Smith's pick aids Cologne victory

05.22.2007

Browns linebacker Clifton Smith recorded 6 tackles and a late interception to help his Cologne Centurions score a 20-17 victory over the Rhein Fire in Week Six of NFL Europa action.

After Cologne hit what would end up being the game-winning field goal with less than four minutes remaining in the game, the Fire drove to their own 47-yard-line before Smith recorded an interception and subsequent 10-yard return of a Cody Pickett pass on a first down play.

The pick was Smith's second of the season to add to his 33 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 4 pass breakups.

The Centurions are now 4-2 and tied with Frankfurt for first place in NFL Europa. The top two teams at season's end will go on to play in World Bowl XV.

Frankfurt rolled to a 35-7 victory over Berlin during Week Six. Browns punter Kyle Basler punted twice for 78 yards during the game. His first punt left his foot from the Berlin 44 and sailed 32 yards to the 17-yard-line. His second punt of the day traveled 46 yards from the Frankfurt 39 to the Berlin 15 and was returned 19 yards by Browns running back Chris Barclay. His third punt of the day was blocked.

On the season, Basler has punted 18 times for 768 yards (42.6 avg.), dropping five kicks inside the 20.

Barclay, meanwhile, continued to aid in several areas of the game for the Thunder. He rushed 12 times for 19 yards with the Thunder's lone touchdown of the game, caught 1 pass for 11 yards, returned a punt for 19 yards and brought back a pair of kicks for 14 yards.

On the season, Barclay has managed 307 yards on 85 carries, 11 receptions for 55 yards, and has recorded a league-high 468 yards on 19 attempts including a 99-yard touchdown.

In the loss, Browns receiver Steve Sanders caught 1 pass for 7 yards, bringing his season total to 2 receptions for 26 yards for the Thunder.

Browns defensive lineman Alvin Smith started his sixth game of the season at defensive tackle for the Amsterdam Admirals during a 41-31 win over the Hamburg Sea Devils. Smith did not record a tackle, but has managed 13 tackles and a pass breakup on the year.

Week Seven of NFL Europa action will kick off Friday when Cologne travels to Amsterdam (3-3) at 2 p.m. EDT. On Saturday, Berlin (2-4) will travel to Hamburg (3-3), while Rhein (2-4) will play at Frankfurt. The games will be played at noon and 1 p.m., respectively.

The Rhein-Frankfurt contest can be seen live on NFL Network, while the week's other two games will air on tape delay. Cologne-Amsterdam can be seen at 10 a.m. Saturday, while Berlin-Hamburg will air at 1 a.m. Sunday morning.