This past Sunday the Cleveland Browns beat the Super Bowl Champion Saints…who would have thought? The Browns special teams and defense stood out the most, performing spectacular plays all over the field. The defense’s highlights of the day were intercepting Saints quarterback Drew Brees four times, and returning two of those picks, for touchdowns. The special teams started off with a bang with a punt return thrown across field from Josh Cribbs to Eric Wright who, proceeded to run 62 yards downfield, which set up a Phil Dawson field goal.
Following into the second quarter, with the Browns leading 10-0, the Saints scored on a Garrett Hartley field goal. The Browns in their next drive, called another special trick play by special teams. Punter Reggie Hodges took the snap and ran 68 yards downfield. It was the longest run by a punter since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. This set up another Phil Dawson field goal giving the Browns at 13-0 lead. The defense however was not done.
After David Bowens intercepted a pass for a touchdown to close the second quarter, the Browns defense continued to hold. They allowed no points scored in the third quarter and again David Bowens scored on an interception. The Browns defense showed up. They played excellent, and showed how good their potential is.
The offense even managed to hold up committing no turnovers and running the ball with effectiveness. Colt McCoy looked even more comfortable in the offense controlling the clock, and making wise decisions with the ball. The line protected him, and receivers made catches when they needed to.
If the Browns continue this type of play, having a tough defense and controlling the clock, they could possibly finish out the season with six to eight wins. With New England up in two weeks with the 29th ranked defense and the 19th ranked offense, the Browns could possibly pull off another upset, and many others for weeks to come.