Postgame Browns at Indianapolis

Browns 27, Colts 19.  The final score from this Sunday’s game in Indianapolis.  The score says little to how the Browns really played.

Let’s start with the offense. I am not 100 percent sure how we posted 27 points in this game. Our running game was non-existent until the fourth quarter. Nearing the end of the third quarter, Peyton Hillis had 19 carries for 51 yards, a touchdown and a fumble. While the fumble was on him, the 2.5 yards per carry average was not. The offensive line had little to no aggression or push early on, and led to a lack of a running attack. Yet somehow, the passing game overcame a lack of a good run game as Colt McCoy found 8 different receivers on 22 completions, with none getting more than 4 receptions. A very good sign for this West Coast Offense. Also a good sign was that late in the game, the line started getting a good push and Hillis punished the colts with 8 carries and 34 yards after his initial 19 carries.

The defense was very strong throughout, but had a bit of a tendency to bend a little more than I would like to see. They let Kerry Collins get 191 yards on 38 attempts, not great, but not bad. At times, Collins seemed a bit too comfortable in the pocket, while on other plays, there was a good rush up the middle by Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin. Jabaal Sheard, the second round draft choice this year who is starting at defensive end is starting to come into his own, with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery on the same play, and a sack to go along with four tackles.

Next week will see the Browns facing a tougher passing attack, with Brandon Marshall’s Miami Dolphins coming into town. Hopefully Joe Haden is up to the task, and the underneath routes are kept covered, because that’s how Chad Henne will hurt you. The Dolphins pass defense isn’t great, so look for the Browns to attack through the air early and often, and close out the game with the usual Peyton Hillis attack.