CLEVELAND — When Jamal Lewis carries the football 20 times in a game, the Browns almost always win. But when he logs half of that number, as was the case Sunday, the outcome is equally predictable.
Lewis rushed for 58 yards on just 10 carries — only two coming in the first half — as Cleveland stumbled to a 16-6 loss at the hands of the Houston Texans.
The NFL’s 24th all-time leading rusher also fumbled for the first time in 392 touches, putting an exclamation point on an afternoon that did not go the way he expected.
“The most disturbing thing is when you’re not able to really get out there and put (your preparation) to work on the field,” Lewis said. “I’m just thinking there must be another plan or maybe it’s something that we practiced and I wasn’t there or something.
“I’m just standing there cold (on the sideline), just taking in the breeze.”
Though Lewis was quick to criticize some unnamed teammates earlier this month, he made it clear he was not directing his comments at coach Romeo Crennel following the game.
Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski was another story, seeing as the Browns spent the previous several days focusing on the running game in practice.
“Look, with Romeo, I think he prepared us well and got us ready to go,” Lewis said. “He’s not out on the field running plays and he’s not calling plays. It’s on the coaches on down, the position coaches and coordinators on down. That’s where everything needed to be on point.
“I just try to make the best out of a bad situation and not blow up because I can’t control it.”
Lewis’ 5.8-yard average per carry was his best of the season, while his 10 rushes represented his low. He remains on pace for a 1,000-yard season (1,042), but is adamant that he could be doing more to help the team.
Again, he pointed the finger of blame at Chudzinski.
“Hey, it’s his show, it’s not mine,” Lewis said. “My job is just to do what I’m asked to do. I got in trouble in past years with my other team (Baltimore) doing stuff like that. Go to work, do your job, do what you’re asked to do. That’s all I can do.”

Brownie bits

Shaun Rogers blocked a 49-yard field goal attempt in the second quarter. It was the mammoth nose tackle’s second rejection of the year and the 13th blocked kick of his career (12 on field goals).
• Brodney Pool made his career-high third interception on a nifty one-handed grab, while fellow safety Sean Jones made his first theft since last Dec. 9.
• Braylon Edwards led the team with five catches and 85 receiving yards, giving him at least one grab in all 53 of his NFL games. His 42-yard reception was the longest completion of Brady Quinn’s brief pro career.
• Tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. was limited to a single catch and was whistled for offensive pass interference.
• Beleaguered cornerback Brandon McDonald was beaten for a 17-yard touchdown by Kevin Walter.
• Kamerion Wimbley notched his third sack of the season. “To go out and get one in this game means something to me,” he said. “I wanted the win, though. That is more important.”
• Cleveland is 1-5 at home one year after going 7-1.

Texans roundup

Pro Bowl wideout Andre Johnson had game-highs of 10 receptions and 116 yards, moving past 1,000 receiving yards on the season.
“We were able to find spots in the Browns’ defense,” he said.
• Kris Brown had his career-long consecutive field goal streak end at 15 after missing two of his five attempts.
• Andre Davis had a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown wiped out by a Dominique Barber hold.
“That is always the worst feeling in the world,” the former Browns wide receiver said. “You just have to move on and look for the next opportunity.”

Injury update

Browns tight end Darnell Dinkins was fitted with a walking boot after hurting his left ankle twice, while running back Jerome Harrison had his sore left hamstring heavily wrapped. Center Hank Fraley underwent X-rays, reportedly on his right hand.
• Defensive end Shaun Smith (left hand) was Cleveland’s only injured inactive. Also not in uniform were cornerback Travis Daniels, safety Hamza Abdullah, linebacker Kris Griffin, guard Scott Young, wide receiver Steve Sanders and tight end Martin Rucker. Ken Dorsey was the third quarterback.
• For Houston, running back Ahman Green exited with a knee injury, while quarterback Matt Schaub (knee), fullback Cecil Sapp, safety Will Demps, linebacker Kevis Coley, guard Kasey Studdard, tackle Rashad Butler, tight end Mark Bruener and defensive tackle Frank Okam were inactive.

See you next season?

Despite playing in different divisions, the Browns and Texans have played each other in five straight seasons. They will meet again in 2009 if Cleveland (AFC North) and Houston (AFC South) finish in the same position in their respective divisions this year.
Contact Brian Dulik at (330) 721-4059
or brisports@hotmail.com. 

---

Print this story
Report an inappropriate comment

---

In order to comment, you must agree to our user agreement and discussion guidelines.

Need help? Email Us.

---