Browns' defensive unit answers critics against Indianapolis

Cleveland shut down the Colts' offensive weapons.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Browns' much-maligned defense had an answer for its critics on Sunday. And it came on the field.
After surrendering 28 second-half points in a loss to the Indianapolis last year, the Browns defense shut down the vaunted Colts offense on Sunday. Cleveland allowed just 271 yards and intercepted two of Peyton Manning's passes.
Still, it wasn't enough.
"We did well," said linebacker Brant Boyer. "We are all young and out to prove something. I can see that the skeptics will come out, but we showed we are going to play hard and lay it on the line."
Cleveland's two rookie linebackers, Kevin Bentley and Ben Taylor, each had an interception. The Browns got just one interception from their linebackers last year.
"They have a good defense," Manning said. "We knew that every possession counted."
Different story
Colts wideout Marvin Harrison torched the Browns' secondary last year -- specifically cornerback Anthony Henry -- by catching nine passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns as Indianapolis rallied from a 16-point deficit to win 28-23.
But on Sunday, Harrison had just nine passes for 44 yards against cornerback Daylon McCutcheon.
"They told me early in the week that I would cover him and I took it as a test," McCutcheon said. "I think for the most part I did well against him. If you want to be the best, you have to go against the best."
The Browns also held standout running back Edgerrin James to just 67 yards on 15 carries. James had two touchdowns against Cleveland last year, including the game-winner.
"We played well, but it's just one game," McCutcheon said. "I don't think you can say after one game that we're a great defense. But it's definitely something to build on."
Answering the critics
Most people thought the Browns offense would have to carry the defense this season, especially after the loss of linebackers Dwayne Rudd and Earl Holmes and cornerback Corey Fuller and a poor performance in the preseason.
One publication even gave the Browns' linebacking corps an "F" in its preseason grades, which irritated Browns coach Butch Davis.
"I've told people for five or six months that the linebackers are not going to be the weak link of this football team," Davis said. "Those guys are athletic. They're smart. They're instinctive. They're not going to do anything but continue to get better."
Taylor led the Browns with 11 tackles, while defensive end Courtney Brown had Cleveland's lone sack.
It wasn't a perfect performance, but Davis was satisfied.
"I'm very proud of the way the defense played," Davis said. "This team has a lot of maturity and a lot of character. They're disappointed [with the loss], but they're going to bounce back and play well."