From: mocnik@iccgcc.decnet.ab.com
Newsgroups: rec.sport.football.pro
Subject: Browns News - Sept 8th
Date: 8 Sep 92 08:52:54 EST

Browns News - Sept 8th
----------------------

Well, the Browns had another Hall-of-Shame performance against the Colts.
They were out-played, out-coached, and out-manned in this ugly performance.
The tone for the day was set on the first play, when Chip Banks, remember him,
sacked Bernie. This got the Colts and their fans fired up. The Browns never
recovered. I don't have the stats available, so I'll just list some comments:

1. Bill Belichick and his staff did not prepare the Browns for this game. The
   entire pre-season of confusion surfaced in this game. If the Browns had been
   playing a better team, it could have easily been another 56-3 game. This is
   not to take anything away from the Colts. They played a good game, but their
   offense went ultra-conservative after they got the lead. 

   OPINION: Belichick was concerned with Hilgenberg not being totally ready.
            Also, he thought the Browns could handle the Colts like they did
            last season. So the game plan was conservative on the Browns part.
            They did not plan on the Colts blitzing on every play. 

	    COME ON BILL, THE OFFENSIVE LINE WAS MANHANDLED IN
            THE VIKING GAME, AND THE ONLY CHANGE YOU MADE WAS AT CENTER, 
            DON'T YOU THINK THE COLTS SAW THE GAME FILM OF THAT GAME. 
            YOU DID NOTHING IN PREPARING YOUR TEAM. THE PRE-SEASON WAS A
            COMPLETE WASTE OF TIME IN THIS REGARD. 

    Sorry for yelling again.

2. The Browns tried to adjust to the blitzing by having Leroy Hoard and
   Tommy Vardell in the backfield. This didn't help. The sieve, I mean the line
   would let too many get through. 

3. Also Eric Metcalf got more playing time than he deserved, because the 
   Browns were hoping he could grab a quick pass and run it down the field. 
   The thought was good, but why not use James Brooks. Granted he doesn't have
   Metcalf's speed, but he will run straight ahead. I'd rather see James Brooks
   have the ball than Eric.
   James Brooks did not touch the ball. He sat most of the second half. This
   was major error #2 by the coaching staff. IMO.

4. Eric lost the ball on his first punt return. Luckily the Colts didn't
   recover.

5. Michael Dean Perry played, and got hurt. He was playing on occasion in the
   first half. He played on alternating series'. The layoff and the 
   rehab definitely showed, as his performance wasn't that good. Early in the 
   second half, Maurice Carthon (Indy RB) chopped at MDP's legs. Well the leg 
   that was operated on 4 weeks ago twisted as MDP was hit. MDP limped off the
   field. He did not return. It is unknown how long he will be out. The injury 
   was listed yesterday as a sprained ligament. 

6. The Browns recovered the second half kickoff at the Cots 23. The Browns got
   no closer than the 2, where Stover kicked the only points of the day.
   If the Browns score a touchdown here, the momentum would swing completely
   in the Browns favor. By holding the Browns to a field goal, the Colts were
   able to regain control. This was the turning point of the game. On the 
   ensuing drive, the Colts drove the length of the field and made it 14-3.   

7. Jay Hilgenberg didn't play like a Million Dollar player. He looked confused
   and out-of-place on most occasions. A center needs time to work with the
   other lineman and the quarterback. One week is not enough time.
   A lot of improvement is needed if the Browns are going to win any games this
   year. Bernie seemed overly tentative getting the snap, thus the handoff 
   timing seemed to be off all day. Things will be better for the Miami game.

Now for a little good news:

7. Tommy Vardell showed on occasion, glimpses of his talent. He took a couple
   of swing passes down field for some nice gains.

8. Vince Newsome had a nice interception.

9. Brian Hansen punted the ball very good. He averaged 47-yards on 8 kicks.

10.Bernie didn't need to spend any time in the hospital. The 11 sacks
   tied a team record, set against Paul McDonald.

Miscellaneous:

11.Jay Hilgenberg and Eric Metcalf were activated for the game. Scott Galbraith
   was not.
   To make room, Brad Goebel, QB, was placed on IR with an elbow injury, and
   Bruce Hill, WR, was waived for a second time.

   By waiving Bruce, the Browns only had 3 Wide Receivers on the roster.
   Jamie Holland and  Michael Jackson were the starters. Rico Smith is the
   other wide out. He did not play.

   Leroy Hoard was able to return to action. He played most of the second half.

   Bob Dahl, G, and George Williams, DT, were inactive for the game. Remember,
   there are 47 on the roster, but only 45 can play.

12.No news on Webster. Media speculation has him signing very soon. And he 
   should be ready for the game against the Dolphins. Reports say the difference
   in salary is down to $250 K. The Browns are offering $850 K.


With the Dolphins, Raiders, and Broncos next on the schedule, an 0-4 start is
not out of the question. Next Monday, against the Dolphins, will show just how
much the players and coaching staff have learned. I have to believe, that
they will look much better. Otherwise, the JUMP ART signs of a few years ago
may be replaced with JUMP BILL signs.

Later,

Don Mocnik