hit by the young, energetic Browns safeties, Sean Jones and Brodney Pool. A head butt late in the game by “gentle giant” Simon Fraser added to the unruly play.

One of the key plays of the game involved reliable Joshua Cribbs fumbling a punt return that gave Arizona phenomenal field position.

The Browns by no means deserved to win that game, and it shouldn’t have even been as close as it was.

And some of this needs to fall onto Romeo Crennel. No one can take away what he has done this year, but some passion or anger would be nice for a change. Rarely does he get in the faces of his players and make it be known when they made a costly mistake. Maybe he saves it for closed doors, but late hits and head butts are inexcusable.

Sunday’s performance and lack of concentration didn’t bode well for a team looking to play in January. Maybe it’s too soon to think about playoffs, but it’s simply about wins and losses. And without the foolish plays on the field, there is a good chance Cleveland brings a win back to town.

Tags: brandon mcdonald, brodey pool, derek anderson, jamal lewis, joshua cribbs, leon williams, robaire smith, romeo crennel, sean jones, simon fraser