On the very first play from scrimmage, after two weeks of intense practice to prepare for the Super Bowl Champs, the Cleveland Browns lined up in an illegal formation. Two plays later Derek Anderson fumbled the snap from center. Then came the 54 false starts and 180 Giant rushing yards. Winslow was on the bench with an undisclosed illness. This is where inveterate homers lose their bets and the Brady Quinn era starts after a sack-happy defense turns Anderson into Tim Couch.
Yet they won 35-14 in the way teams that win football games have won since the 1950's- blocking. Derek Anderson was untouched like only lower caste Indians are untouched. The Cleveland Browns offensive line has finally arrived after their re-birth last season and their injuries in the pre-season this year- Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach, Hank Fraley, Ryan Tucker and Kevin Shaffer (who's return to the lineup is close- he didn't even play Monday) are the heart and soul and pancreas of this team.
I'm just happy to be 2-3.
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