Cleveland Browns Lose Battle of Ohio But Gain Some Respect

By now you already know what happened even if you didn't watch the Cleveland Browns lose in heartbreaking fashion to the Cincinnati Bengals this afternoon at the Stadium. While the Browns have fallen to 0-4, there was still a lot to build on. Here are a few of those things:

• The Browns defense played remarkably well which is a sign of relief. The second half of the first two games and the Baltimore debacle last week probably was because of the team being on the field so much. The defensive squad really stepped up and it should be noted how well they shut down standout quarterback Carson Palmer all afternoon. You also should realize that while the scoreboard read 23-20, one of those touchdowns was because of fumble that was returned for a touchdown by the Bengals defense.
• For years, avid Browns fans have wondered why Jerome Harrison hasn't seen the field much considering the glimpses we have seen of the running back have shown that he can be a playmaker. The fumble aside, Harrison played a solid game gaining over 100 yards on the ground and 150 total yards of total offense.
• Derek Anderson looks to be seizing his chance after being reinstated as starting quarterback. There were a number of dropped passes by the receiving corp today and you have to wonder if they had more reps with DA if those balls would have been caught. Anderson looks like he may prove his doubters wrong and reignite the stagnant offense. If he plays like this against the Buffalo Bills next week the Brady Quinn fan club will have a lot less members going forward.
• It was a coming out party for Browns second round draft choice Mohamed Massaquoi. Massaquoi's speed coupled with DA's arm resulted in 150 yards through the air this afternoon. If you add Braylon Edwards into the mix, who was held without a reception, the Browns offense could be a forced to be reckoned with.
• Josh Cribbs and the rest of the special teams were unreal. 2 blocked kicks by Shaun Rogers, a forced fumble on a kickoff, and Cribbs giving fits on punts and kickoff returns all afternoon were a thing of beauty. Sadly, the Browns may have won the game in regulation if Phil Dawson was available and not nursing a hamstring injury. You could venture to guess that the Browns would have went for the 58 yard kick to win the game but settled for a punt with only 13 seconds remaining.
• Eric Mangini has taken a lot of heat in recent weeks. That is what happens when you have the personality of a rock and 0-3 record to show for it. Give Mangini a little credit even though he added another loss this weekend. He had his team ready to play despite all the distractions and also threw a nice little wrinkle adding wide receiver Mike Furrey to the depleted secondary were he made some plays.
• The Browns have not been losing to cupcakes. The teams that have handed them losses this season have a combined record of 12-4

Of course, despite all the bright sides, the Browns still have an 0-4 record. At least we had a little something to cheer about this Sunday afternoon and made the Nightmare on First Street a little less scary at least for one week.