Preseason Recap #1: Browns 27, Packers 24

The Browns first game of the 2010 preseason has to be viewed as a success.  This was the start to the season that we needed, and although these wins don't matter.. this one has Browns fans feeling good about this team and this year.

Jake Delhomme looked crisp, and ran an efficient offense down the field for a touchdown against Green Bay's first team defense.  On his only drive, he completed 6 of the 7 passes he attempted, connecting with Massaquoi on a 4th and 1 that eventually led to Jerome Harrison's 4 yard rush into the endzone. 

I don't think anyone could have predicted such a smooth go-round for Delhomme, who quieted the doubters and looked downright fluent with the new offense.  Although he had a rough year last season in Carolina, this is a new year and a fresh start for Jake.  He seems to have control of this team and is the veteran leader our locker room needs.  It's a good feeling going into the season actually knowing who the quarterback will be.   

"It's preseason, it doesn't count. But hey, everybody has a smile on their face," Delhomme said.

Seneca Wallace came in and picked up right where Delhomme had left off, throwing two touchdown passes including a nice throw on the run that landed in the hands of Robiskie in the back of the end zone.  Wallace is sure to be used in some wild-cat packages, as he deserves the opportunity.  He came in and showed that he has a lot of potential, and if Delhomme goes down this year Seneca will prove to be a valuable back-up.

The defense definitely showed up last night, and Green Bay running back Ryan Grant felt the force as he was hit in the head and had to leave the game.  On his first touch, he fumbled the ball leading to one of our touchdowns. 

Our secondary looked solid, and the linebacking core looks primed to keep the big hits coming.  When you can rotate Joe Haden in with Sheldon Brown and Eric Wright, you definitely have a chance to stop the passing threat other teams will pose.  T.J. Ward also showed his potential;  The free-safety out of Oregon is  an instinctive, hard-hitting defensive back who definitely can drop the hammer.   

Colt McCoy made his debut in a Browns uniform, and showed why he shouldn't be the starter.  He threw two costly interceptions, and looked like he was not ready for the speed of the NFL game.  Colt had to leave the game when he banged his throwing hand off the back of an offensive lineman's helmet.  The injury was reported to not be serious. 

After McCoy left, it was the Brett Ratliff show and he did exactly what we needed him to.  In a tie game, with the clock winding down, he led us into field goal position and set up Phil Dawson with a game winning attempt.  Of course Phil didn't miss, and the Browns are officially 1-0 on the year.

Everyone leaves with a smile on their face, and fans look forward to seeing what Delhomme can do with a full game.  Josh Cribbs didn't even touch the ball and we still beat Green Bay.  I know it's just the preseason, but this game definitely has me excited for the rest of the year.  Do the Browns have enough pieces to make a run at the division?