Operation Sports Forums - View Single Post - The Donovan McNabb Experiment

SKA · 01-12-2013, 02:33 AM

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

...

01-12-2013, 02:33 AM	#30
SKA Rookie OVR: 5 Join Date: Dec 2008	Re: The Donovan McNabb Experiment - A Cleveland Browns Dynasty (1999) 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 ...