The Good, The Bad & The Ugly: Week 15

Sunday’s game with the despicable Baltimore Ravens was the last chance for the Browns to get a victory against an AFC North opponent. They entered the contest 0-5 against divisional foes, and exited 0-6, becoming the first Browns team in history to go winless in divisional play. Derek Anderson showed some more promise, throwing two touchdowns, but also threw a couple picks and down the stretch the offense sputtered like a Yugo. Jamal Lewis topped 100 yards once again against the Browns, but mercifully wasn’t as dominant as he’s been in past years – his time in prison must’ve softened him.

THE GOOD
There was no one good thing all game, but here are a few positives: Leigh Bodden intercepting a pass and knocking down two others…Leon Williams’ 12 tackles and forced fumble in his first career start in place of D’Qwell Jackson…Josh Cribbs’ attempted end around pass, even if it was incomplete…Kamerion Wimbley constantly applying pressure and recovering a fumble…Derek Anderson completing 13 straight passes, tying a Browns record… Anderson’s beautiful fade pass to Joe Jurevicius…Special teams dynamo Mason Unck playing defense!

THE BAD
The Browns had 11 opportunities to convert on third downs in Sunday’s game. They converted exactly none of them. The offense was clicking early on, with Derek Anderson whipping frozen ropes to receivers and actually looking like a legit NFL quarterback, but they couldn’t keep it going. As the game got more intense in the second half, the Ravens defense stepped up while the Browns offense laid down. Ineffectiveness on first and second down left the Browns with an endless variety of third-and-tens, when the Ravens sent heavy pressure and left Anderson with no time to throw, giving Ray Lewis ample reason to dance like a little girl after one of his teammates made a play.

THE UGLY
Kyle Boller defeated the Browns. Kyle Boller defeated the Browns. Kyle Boller defeated the Browns. Steve McNair, the Ravens’ savior this season, went out with a first quarter injury when Andra Davis inadvertently stepped on his hand, forcing Boller into the game. Boller has been a stunning portrait of mediocrity in his four years in the NFL, but looked competent as he led the Ravens to victory, completing 13 of 21 passes for 238 yards, 2 touchdowns and one interception. Again, our top story: Kyle Boller defeated the Browns.