Staying Alive

What a relief it was to scratch out a win over the Redskins. Whereas a loss would have meant a very long and unlikely road back into contention, a win keeps the Browns in the hunt for at least another 2 weeks. And a win @PIT this week pits them into a tie for first in competitive AFC North. I'll take that.

The defense is obviously carrying the team. No, they aren't dominant but they don't give too much away (unless Robert Griffith is trying to play the pass on a deep ball) and they've been great against the run so far. One of the big preseason assumptions can be considered true -- last year's defense is showing up in 2004, and that is a good thing. I'd also note that it was nice to see Chaun Thompson getting much playing time and making some plays. I wonder if he'll become an impact player or not.

Offense, well, it is still UGLY, and it is mostly exhasperating to watch. But there are still some good fundamental parts. Garcia, for as much as he's getting dumped on, has made some plays and, in the two wins, not given the ball away. And when he's forced into a situation when he must be aggressive, he's done pretty well. There is definitely hope with Garcia. Getting Suggs back was probably the difference against WAS. and he is probably the key goinbg forward. Yes, the offensive line has to play well. And Northcutt and Davis have to consistently get open (I've given up on Morgan doing anything consistently, except perhaps being lazy). But it is Suggs who will have to lead the way, who will make defenses account for him, who will open up things for Garcia and maybe even William Green. I've got some cautious optimism that the offense will improve to the level of respectability necessary to hang around .500 for a while, and frankly that's all I'm hoping for right now.