The Browns and Jaguars both came into this game on a roll, though not in the same direction. By game's end their respective progression would continue as Cleveland beat Jacksonville 23-17 in a contest not as close as the score would indicate.
If you were a participant on the "in game" threads it seemed we were more passionate about this game than the players were, save possibly Darryl Smith, Zach Miller and less than a handful of others. Dropping the final four games of the season and once again failing to exhibit any sign of life on the road has left a sour taste in the mouths of the fan base.
Though the final drive was a nice way to end the year, it doesn't take away from the disappointment of missed opportunities. That this season seems to mirror 2006 in so many ways, I think, adds to the sour taste. Same quarterback. Same coach. Same collapse.
The Jacksonville defense was man-handled by the Browns offensive front. If any statistics indicate just how this game went it is these:
- Jaguars - 0 sacks, 1 pass defended, 0 quarterback hits
- Browns - 3 sacks, 5 passes defended, 10 quarterback hits
- Jaguars - 24 rushing attempts, 131 yards
- Browns - 49 rushing attempts, 214 yards