Forums

First, about last week...

We did not control the emotional tide of the game. There was no point in the game where we would have been able to effectively shut up the Raiders fans. We had a chance when we got the turnover and turned it into six with the touchdown to Alex Smith. The fans were quieted all too briefly, as the very next play was a kickoff return for a touchdown. Later, we get a good stop and they line up for a long field goal, but we bite on the blitz and the fake works perfectly for another touchdown. Just like with Tennessee a few weeks ago, they controlled the game through a few big plays, and the fans were able to stay loud, and the Raiders D was able to keep blitzing the bejeezus out of us. Game over. The most telling sign was the reaction by Massaquoi to his touchdown catch towards the end of the game. He seemed disgusted. Yes, we got the onside kick, and yes we had a chance to tie it, but we can't keep expecting to win every game in the last 40 seconds like we did against the Dolphins.

Anyway, onto this week...

1.) Madden Curse, anyone?: This whole thing with the Curse hitting Hillis has to be taken with a grain of salt, but if you do believe in that sort of thing, then he has definitely caught the bug. Healthy/not healthy, in/out, complaining/quiet, it's getting ridiculous. Someone just play running back for us, please??? I want to say Hardesty could be good, but he has the hands of an arthritic octogenarian. Thank god he caught the fourth down pass against the Dolphins, or we'd be 1-4 right now. Either way, someone take the ball and get some yards, please!!!!

2.) Iffy Quarterback Play Abounds: Both teams have QB issues. If you don't think the Browns have one, then someone send the memo that Colt McCoy needs to put the ball in the endzone in the first quarter too. Always playing from behind is tough. Colt needs to be able to get a consistent drive together at the beginning of a game to get my vote. Until he proves that, he's still in the Brady Quinn category. On the plus side, the Seahawks have similar concerns with Whitehurst and Jackson, two unproven vets who can and will make mistakes if pressured.

3.) What happened to Our Sackmasters?: We had this amazing sack number through the first few games, but that number has started to dry up. These QB's are starting to have a lot more time to throw, and that is VERY concerning. Especially if Haden is still out, the front seven need to get some pressure. Furthermore, we need a stud linebacker in the draft. Bad.

Final prognosis: I don't know about this one. Both teams are inconsistent and young. How about a 12-9 Seahawks win? I am losing faith daily with the state of the Browns, and unless they are playing a truly crappy team, I don't think they can get a lead and maintain it. We'll see...go Browns!

2.)

Wow, what an ugly win. Better than an ugly loss, but jeeez. The offense looks truly anemic.