Game Ball of the Week: Phil Dawson

by Chris Pokorny on Oct 4, 2011 11:02 AM EDT

When in doubt, the kicker is your team's most valuable player.

On offense, there was not a lot to be proud of from Sunday's 31-13 loss to the Titans. There were dropped passes, poor execution of plays, and very little separation for our receivers again. On defense, there was not a pass rush to speak of, the tight ends could not be covered, and whiffing on tackles became a new priority (all of this excludes cornerback Joe Haden).

And then there was Phil Dawson, who drilled field goals of 48 and 51 yards in the first half. The swirling winds in Cleveland Browns Stadium did not derail him, as he is now 6-for-6 on the season. In the first three games, his longest attempt was only for 30 yards. I wasn't very pleased that he gave the Titans great field position on their first touchdown drive when he kicked the ball out of bounds, but I'll give him a pass because Titans kicker Rob Bironas did the same thing later in the game.

Thank you, Dawson, for remaining consistent over the years. If this is Dawson's final season, hopefully the troops get a couple more wins under their belt for him.

Tweet Comment 21 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

By default, but yes.

With or Without the H

by johnf34 on Oct 4, 2011 11:09 AM EDT reply actions

That dude just sucks up losing like a sponge.

Pittsburgh is just jealous. We got Cudi and they have Wiz.

by SpecialBrownie on Oct 4, 2011 11:13 AM EDT reply actions

He must be a masochist like us.

I really don’t really think... - Tom Heckert

by North Coast Flea on Oct 4, 2011 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions

Automatic.

"I want my unwarranted optimism back." -Dilbert

by Simmsinns on Oct 4, 2011 11:59 AM EDT reply actions

Low

This low is getting depressing. I dont even know what we can cheer about except Dawson. Maybe and I mean maybe the defensive young guys up front on the line? I think this team is worse than I expected. I was hoping for 7-9 at worst 6-10. I am not sure we are anywhere near that good. The schedule is weak so maybe that helps, but there is a lot of problems. Ugh I hate this feeling

by champion64 on Oct 4, 2011 12:54 PM EDT reply actions

(for collapsing)

Yeah, I’m not nearly optimistic enough with this team to have predicted 7-9. But after a 2-2 start, even I have been a little more optimistic where as it seems you have had the opposite reaction. Did you expect us to start 4-0?

I really don’t really think... - Tom Heckert

by North Coast Flea on Oct 4, 2011 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I did. I was expecting 4-0 but OK with 3-1. Let’s face it, we SHOULD be 3-1.

Dawgs By Nature: Where we REALLY love belt buckles.

by Adrock2099 on Oct 4, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I guess I am more concerned they way the team plays. McCoy is really not doing a good job 1/4 the way into the season. The play is sloppy, and seems unorganized. More of the same of the past 4 years. This is one of the 8 worst teams in the league and that is very concerning.

by champion64 on Oct 4, 2011 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying I think our team is good, just that 3 of the teams we’ve played are worse than us.

Dawgs By Nature: Where we REALLY love belt buckles.

by Adrock2099 on Oct 4, 2011 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

As much as I have griped about some of the play so far, it is really what I expected. However, I am also expecting that Shurmur will use the bye to analyze those first four weeks and set a better course for the remainder of the season. I’m not saying that I’m expecting playoffs, but I do expect the coaches and players to absorb some lessons from the first four weeks and start producing a bit more.

"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened."
— Winston S. Churchill

by JustBob on Oct 4, 2011 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Can’t disagree. Gotta say I was nervous about those 2 near-50 yarders in the 1st qtr, but the old man had plenty of leg. Now if only he could do the same thing on kickoffs….

by bone_to_pick on Oct 4, 2011 12:56 PM EDT reply actions

HUH????

Any kicker who kicks the ball out of bounds and gives the opponent the ball on the 40 yard line, automatically loses his game ball chances. I like Dawson, but even he isn’t worthy of it this past weekend. My gameball goes to the mascot, Chomps. He was quite animated in that pre-game ceremony.

by Beerabelli on Oct 4, 2011 2:11 PM EDT reply actions

Pretty bad when your best player for the week is said to be a kicker. Not sure I agree but it is pretty telling that this is even discussed. Not to take anything away from Dawson who did what he was hired to do but this reminds me of the days I used to give props to Zastudil because there was no one else.

Brownsyup

by Brownsyup on Oct 4, 2011 4:51 PM EDT reply actions

And because Zastudil was good. And a Bobcat.

"Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing ever happened."
— Winston S. Churchill

by JustBob on Oct 4, 2011 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, Zastudil was playing like an all-pro caliber punter that season before he got injured.

"I want my unwarranted optimism back." -Dilbert

by Simmsinns on Oct 4, 2011 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh yeah, and the Bobcats are 4-1!

by athensdawg on Oct 5, 2011 10:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I’ve said it for years but never here. If I were to ever buy a Browns jersey, it would be #4. He’s the been the only consistently good thing about the team since 1999. For all the love I have for Mack, Steinbach, and Thomas (especially from playing OL myself), Dawson deserves major props. Those field goals just show that he is still a solid placekicker.

Even Doug Dieken admits Joe Thomas is the real #73

by Doc's Kid on Oct 4, 2011 8:22 PM EDT reply actions

So why not go buy one then?

by BornAKardiacKid on Oct 5, 2011 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Because I need to spend money on more practical things first. I need a new computer soon and more furniture for my new apartment. I can get by with the few Browns clothes I have now. Maybe a Christmas or birthday present in the future.

Even Doug Dieken admits Joe Thomas is the real #73

by Doc's Kid on Oct 6, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

True story, I told my wife to get me either a Joe Thomas or a Phil Dawson jersey for Christmas one year. She couldn’t remember who I told her and bought me a Chinese knock-off Jim Brown jersey.

I really don’t really think... - Tom Heckert

by North Coast Flea on Oct 6, 2011 3:01 PM EDT up reply actions