Although the Cleveland Browns lost today against the Pittsburgh Steelers, I am proud to say the Browns have a future at quarterback. Colt McCoy looked excellent today against a defense ranked 6th overall in the NFL. He completed 69% of his passes finishing with an 80.5 good for first among all rookie quarterbacks. The Browns may have had a fighting chance had Josh Cribbs not been knocked out of the game with a helmet to helmet hit from James Harrison. Even Mohammed Massaquoi got knocked out a few plays later, minimizing the Browns chance to score points.
The Browns defense did admirably well in the first half only allowing a touchdown but proceeded to allow the Steelers to add on 21 more points. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw three touchdowns to only one interception in his first game back from his suspension. The Browns also allowed the first rushing touchdown of the season to Rashard Mendenhall. Considering that they were last team to have not allowed a rushing touchdown that would be something pretty special for the Browns I’d say.
Many things that need drastic improvement are the Browns pass defense, which has been their cancer throughout the season already. Cleveland is ranked 21st out of 32 NFL teams defending the pass and have allowed 11 passing touchdowns tied for 4th in the NFL. If the Browns want to win upwards of 6 games this year, the secondary needs to step their game up.
Regarding the Browns offensive game, McCoy flourished in the Browns system throwing for 281 yards with a touchdown to tight end Ben Watson. However, he also committed two turnovers in the form of interceptions. Peyton Hillis also performed well, racking up 90 yards from scrimmage. Ben Watson and tight end Evan Moore ended the game with 88 yards and 84 yards receiving respectably. McCoy sure does love his tight ends; look for them in the future to be his top receiving threats.
Some fun facts/side notes for today’s game: Phil Dawson passed Hall of Famer Lou Groza nicknamed “The Toe” in field goals made good for first on the Browns career leaders in field goals made. Rookie Joe Haden picked off his first pass returning it for 62 yards, and nearly scoring a touchdown. And last but not least rookie safety T.J. Ward leads all rookies in tackles in the NFL with 54 and good for 5th in the NFL.