Browns Beat Steelers. Huge Stride in Rebuilding Process.
In a year that has been filled with disappointment and many highs and lows, the Cleveland Browns managed to accomplish something that hasn’t been done in over six years. Amidst a 2 game losing streak by the Cavaliers and the Indians executing 0 helpful moves so far during this offseason of disappointment and resentment towards the highest officials in the front office, there isn’t much to look forward to in Cleveland until now.
On a cold blustery night, -12 degree wind chills to be exact, the Cleveland Browns managed to beat their biggest rival and Superbowl champion Steelers. Led by third year QB Brady Quinn, the Browns were able to score 13 points which proved to be enough after Rob Ryan’s defense held the stagnant Steelers offense to only two field goals while only converting on only 3 of 14 third downs. Ryan’s normally bad defense was able to pressure Roethlisberger all night and took him down for 8 sacks. The Browns defense may have been the story, however their normally non-existent running game was revived as running back Chris Jennings and WR/QB Josh Cribs combined for a total of 160 yards and the first rushing TD of the year. Cribbs also had 104 yards in the return game including a punt return to the 9 yard line. However, the Browns had a costly penalty and had to settle for a field goal. Rookie Tight End Evan Moore once again showed the Browns coaching staff why he should be a starter in the NFL after a very athletic catch in which he reached behind his body to corral the ball with his right hand then securing it in his left for a first down. He only finished with 34 yards with only two catches. Quinn was not at fault for this though, the weather played a major part on the passing game. Quinn finished the game with a passer rating of 48.1 and only threw for 90 yards, but he was able to manage the game which led the Browns the victory.
To say that the Browns are a team on the rise may not be practical. However, after 3 straight close losses and a victory against above .500 teams, it is almost certain that Mangini should be given a chance to continue to try to bring the Browns back to glory especially with how young of a team his has and the 11 picks in the upcoming draft.
