3 Plays that Changed the Game: Week 1
Sep 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Travis Benjamin (80) after a pass reception against Miami Dolphins cornerback Nolan Carroll (28) and outside linebacker Koa Misi (55) during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Field. The Dolphins won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
In most games a couple plays can mean the difference between a win and a loss for both teams. The day after we will review such plays that led to either a Browns’ win or loss, hopefully more wins then losses. We will look how it could of effected the rest of the game and who great of an impact said play had.
Haden and Ward Drop INTs
The two best players on the Browns’ secondary dropped somewhat easy interceptions in the second half. These drops allowed drives to continue and lead to points. Haden played Mike Wallace tough and was in position to catch the pass while turning back to the quarterback. Haden failed to pull it in. Ward was also in coverage on Wallace, as the over the top safety. On that play Tannehill overthrew the speedy Wallace and Ward was in position to make an over the shoulder catch in the end zone but failed to extend his arms fully to pull it in.
Impact: With the Dolphins’ scoring the Browns were forced into getting away from Trent Richardson and the run game and were in hurry up mode. The also went for it on 4th down due to the score, instead of punting it away.
Effect: High. Preventing the score wouldn’t guarantee the Browns would do any thing on offense or that the Dolphins wouldn’t of scored on their next possession. Yet takeaways are huge and could of turned the game around quickly.
Benjamin Drop
In the 4th quarter, when the Browns had to score Travis Benjamin was found open and dropped the pass. A Miami defender flashed in front of Benjamin but did not touch the ball. Benjamin, with his speed, had a good deal of space open in front of him that he could of put the Browns quickly in scoring position, or even could of scored on the play. Benjamin’s lack of focus led to a 4th down that the Browns converted but were not able to score and ran a few more minutes off the clock.
Impact: The Browns would of still had to get the ball back but would have more time to do so. After the drop Weeden did not go back to Benjamin, who has the most speed on the team to be dynamic.
Effect: Medium-Low. The Browns would of still been down 6 but could of made more of a chance at competing in the game. Even if the Dolphins’ recovered an onside the Browns defense was shutting down the run game and could of gotten the ball back.
O’Neill Cousins Holding
Cousins had a terrible game. There are many plays that he was involved in that could of impacted the game, including penalties or letting rushers in the backfield. This play was in the same drive as the Benjamin play. On the play Brandon Weeden hit tight end Gary Barnidge for a touchdown but it was called back because of Cousins. Later the Browns had to burn their last timeout and failed to score on the drive.
Impact: Unlike the Benjamin play this was a touchdown. The Browns would of either onsided or kicked off down 6 with just under 2 minutes left and 1 timeout left. Instead they failed to score and had to use their last timeout.
Effect: Medium. A sure touchdown brought back, a last timeout used and time ticking off the clock all were negative. The Browns would still need to get the ball back and time was not on their side but they would of had a chance if not for Cousins. If not for Cousins, sounds like a band, could of been used alot for this game.
Any other plays we should of focused on? How would they of impacted and effected the game?
Earlier Today
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