Browns fall to 3-11 with 30-13 loss to Seahawks
BY JEREMY SOMERVILLE
BROWNS BEAT WRITER
(SEATTLE, WA) - Russell Wilson continued his torrid play of late, setting an NFL record by throwing for three touchdowns and zero interceptions for the fifth consecutive game, as his Seattle Seahawks (9-5) easily dominated the visiting Cleveland Browns (3-11) in a 30-13 victory.
Wilson picked apart the Browns secondary for 249 yards on 21 of 30 passing and added 46 yards on five carries. Two of his touchdowns found Doug Baldwin, who set a Seahawks record with 13 touchdowns on the season, while the other hit the hands of Tyler Lockett. Seattle, who was down to their fifth-string running back piled up 182 yards on the ground with a combination of Christine Michael, Bryce Brown and Derrick Coleman. Michael, who returned to the Seahawks after being cut three times this season had 84 yards on 16 carries, while the twice cut Brown added 43 yards on nine carries. Coleman, who started the game, had 10 yards on five carries.
Cleveland actually got off to a quick start in the game and found themselves up 7-0 after an impressive opening drive was capped off by a touchdown pass from Johnny Manziel to Gary Barnidge. The catch helped Barnidge tie Ozzie Smith’s team record for touchdowns by a tight end.
Following the opening drive, the Cleveland offense showed its lack of talent as the wide receivers dropped multiple catchable balls, and the offensive line struggled to block the correct man on at least six occasions. For a team that already found themselves in a huge hole by walking on the field against the much more talented two-time defending NFC Champions, it proved way too much for the team to overcome as they were outscored 30-6 after their 7-0 lead.
Manziel finished the game 19 of 32 for 161 yards and the Barnidge score. He threw a late interception while trying to force the ball to the double covered Dwayne Bowe with his team down 17. For the most part it was a surprisingly solid start for the young and troubled quarterback. He continued to show development in the pocket and managed his team well. While not perfect, his continued growth has to be pleasing to the quarterback starved franchise.
Duke Johnson Jr. led the team in rushing with 46 yards on four carries and in receiving as he added 39 yards on five catches. Barnidge was good for three catches and 29 yards to go with his score.
Cleveland is tied with Tennessee for the league’s worst record and currently holds the number two pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. They will keep fighting for the number one pick next week when they go to Arrowhead to face the scorching hot Kansas City Chiefs for a 1 p.m. kickoff. The following week they will return home to finish the season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
POSTED 12/20/2015 at 22:01
Lake County Sentinel
