Cleveland Runs Over Oakland
The Cleveland Browns defeated the Oakland Raiders 23-9 for their third straight win and have established an identity along the way. The Browns have become a running team. In wins over the Steelers, Chiefs and Raiders, the Browns have rushed for 686 in the three games, an average of just over 228 a game.
Jerome Harrison has emerged as the key force in this new found rushing attack, gaining 148 yards on a team record 39 carries. Harrison who gained 286 yards last week, also ran for a 16 yard touchdown to give the Browns a 7-0 lead. Derek Anderson passed 19 yards to Mohamed Massaquoi for the other Cleveland touchdown.
Cleveland took advantage of three Charlie Frye interceptions and 13 Raider penalties for 126 yards, to hold Oakland to just nine points. Cleveland turned it over just once and was penalized six times for 64 yards.
Derek Anderson did a nice job of managing the game, completing eight of 17 passes for 121 yards and one touchdown. Filling in for the injured Brady Quinn, Anderson did his job. Nothing fancy, just don’t turn it over.
Matt Roth continued his excellent play since joining the Browns with one and a half sacks, three tackles and some very solid play at outside linebacker. David Bowens also had a nice game with a sack and an interception of Frye’s first pass of the game to set up Harrison’s touchdown run.
Eric Mangini and his staff are doing everything they can to impress new president Mike Holmgren, in hopes of keeping their jobs. You can’t deny the effort and improvement the Browns are showing as the season comes to a close. With a win over Jacksonville next week, Cleveland (4-11) will have their first four game winning streak since 1994. It might just be enough to keep Mangini around for another year.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Holmgren give Mangini one more year. I hear Holmgren doesn’t like to fire guys after one season. We’ll see, but as a Browns fan, I wouldn’t be totally upset if Mangini got one more year.
Rodney, I agree with giving Mangini one more year. I see a lot of positives he has instilled in the Browns.
I think Holmgren will base his decision on whether he thinks Mangini will be receptive to some changes and if they can work together.