11/30/2010

Okay, I admit it. This is one of those weeks when my opinion of the game has been somewhat swayed by the media. My initial response to the 24-23 win over the Carolina Panther's was to ask did we win this week... or did we just "not lose"?

Because it sure didn't feel the way a win should feel. When I watched the ball shank off the toe of Panther's kicker John Kasay to leave the Browns with the lead as the clock ran out, I cheered. Of course I did. It was a nail-biter finish but it ended in our favor. This is where we insert cliches like "it only matters who has the larger number under their name on the scoreboard" and "a win is a win" - yadda, yadda, yadda. But seriously - I believe we are a better ball club than what we saw on the field this week folks.

I was also ready to send Jake Delhomme to the Dawg House based on his lackluster performance and continued tendencies to throw to the wrong team.

That was my initial reaction.

Then I started reading the papers, the on-line articles, the Browns updates and the media responses... and my growl turned into more of a huff.

"Delhomme didn't look bad for his first start since the season opener" --- "Delhomme deserves kudos for the guidance and direction he's offered young Colt McCoy" -- "Jake Delhomme came back after two months out with a high ankle sprain and performed well in what had to be an emotional game against his former team" ... these are just some of the things I've read about Mr. Delhomme this week and I suppose they are right. Give the guy a break, right?

That is not to say I don't want to see Colt back under center real soon... but I'll toss half a dog bone to Delhomme for playing with chops.

But I'd have to be dumb-as-a-feline to overlook the man of the day... averaging over 5 yards a carry and ending with 130+ yards total and three touchdowns... the end zone belonged to Peyton Hillis this week and for that, he gets not just a bone but the whole darned box o' bones!

Way to go Peyton, we love ya man!!