Halftime scribbles as the Browns are competitive with the Steelers.
Colt McCoy scrambles for yardage during the first half of Sunday's game against James Harrison (92), Lawrence Timmons (94) and the Steelers.PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- Halftime scribbles as the Browns battle the Steelers at Heinz Field.
1. When the Steelers' James Harrison put that helmet-to-helmet on Joshua Cribbs, it's amazing the Browns star was able to even stand up, much less walk off the field. Harrison and Cribbs both played at Kent State. Harrison will probably say that he didn't mean to go helmet-to-helmet with Cribbs, but the Steelers linebacker certainly led with his head. It was a far more vicious hit and seemingly more intentional that the play that led to T.J. Ward being fined $15,000 for hitting the Bengals' Jordan Shipley. The official announcement was Cribbs' having a "head injury" and is done for the day -- meaning they are without their best offensive weapon against the Steelers from a year ago.
2. Will the NFL hit Harrison -- a star -- with a huge fine and perhaps a suspension? Or will they deliver the same $15,000 as they did to Ward, a rookie? That's especially true when he hit Mohamed Massaquoi later in the game in the head.
3. Very nice first call by Brian Daboll to open the game, rookie Colt McCoy throwing a quick pass to Brian Robiskie for eight yards. Makes sense to let McCoy complete his first pass and to bring Robiskie into the action. Battling a hamstring problem, Robiskie came into the game with only three catches this season. The Browns need to find out if the Ohio State product -- and second rounder in 2009 -- can help them.
4. McCoy's second completion was to Evan Moore, another guy who needs to be a significant part of the offense. Moore made a nice grab for 19 yards. That was his sixth catch of the season, and he's averaging 22 yards per reception.
5. McCoy's interception was a Jake Delhomme type throw into tight coverage...it appeared the Steelers had three defenders around Ben Watson. It's exactly the type of throw they wanted McCoy to avoid.
6. In addition to being sacked twice, McCoy was decked hard twice on completions. He has not looked timid. For the most part, his passes have been accurate. His first-quarter poise was impressive, given that his first pro start is in Pittsburgh.
7. Wasn't it fun to watch Joe Haden run that interception back 62 yards? The rookie has looked promising on some preseason returns, and they should put him in front of Cribbs on kickoffs. The former star high school quarterback does know how to run with the ball.