BROWNS (0-6) VS. BENGALS (2-4)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, PAUL BROWN STADIUM, CINCINNATI uTV: CBS, DIRECTV 705
Announcers: Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein
About the Browns: The Browns knew there would be growing pains, and they knew it wouldn’t be easy playing five of their first seven games on the road. They’ve dealt with a multitude of injuries on both sides of the ball and are still competing. Will a win come soon? Only if the rookies grow up quickly. QB
who started the season as the team’s third stringer, has shown poise and marked improvement. WR has played a variety of roles while continuing to grow as a receiver. Pryor might end up being a Pro Bowler, but the Browns otherwise are a bunch of journeymen and young players trying to find their way. The defense ranks near the bottom of the league in every major category.
About the Bengals: Losers of two in a row, both on the road and both against high-quality opponents, the Bengals are reeling. The run game has been virtually non-existent, and the defense has surrendered too many big plays. The Bengals should see a chance to turn things around here, but QB and his pass catchers haven’t been on the same page, and the offensive line has struggled. The Bengals rank near the bottom of the league in rushing, scoring and sacks allowed. WR
has posted two big games, but no clearcut No. 2 receiver has emerged. The lack of a run game has forced Dalton into must-pass situations, and the defense hasn’t made the plays in the second half. The Bengals are angry and desperate but can’t be classified as dangerous until they start playing much better. Browns tackle Joe Thomas, above, must neutralize the Bengals’ Carlos Dunlap.
Dunlap wasn’t shy before the season about his lofty sack goals, and he’s off to a solid start. But the Bengals have been average at best as an overall defense, and because they’ve spent so much time playing from behind their sack opportunities have been limited. Thomas continues to be the one constant for the everchanging Browns. The Browns need a big day from their shuffled offensive line, and the Bengals need Dunlap to provide a spark.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Bengals need injured TE back, and they have to be encouraged that rookie WR
finally played a significant role in the offense last weekend. But they need Green to be the guy that makes the biggest plays, and in a must-win spot they need Green to be on his game. The Browns have been susceptible to the big play and should know that the ball is coming to Green early and often.
The Browns have surrendered 16 passing TDs in six games. The Bengals, who have six TD passes all season, should see an opportunity to have success via the air and gain confidence going forward.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Find a way: A month into the season, the Browns were leading the league in rushing yards. Two poor rushing performances and a handful of offensive line changes later, they’re struggling to get the run game going. They need RB to produce here to keep the Bengals’ pass rush on its heels.
2. Feed Pryor: Getting cut by the Bengals spurred Pryor to finally try a full-time switch to wide receiver. He’s on his way to becoming a good one, and he’s a key player for the Browns no matter where he lines up.
3. Mix it up: The Bengals might be tempted to go with a pass-heavy attack, given the Browns’ struggles against the pass. But they need to establish the run, both to keep the Browns guessing and for their own confidence as the season goes along. If the Bengals achieve balance, they’ll have success here.
Zac Jackson