The Browns could have used the help of cornerback Joe Haden against the Bengals, but he was suspended for two games for violating the NFL’s dug policy. (US Presswire)

The loss of CB Joe Haden to suspension for violating the NFL drug policy wasn't the only reason the Cleveland Browns fell to Cincinnati.

Even with Haden absent, Cleveland's secondary held Bengals' wideout A.J. Green to seven catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.

That's more than acceptable defense against a player like Green. In fact, it should really be considered a positive for a group that was also without starter Sheldon Brown, who was sidelined with a stinger he suffered in the season opener against the Eagles, giving increased playing time to two inexperienced backups.

Buster Skrine and Trevin Wade were both torched for long gains and missed several tackles, showing the Browns missed Haden's mental game more than anything.

No ad available

Middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson, who became the first Browns player to register three sacks in a game since Kenard Lang in 2004, said Haden's seniority is something the defense can not replace.

"We missed his experience," Jackson said. "Not too many players can fool him. He can school younger guys on what to expect. His knowledge of the game is what was missed most. He brings a lot of effort and savvy to the game."

More snags for MoMass: When team president Mike Holmgren and head coach Pat Shurmur went out on a limb and said WR Mohamed Massaquoi was going to be vastly improved, many thought the prediction was crazy.

No ad available

Massaquoi had shown no evidence that he was on the brink of a breakout season. In 2011 he only had 31 catches for 384 yards. He showed no ability to separate from coverage and when he did get the ball thrown in his direction, he failed to produce yards after a catch.

Well, those struggles seem like a thing of the past now. Massaquoi has been the most consistent and effective receiver on the Browns with a team-high eight receptions for 131 yards.

"He had a chance to have a true offseason and any time you put that much work in, you can make it happen on Sunday," Shurmur said. "I'm pleased with where he's going. I do see a different Mo this year, and it's showed up."
Week 2 Weeden: Quarterback Brandon Weeden showed vast improvement in the second game of his career. All you have to do is look at one stat: His QB rating leaped from 5.1 to 114.9. But Shurmur was particularly pleased at Weeden's mental approach, highlighting a check down from TE Benjamin Watson to RB Trent Richardson that resulted in the 23-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter.

"It's sometimes hard to take a guy who's a great thrower and tell him to take a checkdown," Shurmur said.

No ad available

Suddenly scary for QBs: Jackson (three sacks) is a half-sack short of his career high (3 1/2 in 2011). The team not has eight sacks, including six in Cincinnati on Sunday, but has consistently placed pressure on quarterbacks.

No doubt free agent DEs Frostee Rucker and Juqua Parker, both of whom recorded sacks against the Bengals, have proved to be upgrades up front. Shurmur's plan is to get consistent pressure from the defensive line, allowing linebackers and safeties to drop back in coverage. That was the scheme against the Bengals, as defensive coordinator Dick Jauron called much fewer blitzes against Cincinnati than he did against the Eagles.

"Shurmur's philosophy] puts pressure on us to do our jobs," Rucker said. "Four guys can be effective rushing the passer in this league."

No ad available

Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLCLE throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.