Browns Win: Three Game Balls To the Victors
The Cleveland Browns victory over the one win Tampa Bay Buccaneers was not a thing of beauty, but we will take it. The Browns have seemed to play down, or up, to their competition which hopefully means they have a great game inside of them this Thursday Night for the Cincinnati Bengals, the AFC North leaders. A win on Thursday Night would put the Browns in at least a tie for the division lead.
As for the Browns win yesterday we are giving out three game balls to the victors. Not the easiest of choices but we think we have found the three most deserving today:
The Cleveland Browns strong safety was brought in to replace T.J. Ward based on his ability in the passing game. His ability in the run game isn’t to be overlooked either. Whitner’s biggest highlight play is his interception after the tip from Joe Haden:
He put himself in great position and Haden obviously made the play happen. Whitner returned the INT all the way to the 22 yard line. The play that really showed how important to the team Whitner is came later in the game. With the Browns up 16 to 10 the Bucs had a 3rd and 1 at the 40 yard line. Another first down would have at least put them in likely field goal range. Instead Whitner darted in, along with Jabaal Sheard, to tackle RB Bobby Rainey for a two yard loss. That forced the Bucs to punt. The play earned him a game ball as well as looked very similar to this play from last week:
We covered West here, A Browns Victory Summed Up In One Play (New Window), but he also deserves a game ball as well. West had the huge block that led to the Browns winning touchdown pass. He also converted on the Browns 4th and 1 near the goal line before catching a touchdown pass two plays later. West didn’t have the greatest statistical night, 15 carries for 48 yards, but ran with aggression to the line on most plays.
West seems to have learned from fellow rookie Isaiah Crowell about running hard. Crowell did not get any carries yesterday but his impact on West could be huge. It was Crowell’s play that allowed the Browns to keep West Inactive a few games ago. The third round rookie has responded since then. He is running hard, rarely dancing and making the most of the bad offensive line play.
For his block, his running and his touchdown catch, this game ball is for Terrance West.
The final game ball goes to the other rookie with a touchdown reception yesterday. Gabriel has been solid but unspectacular for most of the season. When given the chance he has made the most of his opportunities. With Andrew Hawkins, Miles Austin and Jordan Cameron all ahead of him on the priority list for most of the season, Gabriel’s shots have been few and far between. With Cameron out the Browns found a bit more use for the Abileen Christian star.
Everyone will point to his touchdown reception, where he read Brian Hoyer‘s movements and found space to make a play:
Yet Gabriel was productive during the rest of the game. He caught 5 balls, on 6 targets, for 87 yards. None were as impactful, or long, as his touchdown catch but his presence was felt all over the field. With Hawkins hurt, and taken out of the game, Gabriel’s performance was needed and he delievered. That earned Taylor Gabriel a game ball.
Who gets your game balls from yesterday?