A game that began with incredible promise after a 78yd. pass and catch from Tim Couch to Quincy Morgan for a TD on the first Browns play from scrimmage, ended with confusion and a missed opportunity for Couch to run a scant 5 yds for the winning TD.

With practically the entire stadium crowd screaming for Couch to run the final 5 yds, as it was obvious to all of us he could have easily made it, Couch chose to try to jam a ball into triple coverage, and it was batted away. The dismal ending has nearly put an end to any playoff hopes the Browns might continue to cling, especially in light of the fact that Pittsburgh won Sunday, putting their lead at 1 1/2 games over the Browns with only 2 to play.  Couch's numbers (21-35 for 287 yds. and 2 TDs) on the day are deceiving, as there were several over throws and passes tossed well behind receivers, that could have resulted in many more yards, first downs and possible scores.

Any shot the Browns had at a Wildcard playoff birth is gone. The Browns only chance for a Playoff birth now is for the Steelers to lose both of their remaining games and for the Browns to win both of their games.  The Browns travel to Baltimore next week and the Steelers are at Tampa Bay on next Monday night.

KJ Stretches for the TD

The Colts trailed the Browns 16-0 at Half time, and it appeared that the Browns would run away with the game, but in the 2nd half, the Browns defense looked miserable and Peyton Manning ( 20-34, 277yds. 2TDs and 1 Int.) and Marvin Harrison showed why they are such a lethal combination as the tandem connected over and over to riddle the Browns for 28 points. Harrison grabbed 9 passes for 172yds. and 2 TDs, giving him and NFL record 127 receptions and 1,566 yds. this season (surpassing Detroit's Herman Moore's 123 set in 1995).

Peyton Manning picks apart the Browns in the Second half

Once and again, the Browns had a shot to win. With 3:58 left in the game, the Browns punted to the Colts, forced a three and out and took possession at the Colts 48 with 2:52 to play. Jamel White converted on a 4th down run and a defensive pass interference penalty gave Cleveland a first down at the Colts 10 with a slim 1:28 left on the clock. Two incompletions and a 5 yd run by Couch set up the final play and a possible monstrous victory for the good guys, but in spite of the 73,098 screams for Couch to run again, the pass to Andre Davis fell incomplete in the back of the end zone.

When the Browns mature as a team, game like this and so many others lost this season will land in the win column, but until then, the Lakefront seems colder and the trip home longer.