Browns Wilt in the Heat of Tampa Bay

Mark Riley

With the temperature hovering in the 90's and the humidity just as high, the Cleveland Browns (2-4) took their 3rd straight loss, going down in defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who won their 5th straight, 17-3.

Tampa Bay (5-1) did just enough on offense to stay on top, but it was their swarming defense, lead by the charismatic Warren Sapp, that battered the Browns into submission. Cleveland mustered just 194 yds. total offense for the day, penetrating only as deep as the Tampa 33yd line.

After a Mike Alstott (126 yds. rushing and 2 TDs) 1 yd touchdown run and a Martin Gramatica Field Goal gave the Bucs a 10-0 halftime lead, the Browns could only muster 3 minutes of possession in the 3rd. quarter. As a result, the Browns defense, which played valiantly all day, was gassed. Tampa coach John Gruden, seized the opportunity and pounded the 6'2" 250lb Alstott repeatedly into the Browns defensive line, finally scoring his second touchdown on a 19yd. run.

Phil Dawson did manage a picture perfect 50yd. Field Goal for the Browns in the 4th Quarter to make the final 17-3.

Once again, the Browns were plagued by penalties and the worst times, and less than stellar tackling. Players like Mike Alstott cannot be tackled by simply sticking out an arm and letting him run into it. Tim Couch did not play badly (20-40 151 yds.), but was hurt by dropped passes and a relentless Tampa Bay defense.

The Browns face the expansion Houston Texans next, and Texans QB David Carr is playing like anything but a rookie. This kid has game, and although he's getting sacked an average of 7 times a game, he's keeping the Houston squad in most games. Hopefully, the Browns can catch their collective breath quickly enough to contain the cannon arm of David Carr.

The Browns are at a crossroads. Either they pull it together and put some games in the win column soon or the season is going to go down the tubes....rapidly.

A win against the Texans is just what they need.