By Joe Hunley--Cleveland Browns Report

The performance of the Cleveland Browns against the Pittsburgh Steelers in this Sundays' NFL contest was pathetic.

The definition of pathetic, by Merriam-Webster Dictionary is: "pitifully inferior or inadequate"

This description applies to the performance of the Browns,  against their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Browns were out-played and over-powered in ever aspect of the game. The Steelers dominated every aspect of this contest, and unveiled the truth-- the Browns may not have improved as much as many may believe.

The Browns defense was in-effective in stopping the onslaught of the Steelers offense. The highly improved, Rob Ryan defense, was quickly un-masked and proven to be ineffective, as the Steelers scored on every possession--until the starters were removed.

The Steelers would gain 280 yards on 15 completions, scoring two passing touchdowns. The running game would yield little, however was effective in allowing success to the passing game. The Browns were unable to stop, or for that matter, slow down the offense of the Steelers. The Steelers would quickly unveil a major flaw in the Browns defense, the Browns defense has several weak, and vulnerable positions.

The Browns secondary, which supposedly was vastly improved, provided little support to an already faltering defense. Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback of the Steelers, had little pressure--if any--and was allowed to "pick and choose" his targets, which the secondary proved unable to cover.

The Browns defense was a total failure, out-classed and overpowered, not to mention out-coached.

Clevelands' rookie quarterback, Colt McCoy, would be seen throwing his helmet to the ground, in front of Brian Daboll, offensive coordinator. Who can blame the young QB for showing such frustration? Numerous well thrown passes were dropped by receivers that should have been excellent gains for the Browns. Yes--McCoy threw three interceptions, and tossed a couple questionable passes, adding to his less than favorable stats of 209 yards in 20 completions, 1 touchdown and 3 interceptions. McCoy, at times, seemed to be the only one fighting for a victory--even tho' a win was "out of reach"

The entire Browns team, players and coaches, performance comes close to the definition provided by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as pathetic.

What Mike Holmgren must decide is whether this outing against the Steelers reflects a team that has an abundance of "pathetic" talent, or an abundance of "pathetic" coaching---or--both



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