Where FoS was Right, Wrong: Week 1
Sep 8, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson (33) rushes through Miami Dolphins defensive end Derrick Shelby (79) defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (59) and free safety Reshad Jones (20) during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Field. The Dolphins won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
During the week leading up to the games FoS will have previewed the games and made some predictions. The day after the game its only fair to review those predictions and find out where we were right, where we were wrong. Accountability is important and not something to be afraid of.
Matchup Preview: Offensive Lines versus Front 7s
In that article we matched up each offensive lines versus the opposing Front 7s. We gave the advantage to the Browns’ offensive line and Front 7. We noted the quality of the Dolphins Front 7, especially Cameron Wake, but based on last year the Browns’ line had a slight advantage
Where we were right: The Browns’ Front 7 did have the advantage over the Dolphins’ line putting pressure on the QB and bottling up the running game to only 20 yards. The Dolphins’ were able to throw for yardage but often kept a back or TE, or both, in to block the Browns’.
Where we were wrong: The Dolphins’ Front 7 had a decided advantage on the Browns’ line. While we had noted that O’Neil Cousins was the weak link we did not predict how great of a impact, negatively, he would have on the game. The Dolphins’ talent was dominate and some Browns’ blocking schemes, like keeping a running back in to block Wake 1 on 1 led to a lopsided advantage here.
Matchup Preview: Offensive Weapons versus Their Defenders
Here we previewed the matchup between offensive skill players and their expected defenders. We also compared QBs in the matchup. We saw advantages at QB, at their linebackers versus Trent Richardson, their Wide Receivers versus Browns’ DBs, Dolphins’ DBs versus Browns’ WRs for Miami. We saw advantages for the Browns’ on both sides of the tight end matchups and Browns’ linebackers versus Lamar Miller. Overall we gave the Browns 5 of the 9 advantages. The day after the Dolphins had the advantage in 6 of the 9 categories, not a good start here at FoS.
Where we were right: The Dolphins’ advantages all proved to be true as they held Richardson in check, dominated the Browns’ DBs, held down the Browns’ WRs. The Browns TE Jordan Cameron was the star on offense.
Where we were wrong: Dolphins’ tight end Charles Clay had 5 catches for 54 yards, many were first downs, and he generally played well all over the field. While not always matched up with TJ Ward he still had the slight advantage especially given expectations.
We predicted a win for the Browns 24 – 10. We predicted the Dolphins taking advantage of the Browns aggression with a screen or draw to Miller for a long touchdown. We saw touchdowns for Cameron, Richardson and Bess and big games for all 3. Defense was expected to be a standout for both sides.
Where we were right: We were close on the score, 23-10, just got the team winning wrong. Cameron did have a big game and score a touchdown. The defenses both had solid games and dominated at different times.
Where we were wrong: Predicted the wrong team winning. The Browns aggression did not back fire during the game, instead it was the lack of quality corner play that was their downfall. Richardson had a minimal impact on the game, but mostly due to a lack of touches after the first quarter. Bess had an okay game picking up 3rd downs but did not score.
Earlier Today
3 Off-Season Decisions that Impacted the Game
24 Hours of Articles
(What to expect on FoS for the next 24 hours)
Over, Under Reactions
Spinning Week 1 Forward