Browns Jason Campbell remembers he is Jason Campbell

Nov 17, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Wallace Gilberry (95) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Jason Campbell (17) at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Cleveland 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The research department at Dawg Pound Daily is currently looking into the size of Mary Kay Cabot’s foot that is currently resting in her mouth.   The Plain Dealer reporter tried to make the argument that Cleveland Browns quarterback Jason Campbell was playing the position at an elite level during the bye week.  Whatever magic Campbell had going for him when the Browns were able to beat the Baltimore Ravens ran out and he turned right back into the Jason Campbell that the Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders were familiar with in his stops there.

Campbell looked terrified in this game.  He was utterly afraid to look down the field, looked to check the ball down as soon as possible in most cases, and did not scramble once, when he had some open opportunities which might have helped loosen up the Cincinnati Bengals defense.  When he did go deep, it was rarely under control and he forced throws into coverage at times.

The Cinderella story that was going to be Campbell’s second chance as a franchise quarterback lasted exactly three games.  He is a suitable backup, because he is such a professional and handles himself well in the locker room, but he was as clueless as Brandon Weeden in this game.

Campbell’s accuracy was spotty, his decision making was really bad and he did not see the field well.  He was looking down at the pass rush coming at him and held onto the ball too long, taking some bad sacks in terrible situations.  Campbell has always struggled with his situational awareness and that was clear in this game.

Not everything was Campbell’s fault as the Bengals were able to get pressure in the pass rush because the Browns could not run the ball whatsoever.  There were definitely plays where e struggled to get open, but Campbell did little to help his own cause in this game, which is where much of the blame is going to land.  Even when he had some opportunities, he was inconsistent with his accuracy and made some relatively run of the mill plays far more difficult than they needed to be.

Outside of one flash of brilliance in the deep touchdown he threw to Josh Gordon, he was a mess.  If not for the defense being able to set the Browns up with points, that play was their entire day.  The key for the Browns being able to win games this year is avoiding mistakes.  They have only been able to beat a likely playoff team once this season and it was these same Bengals in the year.  In that game, the Browns defense was dominant again and the offense avoided mistakes.

In this game, the offense could not move the ball, could not take advantage of opportunities and showed just how talent deficient they are compared to a talented defense like the one the Bengals have, even with players like Geno Atkins and Leon Hall out of the game.  This game showed where the Browns have needs and just how critical they are including quarterback, wide receiver, tight end (another one), and running back.

The fact Campbell was able to look as effective for the two games he did was remarkable, but this is the Jason Campbell the NFL knows; this is who he is.  How the word ‘elite’ was ever in the same sentence as Campbell is mystifying at best.  Campbell is a class act, a mediocre quarterback, solid backup and a confusing choice as a third stringer.  Hopefully for Mary Kay Cabot’s sake, she has a small, slender foot.