@

The Cleveland Browns needed a game like this one to show their real potential. Against the defending champs New York Giants, they have executed properly to win on a 35-14 score (first Giants' loss).
The satisfaction is there on both side of the ball, offensively with the good performances of quarterback Derek Anderson (photo #3, 18 of 29 for 302 yards and 2 touchdowns), running back Jamal Lewis (88 yards in 21 carries and 1 touchdown), and wide receivers Braylon Edwards (he cought only 5 passes but for 154 yards, 1 touchdown) and, ex-Patriots, Donte Stallworth (only 2 receptions for a gain of 19 yards).
A very impressive stat, Browns' quarterback completed passes to 8 targets! He recovered his last season's level and most of his completions were to his deep threat, Braylon Edwards (Photo #17).
The substitute of starter tight-end Kellen Winslow, Steve Heiden, was big in short-gain passes.
He was difficult to stop due to his weight, he is more heavy than classic wide receivers. Romeo Crennel (photo below) can be satisfied of his squads and especially on defense, because he called multiple defensive schemes, sometime they blitzed, sometime they didn't. The defensive linemen were very impressive with their acquisition of this off season, ex-Lion Shaun Rogers.

The Giants were brilliant until Eli Manning lost control when they had to run after the score. Then they were forced to pass and Eli took bad decisons, was hurried on his throws and he was picked off 3 times and one of them, in Browns' red zone, led to a 94-yard defensive touchdown by Eric Wright.
Manning completes 18 of 28 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions.
My point is Eli has to grow up more for being tougher in his head and learning to cope when things don't go the way he wants anymore. But he's still young and he has already a champion ring but he has to pay attention not to believe he is too strong too early.

A lot of work left for being a great quarterback just like his brother or being able to analyze very quickly what the opponents' defenses alow him.
The Giants have the weapons for being dominant in the NFL with guys like Plaxico Buress, Steve Smith, Kevin Boss.
Their really impressive ground attack, the dynamic triplet already called earth, wind and fire for Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward (photo #34) and Ahmad Bradshaw.

 

14-35

TOP