Grading The Positions From The Panthers vs. Browns Game

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3 days ago: CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 28: Running back Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball by linebacker Jon Beason #52 of the Carolina Panthers for a touchdown at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 28 2010 in Cleveland Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

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How did Cleveland do position-by-position against the Carolina Panthers?

While it wasn't pretty, the Cleveland Browns still prevailed for a 24-23 victory over the Carolina Panthers this past Sunday. How did each of the individual positions do in the team's "near-collapse" victory?

OFFENSE

• QB (FAIL): As well as Jake Delhomme played in the first half, he almost cost the Browns the game with his two interceptions to start the second half. His first interception was frustrating, but his second interception was unacceptable. How can you still decide to throw a sideline pass to a double covered receiver after you stare at him when rolling out? The pick six set the negative tone for the rest of the second half.
   
  
• RB (PASS): Peyton Hillis was a machine in the first half, punishing defenders in the red zone as he plowed in for three touchdowns. He had some trouble gaining short yardage in the second half, but was effective as a receiver. His backup, Mike Bell, finally had a couple of productive carries as well.
   
  
• WR (PASS): It was nice to see the receivers more involved in the gameplan, particularly Brian Robiskie. Although all of his patterns were simple and he didn't get yards after the catch, having him involved in the gameplan forces the defense to take him a little more seriously, opening up other aspects of the offense.
   
  
• TE (FAIL): While Ben Watson and Evan Moore each had receptions, Moore had a costly fumble in the first half after picking up a first down in the red zone. He's fortunate Robiskie was there to tackle the defender who recovered the fumble.
   
  
• OL (PASS): Besides John St. Clair getting beat just before halftime, the offensive line was much better than last week. The left side was particularly effective on pitch plays, with Joe Thomas and Alex Mack playing a role in our runners getting around the corner.
  

DEFENSE

• DL (FAIL): The bullrush was there at times, but Carolina was wise to stretch their runs to the outside and prevent our defensive linemen from being as effective as they could have been.
   
  
• LB (FAIL): It wasn't a very good day for the linebackers, especially Chris Gocong. Gocong allowed Mike Goodsen to catch a pass at the end of the game and whiffed on the tackle after unnecessarily trying to jump the route. The rest of the linebackers did not tackle well and were slow getting to the edge against the Panthers' running backs.
   
  
• DB (PASS): Joe Haden's interception at the end of the game should have sealed the victory. Overall, he had good coverage on Steve Smith, who was held to just two receptions. The coverage was pretty good most of the game; Jimmy Clausen's final pass just happened to be in the perfect spot. Abram Elam had two sacks, and T.J. Ward blew up a play in the backfield.
  

SPECIAL TEAMS

ST (PASS): Credit Reggie Hodges for pulling down Ryan Pontbriand's high snap, and credit Phil Dawson for drilling the field goal under pressure to give Cleveland the late lead. Shortly after that, Hodges had a beautiful punt go out of bounds at the five. The Browns' return game and coverage units weren't as strong against Carolina, but the play of Hodges and Dawson overcame that.

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What We Learned: Browns-Panthers

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Pro Bowler in 2011. Book it. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

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Browns win a close one in completely Un-Cleveland-like fashion.

Did you ever stick you hand in an old coat's pocket and find a twenty dollar bill? That is the feeling I had after the Browns game today. We won, but it didn't feel like we earned it. A win is a win in the NFL, but in a season that has been marked by growth, today leaves me with a feeling that this game shouldn't have come down to a missed kick by John Kasay.

On to the five...

1. I haven't watched every single NFL team this season, but if there is a worse team from top to bottom than Carolina, I weep for their fans. The Panthers gave the Browns at least three dumb-penalty first downs in the first half, including two personal fouls on the Browns opening drive alone.

When I see how bad that Panthers team is, it reminds me of how bad the Browns were last season, and how far they have come. That is something that I can feel good about leaving this game. 

2. I am not a fan of Jake Delhomme. He fumbled on the last play of the first half, and his first two passes in the second half were both interceptions, one going the other way for a score. Three turnovers and no scores is a horrible line for a quarterback.  But, Jake does a better job than the other two quarterbacks at getting the ball out to the wide receivers. Hopefully this is something that he can help Colt McCoy learn, because I can't handle another Jake Delhomme start. He is no longer a starting caliber quarterback in the NFL.

3. Touching on the last point, the only people who think that Jake Delhomme passing heavy attack is a good idea are Jake himself, and the Browns coaching staff. Can someone please explain to me why having Jake throw the ball 35 times, in a game where we lead almost the entire game, is a good idea?

Maybe you can point to the thinking is not wanting to overuse Hillis and lack of a decent back-up to Hillis . To that, I say the Browns need to find a decent backup. If that is Mike Bell, great. If not, they need to find one walking the street. They are out there, we need one.

4. He couldn't finish because of injury, so I don't want to be too harsh, but what has happened to Joshua Cribbs? I have noticed that many opposing teams have kicked away from him, and have sacrificed some length for height on punts, but I don't think it was anything he hasn't seen before. Maybe it is the lack of wedges on kick returns, but Cribbs doesn't seem to have his explosiveness of past seasons. I am hoping that all Cribbs needs is some blocking and he will get his mojo back, we need him.

5. Joe Haden tried to make the right play. After getting the interception, he went down, but the Panthers had kept all their timeouts and could get the ball back with a quick three and out. I commend Haden on trying to do the right thing. After all, if he would have been stripped making a return, we all would have killed him for it. Next time, I hope he takes it to the house.

By the way, anyone else notice that Joe Haden now leads this team in interceptions? He will be an All-Pro in less than three seasons if he continues this. His continued improvement is one of the brightest spots of this season.

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