After handily defeating Kansas City last weekend, the Bengals host the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday. The Browns showed some decent game last week, narrowly losing to the New Orleans Saints.
Some things to watch:
1) Cleveland's retooled Offensive Line vs. Cincinnati's Defensive Line
The Browns spent a decent chunk of change in the offseason trying to beef up their O-line, but the Bengals have countered with the acquisition of DT Sam Adams. Our D-line looked pretty effective last week, albeit against a suspect Kansas City line. Expect some more sacks, although I'd be surprised if the Bengals equaled their tally from last week.
2) The Passing Game
If Housh comes back this week, expect big things from the Cincinnati aerial assault vs. a mediocre (at best) Cleveland secondary. As has been pointed out elsewhere, the Bengals didn't really need to air it out against the Chiefs (by establishing an early lead), but don't expect the same game plan this week. Carson was finding his arm last week, and I expect him to put up more Carson-worthy numbers on Sunday.
For the Browns, second year QB Charlie Frye is basically a league-average quarterback with a decent arm but isn't skilled at breaking down a defense. After tossing two interceptions to the Saints last week, I'd be surprised if he doesn't do the same against a far superior Cincinnati secondary. I'm not sure if Frye is the answer to the Browns' perennial woes, but the rapport he has been building with WR Braylon Edwards will soon pay dividends.
3) Marvin vs. Romeo
Ahh, yes. It all comes down to coaching. I, for one, thought Romeo did a fair job last year with a less-than-stellar Browns team, and I think this team will continue to get better in the next few years. Unfortunately, they're just not there yet talent-wise. I think this year for the Browns will be similar to Cincinnati's 2004 campaign. You can see they're getting better, but they're still not a contender, especially in the very tough AFC North.
As for Mr. Lewis, we all know the story by now. He finally has the players he needs to get the job done. With our young, fast defense and a high powered offense, Marvin now has the tools he needs to execute his game plans. Expect the Bengals to wear down Cleveland's 3-4 with some ground assaults by Rudi, peppered with some long passes to TJ and Chad. Business as usual for the Cincinnati offense. On the other side of the ball, expect the Bengals D to focus on shutting down Reuben Droughns to force Charlie Frye to try to win the game in the air.
Summary
I'm excited for this game. In years past, I was always nervous before a game that we "should" win. It seemed like the Bengals always slacked off on games like this, and often times ended up losing to what seemed like an inferior team. In the new Marvin era, however, I feel much more confident in our boys to get the job done.
Prediction: Cincinnati 38, Cleveland 12
Some things to watch:
1) Cleveland's retooled Offensive Line vs. Cincinnati's Defensive Line
The Browns spent a decent chunk of change in the offseason trying to beef up their O-line, but the Bengals have countered with the acquisition of DT Sam Adams. Our D-line looked pretty effective last week, albeit against a suspect Kansas City line. Expect some more sacks, although I'd be surprised if the Bengals equaled their tally from last week.
2) The Passing Game
If Housh comes back this week, expect big things from the Cincinnati aerial assault vs. a mediocre (at best) Cleveland secondary. As has been pointed out elsewhere, the Bengals didn't really need to air it out against the Chiefs (by establishing an early lead), but don't expect the same game plan this week. Carson was finding his arm last week, and I expect him to put up more Carson-worthy numbers on Sunday.
For the Browns, second year QB Charlie Frye is basically a league-average quarterback with a decent arm but isn't skilled at breaking down a defense. After tossing two interceptions to the Saints last week, I'd be surprised if he doesn't do the same against a far superior Cincinnati secondary. I'm not sure if Frye is the answer to the Browns' perennial woes, but the rapport he has been building with WR Braylon Edwards will soon pay dividends.
3) Marvin vs. Romeo
Ahh, yes. It all comes down to coaching. I, for one, thought Romeo did a fair job last year with a less-than-stellar Browns team, and I think this team will continue to get better in the next few years. Unfortunately, they're just not there yet talent-wise. I think this year for the Browns will be similar to Cincinnati's 2004 campaign. You can see they're getting better, but they're still not a contender, especially in the very tough AFC North.
As for Mr. Lewis, we all know the story by now. He finally has the players he needs to get the job done. With our young, fast defense and a high powered offense, Marvin now has the tools he needs to execute his game plans. Expect the Bengals to wear down Cleveland's 3-4 with some ground assaults by Rudi, peppered with some long passes to TJ and Chad. Business as usual for the Cincinnati offense. On the other side of the ball, expect the Bengals D to focus on shutting down Reuben Droughns to force Charlie Frye to try to win the game in the air.
Summary
I'm excited for this game. In years past, I was always nervous before a game that we "should" win. It seemed like the Bengals always slacked off on games like this, and often times ended up losing to what seemed like an inferior team. In the new Marvin era, however, I feel much more confident in our boys to get the job done.
Prediction: Cincinnati 38, Cleveland 12
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