BROWNS 13, RAIDERS 7
It was a nice win today, for so many reasons:
— William Green and the offensive line wore down a defense for the second straight week. The inability to control the clock cost the Browns many a game since 1999, and this problem is now officially solved. The new front five seems more and more comfortable. Green is an extremely tenacious workhorse. He’s now the first Brown with consecutive 100-plus-yard games since Kevin Mack, another punishing runner.
— The secondary once again controlled a talented tandem of wide receivers. Brown and Rice combined for just four catches for 33 yards. The Raiders were just 3-for-12 converting third downs. ‘Cutch and Henry were stellar. I have to admit I was worried seeing rookie Michael Lehan covering Brown during the final drive, but in his first NFL game, the fifth-round pick held his own.
— Courtney Brown continued his excellent season. He followed up his award-winning performance in Pittsburgh with another sack (a career-high fifth), forced fumble, and deflected pass. If he keeps it up, he’ll deserve Pro Bowl consideration.
— If I were awarding game balls, I’d also give them to Ben Taylor, Phil Dawson, and Jeff Faine.
“I was trying to change directions, but my belly carried me out of bounds.” — Phil Dawson