Browns Fall to Miami: Over and Under Reactions from Week 1
Sep 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Cameron (84) makes a catch against Miami Dolphins inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (59) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Field. The Dolphins won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
After all NFL games the fan bases tend to over react to what they saw on the field. Cleveland Browns’ fans, because of the years of losing, have uniquely learned to both Over and Under react to games. Here are a few of each of those for both the Browns and their opponent Miami Dolphins.
Overreaction: Brandon Weeden will throw alot of INTs and needs to be replaced by Jason Campbell
Truth: Weeden is a limited quarterback with a strong arm who is prone to throw into tight spaces, and throw hard. This lead to 2 of his INTs. Weeden is also missing his big play threat Josh Gordon, who normally runs the route Travis Benjamin did on the first INT. Weeden is not the franchise savior but the coaching staff watched both he and Campbell and chose Weeden.
Underreaction: The Browns still have one of the best offensive lines in football, its all O’Neill Cousins’ fault.
Truth: The Browns have very good players on the offensive line such as Joe Thomas and Alex Mack, as well as Mitchell Schwartz who graded out well in 2012. Yet, especially in Thomas and Mack’s case, road grading run blocking isn’t not their strength. Strength is not their strength either. The return of either RG may help this but does not make up for the line being pushed back on most every runs.
Overreaction: The Dolphins’ front 7 is one of the best in the NFL.
Truth: That unit is really good but were playing against a limited QB and were able to pin back their ears against the Browns’ offense. The Browns abandoned the run and the physical strength up the middle pushed the weaker OLinemen back in the pocket. This pushed Weeden back a couple yards and allowed the outside pass rushers to get to him. The Dolphins’ front 7 may be in the top 10 but this game doesn’t prove it. It does prove they are really really good though.
Underreaction: Mike Wallace will be okay he was just shutdown by star CB Joe Haden.
Truth: Haden had something to do with Wallace’s tough day but AFC North fans have seen the Wallace act before. Wallace struggles with any physical play and cuts off his routes early if the hand fighting frustrates him or he doesn’t think he is getting the ball. This was seen on a couple plays that he was overthrown. Wallace will have big games on either fly patterns or quick WR screens that allow him to get release from physical play. He will also open up the field for Brian Hartline and the rest of the underneath pass catchers.
Overreaction: Jordan Cameron is the next great tight end.
Truth: Cameron has a chance in a Norv Turner offense to be a good tight end. In this game the Dolphins put emphasis on stopping the run, which they did well. The Browns, without Gordon, had no downfield threat and drops meant Weeden focused on passes to Cameron and Devone Bess. Cameron still needs to work on his blocking and route running, as well as consistency, before he can climb even into the top 10 to 15 tight ends in the league.
Underreaction: Trent Richardson will be fine when a right guard is found and they focus on giving him carries.
Truth: Getting the ball and an improved line can greatly assist Richardson, but that may not provide him standout games. TRich spent most of his carries dancing, trying to find a hole. He did a great job when boxed in finishing runs forward for an extra yard or two, but did not hit initial holes or areas with the same intensity. Missing most of the pre-season may be part of the issue but Richardson needs to put his power to better use to improve his production.
What other Over, Under reactions from either team have you seen since the game ended?