The Browns recovered from an annoying Week 1 loss to hand the evermore distressed Colts preliminary copies of their tickets to the front row seats at next year’s draft.
McCoy played more like he did in the pre-season, throwing for 211 yards a touchdown and, crucially, no interceptions. His 97 rating is good for a new starter and if he continues to play so solidly, the Browns will be a challenge for anyone. Unlikely it is that they will put together a season worthy of playoff contention, but if they take the next step in 2012 there’s every chance to think the AFC North could become a three-horse race.
Kerry Collins did perform so well for the Colts, who really need to playmaker at Quarterback. His 1-1 TD/INT ratio and 191 yards is not enough when your team is struggling in every phase of the game. They weren’t buried, but they were beaten again, and by a team that they have never had reason to fear.
I am interested in this game for two reasons. Despite neither team being a Superbowl, or even playoff, contender, both are heading in different directions. The Texans’ mauling of the Colts in Week 1 marked a changing of the guard, and Cleveland’s sudden competency in the game of pro football signalled them as favourites in a game that, in the history of the league since realignment, they have never been favourites to win.
Both likelihoods transpired: Cleveland stepped-up and the Colts fell down. Will it continue? It will be patchy, but it will, I’m sure.
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