12/9/2010

Sometimes in the game of football, a win doesn't feel like a win as much as an escape from losing... our Cleveland Browns have proven that again this week with their 13-10 win over the Miami Dolphins.

Despite a near-interception late in the game, the easy-to-like but not-always-so-easy-to-watch Jake Delhomme had a decent enough day to keep us in it and in the end, it all came down to a kick. This time, the responsibility fell to our own Phil Dawson in a win vs. overtime kick and despite doinking a 47 yard attempt off the upright in the third quarter, his 23 yard boot made it through clean and clear as the clock ran out and another W went in the books for our Brownies.

This kick was set up by yet another outstanding turnover on the part of our defense as Greybeard (aka David Bowens) got his paw up and tipped a Chad Henne pass - for what would now be the 7th game in a row boasting a defensive turnover. The tipped ball fell easily into the hands of Mike Adams who hoofed it down to the 2 yard line, stopping the Dolphins offensive drive and setting the Browns up to finish the job.

So despite feeling a bit overdue for a barn-burner game or two, we are winning and at the end of the day, that's what matters. Maybe it's the team that wins these low voltage games that will sneak up on the rest of the league as they continue to build not only on their win column but on their chemistry and attitude as well. They have to believe in themselves and in one another before other teams, other coaches and yes, the national media will believe in them and begin to take them seriously.

And so the Dawg House is empty again this week --- no one will be sent to the pen this week after the team worked together on both sides of the ball to ultimately get the job done and bring home the win.

But this weeks Dawg Bone goes to a guy who has stepped in and stepped up... young Mr. Joe Haden. With his fifth interception of the season, four critical pass-defense plays and multiple tackles, even the announcers were taking notice of our boy Joe yesterday and that was music to my ears! With yesterday's grab, Joe now has an interception in FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES... pass the bones and give up some serious props for a very promising young rookie who I look forward to seeing in brown & orange for a good long while. Way to go, Joe!

And finally, while I was hoping to see my boy Peyton rack up enough forward progress to claim his 1000 yard season, there is still time and there is still hope.

Next week takes us to Buffalo... literally. My boys JW and Shawn will be loading up the sled and trekking north to the frozen confines of Ralph Wilson Stadium to watch our Brownies take on the 2-10 Buffalo Bills.

Safe travels boys... we'll keep the home fires burning as you represent DawgWARDens proud and bring home another win for the loyal and the faithful back home in O-H-I-O!!