QB - Big Ben had a seemingly poor day in the first half, but actually only
one pass got away from him and even it was tipped (as were all 3 picks). He
got going in the second half due mostly to his recievers holding onto the ball.
Taking away two ints that weren't his fault his rating would have been around
88, as it was his rating was 61.9. I really liked what I saw in the fourth quarter
from him, a lot of grit, determination and smarts!
RB - I know it doesn't look good on paper but Parker and Davenport had great
games. Picking up the blitzes were key and their receprions out of the back
field helped create another threat the defense had to worry about. FWP's play
has really gotten great, he's grown leaps and bounds over last season.
OLine - Rough work from these guys. Ben did a lot to help these guys look good
by avioding at least 3 times he should have been sacked. Marvel is really stinking
it up again by getting beat by a rookie, again! Simmons was a step behind on
some plays and Faneca had his moments. Glad to see Max Starks pick it up and
play well. Hey! did anyone notice Hartings was back? Great work by Chukky in
his absence.
TE - Miller and Tuman continue to be unsung heroes in this offense. Miller
catches nearly everything and amazingly held onto the ball on his second catch
after a great hit by a Brownie DB put his helmet on the ball.
WR - Wow After an aweful problem catching the ball in the first half they looked
clutch in the second. Holmes is maturing nicely and Ward had another gutsy performance.
Nice work by Wilson and Washington also.
DLine - Gutsy performance by these guys after a slow start. Hampton MUST go
to the Probowl, his play has been probably better than any NT I've EVER seen.
Kirshke had a nice game and Kiesel continues to work and play hard. His jump
near they end of the game on Porter's sack was the reason Porter got the sack.
Smith still is working through two guys and his run defense is stellar.
LB - They're getting healthy and it shows. Farrior had 6 tackles 6 assists,
1 sack, 2 hurries. Porter is starting to get in gear with 5 tackles and 3 assists
and a .5 sack ( I think that will be a whole one after review.). Foote and Haggans
(1 sack and 1 fumble recovery) again roam the field with fierceness and keep
Frye on the run.
DB - Polamalu looked pretty good after the concussion and made a key play to
bat down a pass on a third down at the end of the game. Taylor looked like toast
again early in the game but was solid in the second half. McFadden continues
to be a very pleasant suprise and Clark was solid again and recovered a fumble.
Madison played better in situational defenses and townsend even was in there
making plays.
Overall....
Wis has had his challenges this year and I think he may be overthinking the
game at times. Parker and davenport could be a pretty effective combination
that haven't really gotten going together. We are relying a lot on Big Ben and
his arm, which is uncomforting, but very exciting at times. All in all, a fantastically
called game at the end, which lead to 21 4th quarter points.
LeBeau held the defense together in the first half and with some lucky bounces
held the Browns to only 10 points. Some adjustments at half time, a chance to
catch their breath and the offense playing better in the second half as well
as a few more lucky bounces proved positive. That defense wanted that win regardless
of the yards, plays and scores they let up.
Cowher still is getting it done, even with the poor special teams play he is
still the captin of the ship and the water pouring in is slowly, but surely,
getting bailed out.
Few things... Ike Taylor sees the best reciever the opponent has to ofer every
week. He came from a small school and hasn't been playing the position that
long. He is still a good corner and will lern from his mistakes. It appears
that he is just thinking and not reacting. Maybe over coached? I still stick
by him and look forward to seeing him work out of his slump. McFadden came from
a school that had a level of competition that made him adjust easily to the
NFl. Both these guys our are future and I know it will be bright.
The Browns played a good game and were really fired up to get even from that
41-0 beating last year. I expected nothing less from that team. They played
well and they are going to be very tough when we play them again. This division
is going to rival the AFCW if it already hasn't. It really has some great players
and some teams that are really good. And yes I'm going to include the Browns,
because I think the pieces are finally falling in place for them.
It was a good old rivialy game and I enjoyed! The Ravens next week aren't going
to be any easier but I love where we are at. We Still have a chance and persistance
pays off.
Bring on the RATBIRDS!
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