The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999)

[SKA]

Hey guys just wanted to say every little comment means the world to me. The more comments, no matter what they are, the more committed I am to continuing this. When the comments stop, I stop, simple as that. SO KEEP IT UP AND LET ME HEAR YOU

[SoundTheAlarm]

I'm following as well man, very interesting concept. Love the tables too

Sent from my AT100 using Tapatalk 2

[SKA]

Tennessee Titans (7-4) at the Cleveland Browns (4-7)

Following a hair-pulling victory against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Cleveland Browns hosted their second-home game in a row, having waited all the way until week thirteen to take on the Tennessee Titans, whom the Browns are to face for the second-time in the final game of the season. The Titans have led the AFC Central in standings for most of the season, and enter the game led by quarterback Neil O'Donnell, who has been starting over younger QB Steve McNair, which has been a controversy throughout the entire season. Fortunately for O'Donnell, things have been going well for him and the Titans, who lead the AFC Central and are expected to finish with a guaranteed playoff spot with only four weeks left in the season.

Cleveland started the game off with possession, but couldn't get anything going. Tennessee started with some of the same as well, although their first drive cost Cleveland Wali Rainer, the team's rookie linebacker who had to leave the game after injury. The Browns responded with the first points of the game, coming off a 48-yard field goal from Phil Dawson, while the Titans collected a field goal of their own on their next drive (which also saw defensive end Tyrone Rogers leave the game with injury).

The rest of the first quarter and second quarter saw no scoring of any kind. Both defenses were able to hold their own against two offenses which just couldn't secure that final play to get the ball into the end zone. Tennessee's kicker Al DelGreco missed a 43-yard attempt to end a drive which saw more injuries for the Browns mid-way during the second. The Browns' secondary took a major hit having to go without safety Earl Little and cornerback Antonio Langham for the rest of the contest. But even though Cleveland cut a break with the DelGreco miss, Donovan McNabb failed to play well in the first half, throwing an interception on the team's following drive. The Titans would follow that with no score, while the Browns closed out the first half with a 64-yard field goal attempt running short of the posts.

The second half began with Cleveland's defense barely able to stop the Tennessee offense just inside their own territory. But while the Browns' defense held their own, so did Tennessee's, allowing Cleveland only two offensive possessions during the entire third quarter, both resulting in nothing but three-and-outs.

The fourth quarter, however, was where all the action would take place. Things began with Cleveland allowing a 5-yard sack on third-down to force a punt, starting the final twelve-minutes off on the wrong foot. The Titans on the other hand, finally put up the first touchdown of the game following the defensive stop, this one coming off a 3-yard pass to running back Eddie George, right after two big pass plays from O'Donnell to set up the score.

Now down seven, the Browns had to respond appropriately, and left it up to rookie quarterback Donovan McNabb to get the job done. He would do just that, throwing some big passes along the way, starting a drive from the CLE 20-yard line, leading to a 2-yard touchdown out-route pass to wide receiver Kevin Johnson, tying the game at 10-10.

Unfortunately, Cleveland's defense couldn't stop the Titans on their next drive as the game was coming to a close. O'Donnell would play an essential part to Tennessee finding the end zone once again, this time after a drive starting from their own TEN 37-yard line, once again led by quarterback Neil O'Donnell who continued to prove all doubters wrong. This game-winning score came on a 1-yard play action shotgun toss to wide receiver Derrick Mason.

The Browns were given a final shot, and actually came close to putting the game into overtime. McNabb started with one 21-yard pass and another 20-yard pass to Kevin Johnson, who was certainly on top of his game today. But on the TEN 13-yard line, the Browns' offense stalled out, and an incomplete pass attempt to David Dunn would close out the contest with a score at 10-17 TEN.

...

HEY! WHAT ABOUT THAT OTHER GUY?

The Philadelphia Eagles, who selected quarterback Tim Couch at second overall, still have not pulled the trigger on the rookie all year, and probably will not, even though the media is clamoring for the miserable 1-11 Eagles to put their second overall quarterback in as starter. Couch's time on the bench has become another hot topic in the NFL throughout the season, while the Eagles have become the worst team in the league in remarkable fashion. With quarterback Koy Detmer leading the offense, the team has averaged only 10.1 points per game, as Detmer has thrown only three touchdowns all season, while tossing nineteen interceptions in the process. He stands at only 1667 passing yards, while Couch's numbers actually look quite impressive for the short amount of time he has found under center. Through appearances in eleven games, Couch is 21/26 (80%), for 240 yards with two touchdowns and one interception (for a QB rating of 114.9) ...

WAIT! WASN'T THERE ANOTHER GUY?

Over in Cincinnati, third overall pick Akili Smith has gotten even less playing time than Couch, as the team struggles in the AFC Central under quarterback Jeff Blake, who hasn't given the Bengals coaching staff any reason to believe he is really that incapable and Smith is that worth putting in as the team's starter. At this point in the season, nobody expects Smith to start any of the final games coming up, let alone any games for Cincinnati in the coming seasons ...

...

[kunner]

stumbled upon this late tonight. Good read, makes me think of purchasing football mogul.

[SKA]

Cleveland Browns (4-8) at the New England Patriots (8-5)

After the tough loss to the Tennessee Titans last week, the Cleveland Browns faced another tough task, as they went on the road to Foxbrough, where the AFC East division leading New England Patriots, led by Drew Bledsoe at the helm, awaited them. At 8-5, the Patriots have spent the past few weeks in limbo: winning a game, losing a game, and so on. Their record is a little bloated with four early wins in the first four weeks, none of which particularly impressive. A loss to the Browns would give them two straight losses for the first time this year. It would also, perhaps, signal the fall of the Patriots as a Super Bowl favorite, let alone an anticipated contender.

Cleveland's day started off tough enough. The first play of the game would see their best cornerback, Ryan McNeil, leave the game with a bruised thigh, but a successful defensive three-downs for the Browns, a signal of things to come for most of the way. The first Browns possession, saw another big injury, this time taking place on running back Terry Kirby, who was returning from a three-game absence from injury. Kirby's first play back, an off-tackle run to the right, saw him take a big shoulder to the chest. Kirby would really have trouble getting up on his own, which immediately worried the announcers, and everyone in the stands. He called for help as the medical staff quickly made their way over. Having to be helped off the field, Kirby wasn't to return, and won't for the team's next game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Although the team lost an offensive leader, there was a whole four quarters to play, and the Browns didn't let the injuries affect their confidence. A nice red zone stop by New England would result in a Browns field goal to get things going... The next possession for both teams would result in a punt, but the first play of the second quarter certainly featured some excitement, as Antonio Langham was able to pick off a Bledsoe pass to second-string tight end Mike Bartrum. This would only result in a three-and-out for the Browns, but really got the Cleveland secondary goin'. In fact, Marquez Pope was next in line for an interception on a third-and-8 play action attempt intended for Terry Glenn. With the second turnover, Cleveland was able to squeak out another 3-points off a Phil Dawson field goal.

The Patriots would have about 5-minute left in the 2nd quarter to get something on the board, but their possession would end in another turnover, this time on the rushing end. A fumble on the CLE 18 by Terry Allen would end up in hands of linebacker James Williams, giving the Browns a chance to close out the first half without allowing the Patriots to score. They would do just that with a few runs, heading into half time up by two field goals.

The third quarter was certainly way more exciting in terms of scoring than the previous two, as Cleveland would double their points on the board on their first possession back on the field. Donovan McNabb and Kevin Johnson would hook up twice on the drive, one 30-yarder and a 15-yard pass to put the Browns deep in the red zone. Two unsuccessful runs set up third-and-goal on the NE 2, where McNabb would find David Dunn heading towards the middle of the end zone, slipping it past two defenders, and into the hands of his receiver. The crowd's immediate reaction was absolute anger, as the defense argued with one another, and the Browns celebrated their now 13-0 lead.

But things were to change very quickly. After an 18-yard pass to receiver Vincent Brisby, Bledsoe would end up catching a break-down in the Cleveland defense, and would find Troy Brown in complete stride down the side-line, with essentially no one around him. In a huge swing of emotions, the New England crowd went from restless, to absolutely ecstatic. Brown dove into the stands as the cold New England fanbase attempted to rally their Patriots to a victory they are expected to have.

The stunner of a touchdown wouldn't phase the four-and-eight Cleveland Browns. Rookie quarterback was completely stone cold on their following possession. Another brilliant third-down performance would put the Browns up 20-7, completely silencing the rowdy Boston crowd. On the NE 20, a third-and-ten presented a textbook challenge for McNabb, who would pass with flying colors thanks to a drilling pass to tight end Irv Smith around the six-yard line, who then bullied his way into the end zone for the jaw-dropping score. The tight end and quarterback exchanged pleasantries there after...

Unfortunately for Cleveland, they were facing an experienced New England team, with a lot more pressure than a young team out of Ohio. Drew Bledsoe would respond well to the challenge of another touchdown, successfully taking his team from his own 15-yard line, to the 1-yard line in CLE territory. A play action touchdown toss to Vincent Brisby would put his team into double-digits, down once again by six points, at 20-14.

With 9:32 left on the clock, starting from their own 32-yard line, Cleveland's job was to hold onto the lead, any way possible. The Browns took to the air at first, with three straight successful throws to get into New England territory, and then a slick 2-yard play action run on third down from Madre Hill coming out of the shotgun. This seemed to take some wind out of the Patriots defense, who then proceeded to allow two straight third-down plays to go for a first, as the Browns ended up on the NE 18, with a first-and-ten, and three-minutes to-go. All set for a field goal, the offensive line did its job giving running back Rashaan Salaam a good enough push to burn as much time as possible, and get a first down while they're at it. After the two minute warning, the Browns were forced to kick the field goal, to go up by two possessions, with only 1:44 left on the clock.

In that time, the Patriots didn't do enough to present a viable comeback, as they would end up just halfway through Cleveland territory when the clock would expire for good. At the end, the Browns had really shown a lot of improvement on all sides of the ball, as well as their coaching and clock management. With a 23-14 final score, the rest of the season had some hope for real signs of improvement...

QUOTES OF THE GAME

"You know, it's been awhile since I feel like I've played in a game like that. When it's snowing, it's crazy out there man, I mean throwing the ball is hard enough against an NFL defense, and now you have four-inches coming down. Haha! But yeah, we just really stuck to a solid game plan from our coaches, and our guys really did a great job catching and holding on to the ball ... Yeah, losing Terry again is just really unfortunate, I mean the guys a total role model, and we've all been anticipating his return. I mean first play and he's out again, it's really rough to watch him not even in physical play, but the fact that all he wants to do is get out there on the field with us, and give it his all ..." - Rookie quarterback of the Browns, Donovan McNabb

"Yeah, I'm ****in pissed. I mean, not at anyone else. Just at myself, I'm pissed off. It really just sucks when you're body doesn't let you play ... yeah, of course I expected to do a lot more this season. I was expecting a big season. I've been in some of the best physical shape of my life. Then things just breakdown on you...and mentally, you're more than ready to play, but the doctors tell you 'no' and the pain is too much to bear. But I be back. I know I be back in it." - Running back of the Browns, Terry Kirby

...

[SKA]

Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) at the Cleveland Browns (5-8)

The fourth game back since 1995 saw the Cleveland Browns lose on the road to one of the NFL's newest franchise, the Jacksonville Jaguars. That match-up saw a solid victory take place for the Jaguars, who throughout most of the season have been the much better team, and entered the game with a record of 9-4, leading the AFC Central division, the resting place of the Browns as well. Coming off a big win in New England, the Cleveland crowd was hot to witness the Browns in action for another week, despite the playoffs essentially out of reach. By this point, it was about development, and looking ahead toward the next few years; but of course, that's been the view since the franchise was reinstated.

Jacksonville would start the game off with a touchdown, letting the Browns know they were here to play, and they needed the win in a tight playoff race. Jacksonville currently held one of the bye week slots in the AFC, but had four teams hot on their heels such as the Patriots, Chiefs, Seahawks, and Raiders. Following the Mark Brunell 12-yard touchdown, and a quick scoring drive, their kicker however, would miss the extra point, receiving a solid chuckle from the fans in attendance. While the Jaguars' kicker walked off in shame, Donovan McNabb walked on the field presenting confidence and the body language of a leader.

After getting a solid kickoff return from their man David Dunn, McNabb successfully led the Browns down to the Jacksonville end zone in return for the touchdown their defense had just given up. Three straight third-down completions, including in entertaining 15-yard run on third-down by McNabb, who scrambled for his life as his receivers were all well-covered. Fans were on their feet as McNabb was forced to make a quick decision, and that would be to take it himself. With twelve yards to go, the crowd would get louder as McNabb swiftly made his way to the first down marker and then some, avoiding two defenders before taking a solid hit at the JAX 8. Immediately on his feet, McNabb would follow up with a touchdown toss to tight end Irv Smith, to put 'em up by one.

The Jaguars' next possession would end up turning into Cleveland's next, thanks to the efforts of cornerback Ryan McNeil, obtaining his third interception on the year. Surprisingly, Cleveland was actually able to take advantage of this extra possession, moving from mid-field and through Jacksonville territory. The drive was highlighted by a gutsy call by head coach Chris Palmer, as the Browns lined up on fourth-and-one with McNabb on the field, and a roaring Cleveland crowd. The run game had been tough through all of the first quarter, so the play call for a QB sneak was made. McNabb was able to get the first as the fans responded tremendously, and the Browns began feeding off the building momentum. From the JAX 14 saw two incomplete passes, until McNabb was able to connect with David Dunn in the right corner of the end zone for a second touchdown in the first half.

The Browns celebrated and the coaches were satisfied, all they needed was the defense to step up, get some stops, keep the flow going, and they had a good chance of taking this one at home. The Jaguars proved their worth though, as they were able to drive down most of the field thanks to the efforts mainly of running back Fred Taylor. Once in Cleveland territory, however, Taylor was stunted on third-and-eight, and the Jags would punt.

Deep in their territory, McNabb was backed up pretty deep, and a ton of pressure would lead to his only interception of the day, but a very important one. Cornerback Aaron Beasley was able to catch a ball in mid-air after it was tipped, and would end up giving his team possession once again, this time on the CLE 13. It was obvious the Cleveland team was shaken, as on the very first play back on the field, Jacksonville would score on a touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Brady. But that wasn't the worst of it; for Jacksonville was able to convert on their two-point conversion as well. Remember? Their kicker missed the first extra point. But somehow, they were able to whip a drill into the hands of receiver Alvis Whitted.

Now 14-14, Cleveland had the ball again at the two-minute mark, and did what they could to try for a few more points before the break. They were able to set up a Phil Dawson field goal, but it was from a distance of 59-yards, more like a practice shot soon to come in handy. He would obviously miss, much to the fun of the crowd, but both teams entered the locker rooms with a serious demeanor, and a lot of adjustments ahead of them.

The Browns began the second half with a possession resulting in a field goal, this one from 52-yards. Jacksonville would respond with a drive taking up most of the third quarter, but only resulting in a field goal of their own, tying things up at 17-17. Two punts would then follow to close out the third, one for each team, as the Browns pretty much began the fourth with the ball. Their possession saw Jacksonville's star defensive tackle Gary Walker, leave the game with an injured foot, while Phil Dawson embarrassingly missed a 35-yard chip shot which could have put Cleveland ahead.

Instead, Jacksonville would follow that up with another big play right off the bat, this time, a gut-wrenching 64-yard completion by Brunell to his main target, Jimmy Smith, who had yet to make an impact all game. It had seemed like the wind was knocked out of the team and the fans once again, as Jacksonville successfully got into the end zone after a 4-yard touchdown run from their fullback, Stacey Mack.

Thank god for one man. David Dunn.

The fans just finished a complete roller coaster of emotions as Dunn celebrated his touchdown. Jacksonville's special teams made the mistake of the game, allowing Dunn to catch the ball at his own 9-yard line, find the perfect seam, almost stumble after breaking one tackle, and eventually turning on the engines as the camera faded out and the Dawg Pound was tearing itself apart. Dunn immediately leaped in the hands of a few, loyal and grateful fans, as Dunn completely changed the perspective of the entire game, and gave his team one more shot at a victory.

The Jaguars responded in a way no one really expected, their first three-and-out on the day. Cleveland's defense made a fantastic stop on third-and-seven, and gave their offense a great opportunity to score the game-winning points. Donovan McNabb would start things off at his own 45-yard line, and after a 9-yard running play to start off the drive, would end up getting his team to the JAX 12-yard line, with a shotgun pass would go faulty on third down, and Dawson was able to redeem himself with a 29-yard field goal. Cleveland ahead, 27-24.

With 2:22 left on the clock, the Jaguars had one last shot to at least tie up the game with another field goal of their own. Unfortunately, the hot Cleveland crowd made things tougher than just the men on the field, and a bit of miscommunication between the players and coaches would allow for some poor clock management, one 12-man penalty, and eventually, an unbelievable fourth-and-one stop, as Langham was able to swat away a bench route pass to running back Fred Taylor.

With that, Cleveland closed out the clock, and sent the Cleveland fans home happier than they had ever been all season. Their team appeared to be getting better, the offense was actually looking good under McNabb, they were about to get Terry Kirby back, and depending on how you look at things, they were in a good position in the standings.

Of course, some didn't like that Cleveland was racking up some wins at the end of the season with the playoffs nowhere in sight. But most fans were completely dedicated to this new look Cleveland team, and the new future, perhaps, oh so bright, just down the road.

QUOTES OF THE GAME

"Aye, now that's a tough win boy. I swear on it. You know, their line with [Tony] Brackens and [Gary] Walker, when you got those guys like just a yard away from you, it's pretty intimidating. But then you got these guys in here, our line ain't scared a nobody I tell ya. These boys is tough for sure. And hey, we played well today, we came out on top, you know, we're really clicking right now, and we just gotta focus on closing this season out with some great momentum heading into the off-season, and prepare for the year ahead of us." - Rookie quarterback of the Browns, Donovan McNabb

"Woo! I's runnin' out there man! Outta breathe baby, I think I'm still catchin' some error after that kick off return! [chuckle amongst the media] I mean, I had everything going right today baby, you know, the holes were there, Donovan was on lock, just the kind of game I expect the play every day!" - Wide receiver of the Browns, David Dunn

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[joshrmlb]

Great dynasty so far. I'm also a big fan of mogul. Keep up the good work.

[SKA]

Cleveland Browns (6-8) at the Green Bay Packers (8-6)

Following two solid wins against playoff contending teams, the Browns had their toughest challenge yet, going on the road to Lambeau in Green Bay, as they took on an eight-and-six Packers team that was underachieving as of late, and were slipping out of the playoff picture, especially in their own division. A win against Cleveland was absolutely necessary to keep their hopes alive.

With rain drizzling for most of the game, with a wind chill at 31° F, 29-year old Brett Favre, who is second in the league in passing yards (at 4,257), and first in touchdowns with 34 thrown with two weeks to go, Cleveland's secondary were up against a very dangerous opponent. The Browns began the game with their first offensive possession, with resulted in a three-and-out, much to the pleasure of the Green Bay faithful in attendance. The Packers would come up with a touchdown on their first drive, thanks to a pass to Antonio Freeman on a flat, from which Freeman made his way into the end zone.

Down seven nothing early, the Browns were just as miserable on their second drive as they were on their first, while losing right guard Joe Andruzzi for the game and the rest of the season with a twisted right knee. As for the Packers, another touchdown pass from Favre, this time to Donald Driver from four yards out would give them the confident lead.

The Browns' drive heading through the beginning of the second quarter was much better for them, as proper adjustments and the flow of the game began to evolve, and Donovan McNabb was able to lead his team down for the impressive third-and-goal from the GB 10 touchdown pass to Leslie Shepherd. Now down by only one score, the defense was supposed to do their job and provide the stop, and would get halfway there by allowing Green Bay only three points. Next, Cleveland shocked the fans in attendance with a second quick touchdown, this one coming off the two-minute warning, as Terry Kirby was able to break a huge 53-yard run to put his team down by only a field goal with 1:42 left on the clock in the second.

Unfortunately, the defense for Cleveland, after taking one step forward, would take two steps back; allowing a picture perfect drive by Favre to tack on another seven for the Packers, this time from a 10-yard touchdown toss to receiver Bill Schroeder. With the disappointing breakdown, Cleveland head to the visiting locker room, down by 10 at 24-14.

The Packers started things off in the third quarter, and would successfully put up another TD after starting from their own 20-yard line. A nice mix of passing and running from back Dorsey Levens allowed Green Bay to get all the way into within ten-yards, where Favre would complete a third-and-five pass to Antonio Freeman for the score, Freeman's second of the day. One would expect the Browns to respond with at least a field goal, but they could do no better than an embarrassing three-and-out. This provided the Packers with the chance to absolutely dominate the third quarter, which they did, finishing off the rest of the twelve minutes, leading into the fourth with another touchdown, this one coming on the ground thanks to fullback William Henderson.

Cleveland, now down by an essentially, an insurmountable amount, took to the air, where midway through, their possession would be cut off by defensive end Vonnie Holliday, who was able to snatch a weak-McNabb throw out of the air. The Packers wouldn't do anything with their possession, while the Browns closed out their chance with a third and final touchdown on the day, this one a 14-yard pass to tight end Irv Smith. Green Bay would wind the clock down at the end of the game, as head coaches exchanged a few words in the middle of the field, while Favre shared some advice with the rookie, Donovan McNabb.

QUOTES OF THE GAME

"When you're watchin' him out there, you know, you can really pick up a lot. I mean he's having an incredible season so far, and you know, the Packers are really a great team, real tough ... real tough... It's tough playin' out there too, I mean those fans are really intense as well, they give it there all and really get their team going when the stadium is really rumbling. Honestly, I can't wait to come back here and give it a better shot." - Rookie quarterback of the Browns, Donovan McNabb

"Well, you know, we still got one game ahead of us, you know, gotta prepare like usual, keep your head in the season because I don't want any of these kids getting the idea that a seasons ends as soon as you're out of playoff contention, alright? The season is 16-games long, and every player should be focused completely on football during all of those 16-games. Everyone out there has a job to do, and in the process, still have a lot to work on themselves. Not just Donovan, you know, but our receivers still have a lot to prove, you know our offensive line has some younger guys that should be working on their technique, you know, uh, our defense, lot of young guys, you know, just stayed focused and it becomes a habit for the rest of your career. A great habit, because you never know when one game goes the other way, and your team is back in the hunt. " - Head Coach of the Browns, Chris Palmer

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