Browns Deep in Playoff "Gumbo" with convincing win against Saints

Mark Riley

Starting the game with an onside kick and ending with a Tim Couch kneel down, the Browns saw a bit of everything in between and put themselves in the thick of the playoff race with a 24-15 win in New Orleans.

The Saints, riding high with a 7-3 record, and only one game behind division rival Tampa Bay, were purported to be  a stiff test for the young Browns, but it was the Browns who proved to be the team that bent but didn't break.

The Browns (6-5) stifled Aaron Brooks passing all day, causing the prolific passer to throw 3 interceptions and lose 1 fumble. The Browns defense, certainly aided by the fast track of artificial turf at the Superdome, kept Brooks in motion for much of the game, and forcing him into several bad decisions. The Saints had a total of six turnovers.

Early on, special teamer and linebacker Brant Boyer put a lick on  Saint wide receiver Jeremy Pathon that really set the tone for the game ( Pathon, suffered a slight concussion on the play). I have rarely seen such a vicious, yet clean hit. It was one for the highlight reel.

For the second straight week, Running Back William Green set the Browns rushing attack in fast forward with 114 yds on 28 carries. It marked the young ball carriers first 100yd+ rushing game of his pro career. Once again, Green used his considerable speed to bounce outside and gain huge chunks of yardage. His efforts also netted him the second TD of this his rookie campaign on a one yard plunge in the second quarter. Coach Butch Davis pick of Green with the 16th pick in the first round is starting to show some wisdom. If Green continues to run as he has the last two weeks, the Browns long search for a legitimate running game could be over.

Dennis Northcutt also had another superlative day, catching three balls for 68 yds. and taking a handoff from Couch and sprinting up the middle on a draw play that netted 36 more yds. and a TD. Its hard to believe that this player was on the very verge of being cut at the onset of the season.

Cleveland's Defense had a terrific day especially in the "Red Zone". The Saints found themselves inside the Browns 20 yd. line four times in the first half, but came away with only six points on two field goals.

Clinging to their halftime lead, the Browns gave up a 17 yd. TD to James Fenderson, but then Couch came out and found Kevin Johnson open on a 24 yd. pass and catch for another TD.

Overall the Defense of the Browns played well, bending but not breaking, especially when they needed it most. Robert Griffith had seven tackles and one assist to lead the Browns and Mark Word grabbed yet another sack giving him 7 to lead the Browns in that category.

The Browns Offense came up with the big play when they needed to, and Tim Couch once again showed his resolve and toughness, often taking a big hit but completing passes for big gains. He was 12-21 for 182yds. and a TD.

So, its down to the last five games of the regular season and the Browns need to keep winning to give themselves a chance for the playoffs. Division leading Pittsburgh got a scare but survived the Bengals 29-21, so the Browns need a good performance at home next Sunday against Carolina (which lost today 41-0) to set themselves on their way. A letdown now could spell disaster.