Browns vs. Bengals Preview

[BernietheKid]

Browns-Bengals Preview
		By Don Delco OBR Browns Reporter Posted Sep 9, 2011 Is this finally the year that marks the beginning of the end of the Browns struggles? 4 Comments
Rock bottom. It’s a place the Cleveland Browns franchise has found itself too often since returning to the NFL in 1999. Pin-pointing the exact moment the franchise found rock bottom is a bit tricky. Was it… •Tim Couch’s post-game tears because he thought Browns fans were cheering his injury during a game against Baltimore in 2002? •Browns fans throwing bottles in protest of an official going to a replay – and eventually overturning a call in Jacksonville’s favor – only after the next play started in 2001? •The Spergon Wynn Era? •Dwayne Rudd’s helmet toss? •Dwight Clark’s draft picks? •Butch Davis’ draft picks? •The resignation of team president John Collins after losing a power struggle battle to general manager Phil Savage in late 2005? •The Charlie Frye Era? •Derek Anderson vs. Brady Quinn quarterback “competition”? •Steelers 41, Browns 0 on Christmas Eve, 2005? •The Steelers’ 12-game winning streak over the Browns? •The Browns’ 1-11 record in 2009? That’s all I could think of. Perhaps there is something rock-bottom worthy that I missed? Let me know in the comments. In my opinion, rock bottom was that 1-11 record two seasons ago. Granted, Eric Mangini stripped down the roster to bare bones and that team was arguably less talented than the 1999 version. Consider, during that 12-game stretch in 2009, the Browns averaged 12.1 points per game and were a 6-3 win over Buffalo in week five away from being 0-12. (The snickers you hear are from the 2008 Detroit Lions, who at least averaged 16.8 points per game.) Sunday marks another new season with another new head coach. Hope has returned to the north coast and the optimism for the Cleveland Browns extends outside northeast Ohio. Why such optimism? Colt McCoy. First impressions are important and McCoy’s performance last season was lasting. In eight starts, two were wins over the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints. While McCoy didn’t do much to win those games, he didn’t do much to lose them, either. In all, his rookie season netted six touchdowns and nine interceptions at a 60.8 percent completion rate. If the Browns are to avoid another trip to rock bottom, McCoy needs to improve in 2011. That journey begins with the Bengals. Cincinnati’s secondary includes 31-year-old Nate Clements, Leon Hall, former Browns player Chris Crocker, underwhelming second-year safety Taylor Mays - and don’t forget about Pacman Jones, who is expected to play in nickel coverage. This is not McCoy’s first foray into The Battle of Ohio. Last December, McCoy was 19-for-25 passing for 243 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions in a 19-17 loss to the Bengals. A new offensive scheme coupled with a few new toys — Greg Little (WR) and Montario Hardesty (RB) — means McCoy should be able to move the ball against the Bengals defense. If the Browns’ new West Coast offense succeeds through the air Sunday, the key will be if the Bengals offense is unable to succeed on the ground. The Browns run defense has been non-existent since 1999. The team is perennially ranked toward the bottom of the league in run defense and last season was no different as the team allowed 129.4 yards per game (27th out of 32 teams). Cedric Benson, fresh out of a stint in the clink, and Bernard Scott lead the Bengals backfield. With rookie quarterback Andy Dalton under center, the Bengals are expected to rely on the running game Sunday. In 2010, Benson finished with 1,111 yards and seven touchdowns on 321 carries and Scott added 299 yards on 61 carries. Last December, Benson ran for 150 yards on 31 carries and Scott added 40 yards on eight carries against the Browns’ battered defense. The Browns defense features a new 4-3 defensive scheme, a revamped front seven and a new defensive coordinator in Dick Jauron. That front seven is anchored at the defensive tackle spot by rookie Phil Taylor and Ahtyba Rubin. D’Qwell Jackson returned from injury and has thrived at the middle linebacker position during the preseason. It’s cliché, but if the Browns need to be able to stop the run and force rookie quarterback Andy Dalton to beat them. If that occurs, the Browns may be looking at an opening-week win. As we are all aware, the Browns are 1-11 on opening days since 1999 with the only win coming in 2004, 20-3 over Baltimore. Forget the past. Hope has returned in Cleveland on the shoulders of Pat Shurmur and Colt McCoy. Let’s hope it doesn’t quickly leave town with the Bengals come Sunday evening. Scout.com: Browns-Bengals Preview

[BernietheKid]

Week 1: The Browns Will Win If…

Written By: DP | Category: Cleveland Browns | Comments: 11
Septemer 9, 2011

It’s finally here! The Browns are ready to kick off the regular season, and the Cincinnati Bengals come calling. Here we have Pat Shurmur’s first regular season game as a head coach; on the other side, it’s Andy Dalton’s first game as an NFL quarterback. Welcome to the league, Ginger!

On paper, the Bengals look to be in for a season of struggles, and given the fact that they’re starting a rookie at quarterback–on the road–this game seems like it’s there for the Browns’ taking. The Browns’ offense looked efficient at times during the pre-season, but struggled in Philly against a solid defense. Conversely, the Browns’ defense was a bit rough, though as the pre-season wore on guys like Phil Taylor became more noticeable. Call this a measuring stick for Cleveland: how “on the way up” are they? Beating the Bengals would help to define that a bit. Without further ado…

The Browns Will Win If…
This year, we will be publishing select portions of our BWWI over at Cleveland.com. For Craig’s and Rick’s takes, please head over to Still WFNY. We have also invited Daniel Wolf from National Football Authority to contribute to our weekly post. If you haven’t already, check out his website and twitter for Browns news and info. Take it away, Daniel…

Daniel Wolf : … if the youth can mature at an accelerated rate now that they are receiving more reps and playing time than past regimes. It may sound a bit broad, but it is the first regular season game for this staff and roster and no one knows how this team will perform on the field yet. The one thing past regimes failed to accomplish was grooming young and talented players into guys who can produce on the field. Not only is Pat Shurmur’s approach with youth refreshing, but it is the best way to go about building a team that can win in the long term.

Scott: …they win the sometimes-cliché “turnover battle.” I suspect that Colt McCoy will be throwing the ball a lot more within a regular season NFL contest than any of us have ever witnessed. I suspect that Andy Dalton will be throwing the ball a lot more than he would hope to due to a combination of Dick Jauron planting TJ Ward in the box and the Bengals playing from behind. When the air assaults commence, the Browns defensive line needs to increase the quarterback hurries and the defensive backs need to be playing center field. Executed properly and the questionble defense is not on the field as often and the Browns’ scoring opportunities multiply. They may not cash in every time, but the more chances, obviously, the better. Force the mistakes, capitalize as often as possible, bring home the W. Profit.

DP: …they make Andy Dalton feel and play like a rookie. This is Dalton’s first career start. On the road. In Cleveland. On offense, Cleveland needs to control the ball with runs and precise passes. If they can wear down Cincy’s defense while also putting some points on the board, they will win. Dalton will most likely lean on his running game early and often, so if the Browns can get a lead that will force him to make plays. If the Browns can bring some of the pressure they did against Philly in the third pre-season game, can get Dalton rattled, and force him into some mistakes, I really like their chances.

Andrew …I suspect most of us are going to have some version of “shut down the Bengals’ running game”, and for good reason. The Browns are facing a rookie QB throwing to a 2nd year WR and a rookie WR. If the Browns are going to get beat by Andy Dalton, then nothing really matters because the Browns are going to be a horrible team. Assuming the Browns are at least a moderately decent team, than the only way the Bengals are going to beat them is if Cedric Benson carries the team. So that is what the Browns must take away from the Bengals. I feel like specific game-planning for a particular match-up is a strength of Dick Jauron’s (if his history is indication) and I suspect he will be keenly aware of this and have the defense ready to stop the run. But seriously, if the Browns lose this game, we better be prepared for another long season of anguish.

TD …first things first. The “will win if” stuff aside, the Browns MUST win this game for so many reasons. First and foremost, the Bengals are the opponent and have the look of a team that will be in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes. They are starting a rookie QB (Andy Dalton) on the road in a hostile environment. If the Browns want to take the next step forward in their climb towards relevancy again, they absolutely cannot afford a home loss to the Bengals. Almost as important as gaining confidence in the new system, is keeping the fans from the “here we go again” mentality that will 100% be here should they lose. Imagine what Monday morning will be like here in Cleveland next week. Unbearable to think about. I think the Browns win with ease if they are able to get in the face of Dalton and rattle him early. Put eight men in the box to stop Cedric Benson and force Dalton to beat you. I think its pretty simple. Offensively, I can’t wait to see Colt McCoy with a full arsenal of plays at his disposal. I expect to see a lot of Peyton Hillis as well.

Kirk …they are tired of opening the season 0-1. Simple as that. This is a game that the Browns should undeniably win. If they are efficient and accurate in the pass game and stout and athletic up front, they should be able to take care of business. We all know the Browns can and will run the ball. I’m looking forward to seeing just how much. No doubt the offense has changed for the better, but there are strides in the running game that could and should be carried over. Defensively, let’s hope the young D-line doesn’t get starry-eyed trying to bring down Benson. He’s a good back, but the Browns defense should not let him reach 100 yards. Knocking around Dalton early and often could be the biggest key of all.
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Now, for the other side of the coin. We reached out to a couple of Cincy bloggers, and got some solid responses. Without further ado…

The Bengals Will Win If…
Jason Buck is a co-founder of Who Dey Revolution – a Bengals blog with a mission to bring to light the consistent failures of the Bengals front office since Mike Brown took control in 1991. Who Dey Revolution was founded in 2008 and made national headlines with “Project Mayhem”.

…the Browns make too many mistakes. The Bengals have rid themselves of sideshow characters like Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, but they are starting two wide receivers with minimal (Jerome Simspon) and zero (A.J. Green) NFL experience. Not to mention, an inexperienced offensive line due to the suspension of RG Bobbie Williams and a rookie quarterback. On defense, the Bengals lost CB Jonathan Joseph to free agency (Texans) and have Adam Jones on the PUP list. Defensive line is where the Bengals are likely deepest, however if they are on the field the entire game – taking beatings from Peyton Hillis – it’s foreseeable they could wear down in the second half.

To have any chance in this game, the Bengals need to pound Cedric Benson 25-30 times to protect Andy Dalton from throwing more than 20 times. They will also need to force turnovers and set up the offense in great field position to steal a touchdown or two. The Bengals don’t possess a comeback offense (especially not in week 1), so if the Bengals go down 14 points or more – game over.

All that being said – you never know with these two teams. I’ll never forget the Bengals home finale loss in 2003 – I think Lee Suggs (186 yards, 2 TD’s) is still running up and down the Paul Brown Stadium grass.
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Jason Garrison is the editor of SB Nation’s Cincinnati Bengals website, CincyJungle.com, and is also a contributor for SB Nation’s NFL website. Jason hosts a weekly podcast called Real Football Talk with CincyJungle.com, and he graduated from University of Cincinnati with a journalism degree.

…they don’t turn over the ball and their defense can stop Peyton Hillis from running over them. I’m not expecting a high scoring game and Andy Dalton doesn’t need to throw five touchdown passes to get the Bengals off to a 1-0 start to the season. All he needs to do is manage the game and not turn the ball over. The movement of the offense will mostly depend on Cedric Benson and the running game and if the offense can score two touchdowns without turning the ball over, I think the Bengals can win.

Defensively, the Bengals will need to get back to where they were in 2009 — a top-five unit. Even though they lost Johnathan Joseph in free agency, stopping the Browns passing attack isn’t too much of a worry because I don’t think it’s the strength of their team. Sure Colt McCoy looked good during the preseason, but he doesn’t have an overabundance of talent at the receiver position and the Bengals have a fairly strong secondary. Peyton Hillis and the running game does scare me, though. The Bengals front-seven will need to be on top of their game to shut him down. If they can, and if the Bengals can just put a couple of scores on the board, I think the Bengals win the game.

If they can’t stop the run, it will be a different story.
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What say, there, fuzzy britches?

Week 1: The Browns Will Win If… | WaitingForNextYear

[Sez.EJ]

Sorry guys but this is as simple a game plan for victory as it gets.

Stack 8-9 in the box to stop Cedric Benson.. Make the Rookie QB Dalton (first NFL game) throw the ball to his unproven recievers (one rookie). Hang on, smother like peanut butter the TE Gresham all game and don't let him breath even for one second.

Don't turn the ball over on offense.. don't make special teams mistakes.

= WIN THE GAME

[YtownBacker]

I agree Sez. Stop the run and make Dalton beat you.

I hope we get to see a lot of Haden against Green. Great matchup.

On offense just take what the defense gives you Win the turnover and time of possession battles. Spread the ball around and use Hillis. Take your shots when they're there, don't force it.

[DawgFan]

Cinci Offense:
RG is a rookie
QB is a rookie
#1WR is a rookie

Rubin should LIVE in their backfield, causing havoc with their running game and passing game. The timing of the passing game only averaged 5.5 y/c in preseason...with vanilla defenses. Bensen ran the ball somewhat, but you can pretty much key on him and just disrupting the QB.

SHOULD be an easy win...but you never know.

Go Browns!

[BernietheKid]

MaryKayCabot Mary Kay Cabot
# Browns rookie LG Jason Pinkston was added to the injury report today as probable with a knee injury. Artis Hicks would probably replace him

[BernietheKid]

Browns — Out: LB Titus Brown (ankle) and SS Eric Hagg (knee). Doubtful: OL Tony Pashos (foot). Questionable: LB Chris Gocong (pinched nerve in neck). Probable: WR Josh Cribbs (hamstring), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (foot), WR Carlton Mitchell (finger), OL Jason Pinkston (knee), SS T.J. Ward (hamstring), TE Benjamin Watson (hip) and FS Usama Young (hamstring).

http://browns.ohio.com/2011/09/frida...land+Browns%29


Sept. 09, 2011 5:19 p.m. - by Marty Gitlin - Browns Friday injury report
RT Tony Pashos (ankle) has been listed as doubtful despite his participation in practice the last two days. Oniel Cousins is his likely replacement, though John Greco and Artis Hicks are possibilities. OLB Chris Gocong (shoulder) is questionable, but he said he expects to play. Browns RapidReports

[BernietheKid]

Bengals — Out: OL Otis Hudson (knee) and LB Dontay Moch (foot). Doubtful: CB Kelly Jennings (hamstring) and S Taylor Mays (knee). Probable: DE Carlos Dunlap (knee), HB Brian Leonard (finger) and HB Bernard Scott (hamstring).

Friday's Browns-Bengals injury report

[TheBestPlayersPlay]

Good stuff, thanks. Browns should win by 2 touchdowns ...at least.

Here's to hoping our to date exceedingly disappointing defense doesn't make a rookie QB look like the next insert HOF QB name here.

[Jax Dawg]

I like how the Bungle writers contradicted themselves - one writer said their secondary is a mess due to injury and FA and the other said it is very strong. I go with their secandary is a mess and should be easily beaten as long as our o-line gives Colt some time to pick them apart.

My hope is Shurmer looks to strike early and put the Bengals in a 2 touchdown deficit to force them to be one dimensional. Gresham and AJ Green will be great together if Dalton ever develops. Personally I have doubts about Dalton ever being a good QB at this level. Also with an early lead we can run Hillis often to further beat their defense up then when they start to cheat the safeties hit them long.

[Mike in Bula]

boy oh boy what are these linemen doing cant they stay frickin healthy ... they are the least athletic and they get hurt the most makes no sense to me

[Sez.EJ]

Bengals want to show they're not the dregs


CINCINNATI (AP) — They know what fans think of them, and it's not very much. There's talk of an 0-16 season in Cincinnati, another year of setting new franchise lows with the same owner and coach presiding over a new cast of players.
How could the Bengals' ignore it?
Better yet, how do they stop it?
Win one in Cleveland.
The Bengals could prove — for one week, anyway — that they're not the worst team in Ohio, let alone the worst in the league. The intrastate rivalry on Sunday provides a chance to end all the talk about being No. 32 in the NFL.
"We haven't really talked about that," left tackle Andrew Whitworth said. "It hasn't really been our focus. But I would hope every competitor in here knows that and realizes that's how people think about them, and that's the way we have to fight.
"It's no different than any other year. The teams that go out fighting the hardest and want it the most are going to win, and we've got to be one of those teams."
The Bengals put up a good fight last season, but kept self-destructing with turnovers and penalties and botched plays during a 4-12 season that wasn't the league's worst. Carolina got that honor, going 2-14 while the Bengals finished with the same mark as Denver and Buffalo.
Much of the pessimism comes from the offseason.
Coach Marvin Lewis played out his contract, looking for signs that the front office was committed to doing what is needed to win. Then, he agreed to stay even though owner Mike Brown said there would be no significant change in how the team operates.
A week later, franchise quarterback Carson Palmer threw in the towel, saying he'd rather retire than finish his contract with the Bengals. Disgruntled receiver Terrell Owens left as a free agent, and receiver Chad Ochocinco was traded to New England.
The Bengals are left with one of their greenest offenses ever for a season opener. Second-round pick Andy Dalton will become the first Bengals rookie quarterback to start an opener since 1969, the team's second year. First-round pick A.J. Green is the top receiver. Fourth-round pick Clint Boling starts at right guard in place of suspended Bobbie Williams. Tight end Jermaine Gresham and slot receiver Jordan Shipley are starting their second seasons.
That's a lot of inexperience.
"We have a lot of young players," running back Cedric Benson said. "But we're strong in the offensive line. We've got one adjustment there (Boling). We're strong in the backfield. But we're still growing. It's a great opportunity for us to come together."
The Browns weren't much better last year, going 5-11 to finish one spot ahead in the AFC North. The teams split their series, each winning at home. The Browns took the first game 23-20 in October, while the Bengals broke a 10-game losing streak with their 19-17 win at Paul Brown Stadium in December.
The newcomers will get their first experience with the Dawg Pound and the rivalry on Sunday afternoon.
"I know a little bit about it," Dalton said. "We are definitely going to know when we are on the Dawg Pound side of the field. We'll have to know when we can use silent counts and different things like that. It will be fun to get to know a lot more about it and be a part of it."
Ochocinco loved to taunt the Browns and the Dawg Pound. He sent Pepto-Bismol to some Browns players one year, and did a leap into the Dawg Pound after a touchdown, only to get doused with beer and jeers. None of the current receivers is inclined to take on the Pound.
"I don't think so, but we're hoping our guys are spending plenty of time in their end zone," Whitworth said. "That's what we hope."
The first half of the season provides the best chance for Cincinnati to show it's not the worst. The Bengals' first four opponents — Cleveland, Denver, San Francisco and Buffalo — were a combined 19-45 last season. Only one of the first eight opponents had a winning record last season — Indianapolis, which has problems after losing quarterback Peyton Manning.
The chance is there."We've got a lot to prove, there's no doubt about it," Whitworth said. "So I think guys are more worried about what we have to prove than what people think about them."

CAUTION>>>>> DANGEROUS ANIMAL AHEAD>>>