The Cleveland Browns haven't won a season opener since 2004, mostly because of the kind of plays that victimized them Sunday in a 23-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
It must have felt like déjà vu for Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden. Looking nothing like the rock star of August, the Cleveland starter sputtered out of the gate, throwing three interceptions before halftime. It was eerily similar to Weeden's rookie debut one season ago, when his four interceptions in a one-point loss to the Philadelphia Eagles left Browns fans asking what might have been.
The picks weren't Weeden's fault alone -- two came off the hands of his receivers -- but he struggled to move the ball all game.
One particularly ugly series in the second quarter seemed to symbolize the afternoon: Trailing 6-0, Weeden hit tight end Jordan Cameron for a beautiful 22-yard strike to the Miami 27. Cameron, covered by Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes, popped to his feet and barreled downfield for an apparent touchdown. Instead, officials ruled Cameron down where he made the catch. One play later, Weeden targeted Cameron again, only to see the ball flutter off the tight end's hands into the arms of Dolphins defender Dimitri Patterson.
An ugly series, and indicative of a Browns attack still in search of itself despite all the offseason bluster.
We'll take a closer look at Miami's side of the equation Monday. Ryan Tannehill had troubles of his own, but in a battle of second-year passers, it was the Dolphins starter who pushed through the chaos to produce points. Just one reason Miami is 1-0, and Cleveland is left wondering when Week 1 will be something other than a horror show.
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