The Browns started out strong, staking themselves to a 13-0 lead at halftime while also making the Cowboys offense look horrendous. The defensive line – rejuvenated with the return of lineman Ahtyba Rubin – was getting plenty of pressure on quarterback Tony Romo, which negated the supremely poor play of the secondary (which was missing cornerback Joe Haden). The offense was doing just enough, thanks in large part to some very impressive catches by the Browns’ receivers.

But, as things tend to go for the Browns, they were unable to put the Cowboys away, and would ultimately lose, 23-20, in overtime.

Brandon Weeden was again not at his best, finishing the day 20 of 35 for 210 yards and two touchdowns. Don’t let the stats fool you – he wasn’t throwing on target for most of the game. However, that let guys like Greg Little (three catches for 53 yards), Josh Gordon (five catches for 53 yards), Trent Richardson (six catches for 49 yards), and Benjamin Watson (four catches for 47 yards) really shine. If anything, this game proved that the Browns’ receiving corps does, in fact, contain some real talent.

But the big story in this game would end up being the penalties that doomed the Browns. With a secondary that couldn’t help itself when it came to illegal contact, ten penalties would ultimately result in Dallas first downs. Cornerback Buster Skrine, filling in for the injured Haden, was especially victimized, as he was routinely penalized.

It has been known for a while, but a game like this is the painful example needed to realize that the Browns need to find secondary help this offseason.

But that wasn’t helping the Browns on Sunday.

What will it take for the Browns to finally prove they’re a decent team? To put together a solid effort for a full game? When they took a 20-17 lead late in the fourth quarter on a gift horse-collar tackle penalty, it seemed this would finally be the time some luck sided with the Browns. But as the Cowboys drove to a game-tying field goal and, ultimately, the game-winning field goal in overtime, it was a scene all too familiar.

The Browns found yet another heartbreaking way to lose, despite an effort that was, for the most part, good enough to earn a victory.

The competitiveness of this team cannot be understated, and it certainly gives hope for the future, but getting there sure seems to be an especially painful ride.

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Holmgren, who is finishing up a disappointing three-year run as the Browns’ team president, has said he would consider a return to coaching, where he already has a case for potential Hall of Fame induction. Some sources who know Holmgren well believe Dallas is the one potential opening that would truly interest him, given the competitiveness of the roster, the skill players present and his long relationship with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Holmgren and Jones worked closely together for more than a decade on the NFL’s Competition Committee. If the perfect scenario does not arise, sources close to Holmgren expect him to retire.

It’s interesting that Dallas has come up as Holmgren’s preferred choice, given the fact that Jason Garrett is currently the head coach there and few “official” signs have been given that he will be let go at the end of the season.

At the same time, though, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. At this point in Holmgren’s career, he wants to inherit a team that is already built to win. He would come in, bring in his own tweaks to the system, and try to make a run at one more Super Bowl. Coaching a team like the Browns means he’ll be in rebuilding mode for the foreseeable future (as he knows all too well) with no guarantee of better days.

Jerry Jones responded to the rumors today.

“Of course, Mike Holmgren is a heck of a coach,” Jones said before the Cowboys’ 38-23 victory over the Eagles. “But the facts are that Jason Garrett gives us an outstanding chance to be what we want to be. So, there you have it. I wouldn’t comment one way or the other there with Mike.” (Source: Cleveland.com)

Does anyone really believe Jones though?

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Former Cleveland Browns fullback Lawrence Vickers wasn’t laughing on Wednesday, though, as he had to leave practice with the Dallas Cowboys after discovering he had fire ants in his pants. And after recently learning that he is allergic to them – he was stung while working out, which resulted in wheezing and a swollen neck – it would be understandable if Vickers panicked.

“I was trying not to squeeze myself in front of women out there,” Vickers said. “I wanted to pull my pants down and run inside, but I couldn’t do that. When those ants get close to those testicles, there ain’t no laughing about that.”

Luckily, Vickers was okay and was able to return to practice. Regardless, it’s doubtful that anyone would blame him for initially freaking out about having those things anywhere near his crotch.

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