Notes from today's loss to the Carolina Panthers...
Not Good Charlie: To say QB Charlie Frye has not fared well in the fourth
quarter would be an understatement. He has thrown eight interceptions in the
fourth quarter, without throwing a touchdown pass. He finished 26–of-43 for 173
yards, including no touchdowns and two interceptions.
Too Much Pepper: DE Julius Peppers was all over Charlie Frye in the game. He
sacked Frye and caused a fumble, which he recovered. Peppers ran by OT Ryan Tucker on several occasions. Frye was running for his life and pressured most of
the day and was sacked twice.
Double Duty: Cribbs replaced Northcutt on the punt return team in the third
quarter and broke a 34-yard return to Panthers’ territory. He was tripped from
behind or would’ve scored. Northcutt hurt his ribs earlier in the game.
Andra the Tipper: LB Andra Davis got his hands on two third down pass
attempts by Delhomme to force the Panthers to punt.
Tricky, Tricky: The Browns tried a trick play as FB Lawrence Vickers took a
pitch on third-and-inches and tried to throw to Winslow in the end zone. It was
incomplete, but Hank Fraley was called for holding on the play. The play didn’t
fool the Panthers at all as there were several defenders on Winslow and Vickers
had at least two defenders bearing down on him.
Challenging: The Browns were unable to move the ball on the opening
possession of the second half, but had another big play on special teams. After
Dave Zastudil punted, Marshall
tried to field the ball near the side line, but lost control of the ball and
Leon Williams recovered for the Browns at the Panthers’ 32, but the play was
reversed after Carolina
challenged the call. The official said Lawrence Vickers touched Marshall.
Bodden Out; Pool Starts: Maybe the coaches do listen to the OBR radio show as
last week we suggested playing S Brodney Pool at cornerback over Ralph Brown or
Antonio Perkins and that’s what happened on Sunday. Daven Holly started in place
of Gary Baxter and Pool started in place of Bodden. There was no discussion in
the press conferences about the move by Crennel. It was Pool’s first NFL start.
So Much for Quick Start: The Browns have been very slow starting on offense
and wasn’t any different against the Panthers as the Browns had a three-and-out
before punting on their first drive. However, a penalty on the Panthers gave the
Browns a first down. They did get a first down after the penalty on a 12-yard
run by RB Jerome Harrison. On defense, the Browns forced the Panthers to punt on
their first four offensive possessions.
Questionable Call: DL Alvin McKinley was called for roughing the passer and
it didn’t appear he did much to get the call. QB Jake Delhomme didn’t even go to
the ground.
Third to K2: When in on third down passing
situations, TE Kellen Winslow continues to be a favorite of QB Charlie Frye.
Winslow converted a first down on the Browns first drive which set up a Phil Dawson field goal which gave the Browns a 3-0 lead. Winslow had eight catches
for 55 yards.