Andrew Weber-US PRESSWIRE
What a difference one week makes.
After setting an NFL record of futility by a rookie, Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden would redeem himself by setting a Browns franchise record for yards passing by a rookie in a 34-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Weeden, who compiled a 5.1 QB rating in a 17-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week One, would throw for 322 yards and complete 70.3 percent of his passes.
For the game, Weeden would complete 26 of 37 passes, throw two touchdowns and finish with a QB rating of 114.9
Rookie running back, Trent Richardson, who would be called “nothing spectacular, nothing special” by Bengals middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, would become the first rookie running back in franchise history to rush for 100 yards, score a rushing touchdown and have a touchdown receiving.
Richardson would rush for 109 yards on 19 carries and four receptions for 36 yards.
Cleveland’s defense would once again play well enough to keep the Browns in the game, but bad penalties and suspect special teams would ultimately do the Browns in.
Cleveland would have a total of 10 penalties for 103 yards and give up a 81-yard punt return from Adam “Pacman” Jones.
If there is a bright spot for the Browns outside of the performances of Richardson and Weeden, it was the play of fourth-year wide receiver, Mohamed Massaqoui.
Massaqoui would have five catches for 90 yards on seven targets.
Massaqoui, who has had a history of head injuries, looked like he had some real chemistry with Weeden as he would make timely catches throughout the game.
Despite the Browns falling to 0-2 and last in the rugged AFC North, the record-breaking performances of both Weeden and Richardson give Cleveland fans a glimmer of hope that the franchise is heading in the right direction.
Robert D. Cobb is the NBA Network Manager for Rant Media Network, Featured Writer of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Featured Columnist for the Cleveland Browns and Arsenal Gunners.
In addition to covering the NBA, I also cover MLB, NFL, NHL and Champions League soccer news, rumors and opinions, please follow me on Twitter at @RobertCobb_76
