The Browns haven't been to Washington since 1991. Judging by what we saw at FedEx Field today, no one will be clamoring for a quick rematch.
The Redskins did beat the Browns 14-11 in a very bad offensive game. Both halves ended in missed field goals. Luckily for the Redskins, Phil Dawson missed his 54-yard attempt with :25 left and the Redskins slinked out with the win.
The first half was filled with nothing but dropped passes and punts. Cleveland didn't punt at all in their Monday night win over the New York Giants. The Browns punted on their first seven drives today. There were a total 16 punts between the two teams in this one as the first 14 possessions ended in 13 punts and one missed field goal.
The excitement came from Clinton Portis. On a day filled with awesome rushing numbers, the NFL's leading rusher pounded out 175 yards and the game's first touchdown. He also nearly gave the game away as his fumble deep in his own territory gave Cleveland just enough breath to mount a comeback.
Down 14-3 and just shutdown on a goal line stand, the Browns took the turnover and scored on a one-yard pass to Josh Cribbs. The ensuing two-point conversion was good, the Redskins stalled on offense and the Browns marched right back down the field. Dawson's missed kick dashed any hopes for an upset.
The last quarter was thrilling but nothing before it was. Browns quarterback Derek Anderson completed just five of his first 22 yards as he over and under threw most of his targets. When he did actually deliver the ball, the Cleveland receivers were dropping the passes.
The Redskins move to 5-2 and stayed just a half game behind the Giants in the NFC East. Cleveland drops to 2-4.
Washington faces the winless Detroit Lions next week. The Redskins have faced a winless team twice before this season and have lost both games.
