Way back in college freshman English, writing on a passage from Walden, I drew what I thought was an uncanny analogy with something from my personal experience, a probable arson fire that destroyed a tennis club I had frequented.
The prof, a campus legend of intimidating brilliance, was befuddled by what must have been an indecent stretch. “But that should in no way discomfit you,” he added in the margin, not wanting to throw water on my analytical ambitions.
I’m not entirely sure why I shared that. Maybe the vestiges of a virus remain in my brain and are coursing out my fingers. Maybe it’s the irony of Barry saying I was “on fire” just before I got waylaid by some winter under-the-weather.
Maybe the indecent stretch is applying my old teacher’s never-forgotten phrase — did he mean “discomfort?” — to the latest Browns win. Surely he would mark me down for that.
Yet I persist. Part of the healing ritual, so please don’t hose me down in my fragile state.
The Browns proved themselves superior to the Jets. But though a loss would have seriously imperiled their postseason hopes, this game was too close — for most of the first half, and again in the closing minutes.
But that should in no way discomfit you. Any road game in the NFL is an uphill prospect. Any road win is a success story.
Yes, Derek wasn’t lights-out on every throw. His receivers failed him a few times. The run defense got shredded late, and the Browns were outgained on the day.
But take heart. The Browns were the winning team. They are a winning team. Bank on it.
They can run the ball late in the game and grind out a win, if they really put their mind to it. Jamal Lewis is charging hard with increased urgency at just the right time. The other backs — Wright, Harrison, and Vickers — have been golden with every opportunity.
The secondary may yield a few plays, but it’s making more and more of them too. The two interceptions were just the type of plays that winning teams make into a habit. Sean Jones may get beat in coverage, but he’s a beast in run support and a better-than-average ball hawk. And Brandon McDonald is for real. Fourth-quarter interceptions in both of the Browns’ latest wins — not bad for a rookie late-round pick.
Sunday’s two turnovers, four sacks of a mobile quarterback, plus continued strength in short-yardage situations are just the recipe for winning defense. The unit has undeniable problems — allowing three scores in the game’s final three minutes proves that — but there is ample evidence that Browns defenders can tangibly contribute to victory, rather than merely attempt to prevent defeat.
Not to be forgotten: another fine field goal from veteran Phil “Double Doink” Dawson. His 49-yarder in the rainy fourth-quarter lifted the Browns’ lead to 11, profoundly changing the game’s dynamics. Had he missed, the Jets would’ve started off on their 39 with 13 minutes to go, behind just one score.
We gratefully grant some credit for this win to Jets coach Eric Mangini for considering a five-point margin a two-score game. They issue a two-minute warning. He must not have been listening.
Sorry for reacting so slowly to what’s now old news, using an even older anecdote about an even older analogy. I’m struggling with physical and spiritual phlegm, but it’s all working its way out of my system now and should in no way discomfit you.
