Browns vs Panthers--A Win, But not Impressive

Well--first and foremost--a win is a win. That being said, I am happy that the Cleveland Browns escaped with a win, though their showing left a little to be desired.

1st Half:
Both teams scored on their first possession. The Panther scored due to their RB Goodson gaining 43 yd's on the first drive, along with the once again, lack of tackling by the Cleveland Browns Defense. Of course the penalty against Shaun Rogers--the head slap to Panthers QB Clausen didn't help matters either.

On the bright side--Browns QB Delhomme started the game in a flurry. Pass after Pass completed marching down the field setting up a TD run by Hillis. The remainder of the first half showed Browns Offensive coach Daboll calling a less conservative game plan than during the Jacksonville game. Delhomme continued to "Air It Out" spreading the ball around to numerous receivers. Momass and Robo showed glimpses of true receivers, possibly being involved in the Offense moreso than any time I can remember. Withe the bruising style of running that Hillis is fond of the game rapidly became "The Hillis Show"--running over and around defenders gaining 74 YDs and 3 TD's during the first half. The Browns Defense finally settled down, and applied pressure to the Panthers rookie QB Clausen, clamping down on the run--forcing the Panthers to settle with field goals.

2nd Half:
So what happened in the 2nd half. The Panthers mad adjustments and the Browns did not, how else can you explain the change from the first half. The Panthers Defense was putting pressure on Delhomme, that he had not seen in the first. Delhomme threw 2 INT's--one ending in a Panters TD--on the first 2 drives. The only good thing in the second half (Offensive Wise) Hillis kept running the ball with gains, however the passing game was not as effective as in the first. Delhomme showed poor decisions in many of his reads, hurrying his throws--which was in contrast to his performance in the first. The defense played sound, and Haden's INT was enormous. However the game came down to the Panthers Field Goal kicker missing a 41 YD field goal with 5 seconds left---that field goal would have beaten the Browns--it should never have come to that.

Conclusion:
The Defense picked it up and once again kept the Offense in the game. The Panthers, after being scored on 3 times (TD's) in the first half made adjustments that allowed them to only give up a field goal in the second. Is this because the Browns failed to make adjustments to counter the Panthers D, or is the Browns Offense so one dimensional that if you can pressure the QB--you take the passing game out of the equation. Keeping in mind that the Panthers Defense isn't exactly a "juggernaut".  The Browns lucked out--if the Panthers have a real threat of an offense--given the collapse of the Browns Offense in the second half, the Browns would be looking at another loss!

Tags: Gameday , opinion , Postgame