Defensive end Coleman shook off an injury to make big plays in the Browns' 23-20 win over the Bengals.
Browns defensive end Kenyon Coleman recovers a fumble by Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, who lost the football after being hit by Browns linebacker Scott Fujita.Cleveland, Ohio -- Any games that go undecided until almost the final whistle, like the Cleveland Browns' 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, feature a series of significant plays.
Obviously.
The Browns got several against the Bengals from a player who maybe shouldn't have been on the field because of an injury.
Browns' veteran defensive end Kenyon Coleman's contributions against Cincinnati included two fumble recoveries and a sack of Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer.
Steve Doerschuk of the Canton Repository writes that Coleman maybe...
shouldn’t have been involved in any competition more violent than checkers.
“It was a miracle that I could even play,” Coleman said, “let alone have one of the best games of my life.”
The official injury report said Coleman missed practice last week because of a “knee.” He laughed out loud when asked to elaborate. All he would say was, “I wasn’t supposed to play.”
Late Saturday, though, the thought of missing the Cincinnati game was eating at him. He called his position coach, Bryan Cox.
“I know this sounds funny,” he says he told Cox, “but I think I can go.”
The Browns are 1-3 after the win over the Bengals (2-2). Cleveland's next game is on Sunday at home against the Atlanta Falcons (3-1).
The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com covers the Browns.
Mangini's move
Clark Judge of CBSSports.com likes a decision that Browns coach Eric Mangini made with about five minutes left in the game, and Cleveland clinging to the 23-20 lead.
Judge analyzes Mangini's call:
Eric Mangini's decision to accept an offensive pass-interference call after Cleveland stopped the Bengals on third–and-3 at the Browns' 31 late in the fourth quarter. The move was a gamble, especially with Carson Palmer taking apart the Browns' secondary, but it paid off when Matt Roth sacked the Bengals' quarterback. Cincinnati never got the ball back. What Mangini did was demonstrate to his defensive players that he believed in them to make a crucial stop. And they responded.
Peyton's pals
While running back Peyton Hillis is producing on the field for the Browns, he appreciates the fans and team -- and vice versa.
Mike McLain writes for the Warren Tribune Chronicle:
As of now, the offense runs through the powerful runs of Hillis, who's becoming a fan favorite because of his aggressive, run-to-the-whistle-blows style.
"I can't explain to you how happy I am to play as big of a role that I am doing," Hillis said. "I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love this city, and I love this team. I never played with near as great of guys as I am right now."
Post patterns
Browns notes, featuring Kenyon Coleman, by Jeff Schudel for the News-Herald.
How the AFC North teams are coming along, by James Walker of ESPN.com.
The Browns defense comes through, by Chris Lillstrung of the News-Herald.
Browns notes and game analysis by Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram.
Browns notes, including on receiver Evan Moore, by Fred Greetham for the Orange and Brown Report on Scout.com.
Don Delco writes about wide receiver Chansi Stuckey for the Orange and Brown Report on Scout.com.
David S. Glasier writes about Peyton Hillis for the News-Herald.
Browns notes by Brian Dulik, along with numerous game photos, for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram.
Some Browns and Bengals mentions on USAToday.com's "bests & worsts" by Sean Leahy.