Monday, September 28, 2009

Baltimore 34, Cleveland 3

The Eric Mangini era isn't off to a good start in Cleveland. The Browns have looked awful thus far, and it doesn't look like the team will be improving any time soon. Playing against a Baltimore secondary that has been surprisingly vulnerable this season, the Browns made the Ravens defense look like one of the best in the league. 

Brady Quinn had a rough first half, completing 6-of-8 passes for 34 yards and one interception. His inability to throw the ball downfield is becoming increasingly clear, and with the team struggling, Mangini decided to play Derek Anderson in the second half. Things had to get better, right? Uh, no. Anderson threw for 92 yards, but also was intercepted three times. Who will start at quarterback for the Browns next week is a mystery, but whoever gets the opportunity likely will do nothing to impress. One positive for the Browns was the performance of running back Jerome Harrison, who started in place of the injured Jamal Lewis. Harrison had 85 total yards on the afternoon -- not bad considering he is a member of the Browns. 

This game was all about the Ravens, a team that is looking like one of the best in the league. What's interesting is how the Ravens are winning games this season. No longer is the team relying on it's running game and defense. Instead, the offense is run through quarterback Joe Flacco, who is quickly establishing himself as a top quarterback in the NFL. Flacco carved up the Browns defense, throwing for 342 yards on 25 completions. Through three weeks, Flacco is seventh in the league in passing yards, an impressive feat for a second-year player. He has shown tangible improvement from last season, which is what a team wants to see out of a young player. Just because Flacco is playing well, don't think offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has forgotten about the running game. Willis McGahee, Ray Rice and Le'Ron McClain all split carriers, and seem to work well together. McGahee rushed for 67 yards and two touchdowns yesterday, while Rice ran for 48 and a touchdown. 

Though it was just a win against the lowly Browns, the Ravens improved to 3-0 on the season and are a team that is much improved from last season. 

The Browns, meanwhile, have many questions surrounding the franchise. For one, it looks like the team has failed to buy in to what Mangini is selling. There's no heart or fight in this team. Neither Quinn or Anderson looks worthy of being a starting quarterback in the NFL, the receiving corps is average at best, and the defense is awful. Though there is still much football left to be played, it looks like the Browns are in for a long season. 

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