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Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns

Dbn_tiny by ChrisPokorny on in 2007 Game Day Threads

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The Browns have a new starting quarterback after just one week. Last week's effort against the Pittsburgh Steelers was downright embarrassing, but I'm not even saying that I was disappointed for a victory. When the Browns are out of a game like that as early as we were, it's easier to stomach. Sure, it pisses us off that we were dominated overall, but knowing that we didn't have a chance doesn't have a long-lasting effect. Sure, I'd like to win every week. However, if we lose, I want to lose by three points. I'd much rather have the agony and sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach, wondering "why couldn't we have completed that final driver" or "why did our defense allow that final touchdown", instead of saying "there was no point in watching the game past halftime". Today's game is all about being competitive. Let's get to the breakdown of the game...

OFFENSE

Category Bengals Browns
Points Scored 27.0 (7th) 7.0 (28th)
Passing 181.0 (18th) 175.0 (20th)
Rushing 55.0 (30th) 46.0 (31st)
Total Offense (yards) 236.0 (25th) 221.0 (27th)

DEFENSE

Category Bengals Browns
Points Scored 20.0 (18th) 34.0 (27th)
Passing 207.0 (23rd) 159.0 (7th)
Rushing 107.0 (17th) 206.0 (31st)
Total Defense (yards) 314.0 (19th) 365.0 (23rd)
- Quarterback
The advantage here is a no-brainer: Carson Palmer is leaps and bounds above and beyond Derek Anderson. Palmer's had the advantage of being in the Bengals system for several years now with two of the best receivers in the AFC in Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. If Ben Roethlisberger was able to exploit the young secondary of the Browns, Palmer will look to do the same exact thing early on, just like he did last year in the team's 30-0 blowout. Anderson should provide for some better results than Frye did due to his quick release, but many of the fans will be hoping he falters early to pave the way for Brady Quinn.
- Running Back
Don't read much into the fact that the Bengals and the Browns were the 30th and 31st ranked run offenses in the league, respectively, for Week 1. Both teams faced perhaps the best run stopping defenses in the league, although it does show that the ground games are not a strength for these teams compared to their passing attacks. Jamal Lewis has faced the Bengals defense for many years, but the main issue will be whether or not he gets enough carries based on what the score is after halftime. The Browns have actually stopped Rudi Johnson in their past few meetings, which makes the running back situation close to even for both teams.
- Receiver
As much as I like Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow, they are far from making the type of impact that Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh can make on gameday. A lot of that has to do with not having an efficient quarterback under center, but that's the breaks in the NFL. Johnson desperately wants to get into the end zone so he can leap into the Dawg Pound. Let's hope that if he does score, the game isn't out of hand already so that the fans can toss him right back out. The real concern involves Houshmandzadeh though, who will probably be matched up against youngsters Eric Wright and Brodney Pool all day long.
- Offensive Line
As much as I've blamed Frye for most of the sacks last week, the fact remains that we gave up six sacks against the Steelers. The unit has a chance to redeem themselves publicly this week by holding off a less-than-impressive Bengals defense in front of a quarterback that gets rid of the ball quickly. Eric Steinbach will be facing his former team, but if you ask the Bengals, they're just fine without him. That's what having the same quarterback and the same offensive line for years can do for a team - establish continuity. If the Bengals were able to hold off the Ravens' blitzing, the Browns' chances of getting to Palmer aren't too great.
- Defensive Line
Neither defensive line is particularly strong. With a 4-3 defense, the Bengals feature Robert Geathers and Justin Smith on the ends of their line, a group that is stronger than their interior. However, looking back to last week, a lot of Willis McGahee's success against them came on quick halfback counters to the left side of the line. If the Browns are able to get that initial push, Lewis will reach the second unit fairly often. The Browns may be able to plug the line at times, but they aren't going to be the difference maker in terms of getting in Palmer's face.
- Linebacker
Cincinnati's been plagued by injuries at the linebacker position, but Ahmad Brooks is the person the Browns must keep away from Derek Anderson. Despite giving up a lot of yards on the ground last week, the Browns linebackers did a great job at forcing Roethlisberger to get some lucky breaks due to his mobility. Since Palmer is not as mobile, there's a chance that guys like Kamerion Wimbley and Antwaan Peek will be able to bring him down or force him to throw the ball away rather than pitching it for a completion. It's critical for the offense to do well though, because if the linebackers get fatigued early, we'll be killed by the fourth quarter.
- Secondary
I'm not excusing the secondary for giving up four touchdowns last week, but to be fair, they had their backs up against the wall all day long due to our offense. On two drives early on, the Steelers basically started in the red zone. Even if the Bengals don't have good field position to start off this week though, Eric Wright and Brodney Pool will need to tighten up their side of the field, because they will be facing a better quarterback and a better receiver. The Bengals' secondary relies on tipped passes to make or break their success, which boils down to how Anderson plays. If his ropes are on target, they could be picked apart often. If his ropes are behind receivers, the Bengals will have multiple interceptions guaranteed.
- Special Teams
I'm hoping that Dave Zastudil is back, because having Ernster in the game is just a downer, for whatever reason. A huge factor in this game involves the Browns' return game though, when you look back at how much the Bengals struggled here last week. They gave up a kickoff return to B.J. Sams of more than 40 yards, and he also nearly broke a punt return. Later in the game, Ed Reed actually returned a punt for a touchdown against the Bengals.
FINAL PREDICTION: Cincinnati Bengals 27, Cleveland Browns 20.
With everything that happened in Cleveland after last week's game, it may seem as if the team has already conceded. That is far from the truth though, because getting rid of Charlie Frye means the club admitted to their mistakes as soon as possible in hopes that they could "start over" in Week 2. The Bengals are coming off of a big victory over the Baltimore Ravens last week. While Cincinnati's offense handled Baltimore's defense extremely well, the defense almost gave it up despite having an unbelievable amount of turnovers. Cincinnati's defense remains a liability, but it won't deter them just yet.

This is the official gameday topic for the second game of the regular season, featuring the Cleveland Browns against the Cincinnati Bengals. All comments regarding the game should be posted in this topic. Enjoy the game, and GO BROWNS!!!

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Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
The Cincinnati Bengals have declared WR Antonio Chatman, C Eric Ghiaciuc, SS Ethan Kilmer, DL Frostee Rucker, QB Jeff Rowe, DL Jonathan Fanene, FS Nedu Ndukwe, LB Rashad Jeanty inactive for Week 2.

No surprises for the Bengals.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 12:06 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have declared K Paul Ernster, QB Ken Dorsey (3rd QB), DB Gary Baxter, RB Jerome Harrison, LB Willie McGinest, G Isaac Sowells, T Kelly Butler, WR Travis Wilson as inactive for Week 2.

This means that...

-Dave Zastudil will get the start at punter. YES!
-Brady Quinn is indeed the second quarterback.
-Once again, Jerome Harrison won't be available as the quick third-down back we were hoping for.
-Again, why is Nat Dorsey ahead of Kelly Butler?

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 12:09 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Once again I'm forced to watch the game via the internet. I hate you CBS, I really do.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 1:12 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
well we managed to go almost 5 minutes before letting them score. And at least it wasn't ocho jackass....o.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 1:14 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
For the second week in a row, the Browns are the first team to give up a touchdown on Sunday. Not a good defensive start...Palmer had all day to throw on every down.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 1:15 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Nice...two throws for Anderson, both of them way behind Edwards. Looks like Quinn will get a crack quicker than we thought ;)

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 1:20 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Its only 10:22 am here and I already need a beer. Thank you Romeo, for driving me to drink.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 1:24 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Hell yeah! Interception by Sean Jones! BTW, these announcers are so dumb...apparently we're the Cincinnati Browns, and Kenny Wright made that INT.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 1:26 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
OMG, these announcers are pissing me off. They just said that Anderson was wrong for attempting that throw to Braylon...that's what he excels at.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 1:29 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Are you kidding me? Anderson is stripped of the ball, picks it up, and then all of a sudden, tries to throw the only high/touch pass of his career when Jurevicius was wide open in the end zone?

At least we're on the board in the first quarter!

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 1:31 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Can't see any of that man, all I can see is the raw numbers and play summary. My bad.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 1:35 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
I wasn't saying "are you kidding me?" to you...I was saying it to myself in regards to Anderson's first ever touch pass attempt :p

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 1:46 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Good past two series by the defense.

Anderson needs to stop going for the big plays - get in a rhythm - make a completion - something.

...like the pass to Winslow

by Drewski on Sep 16, 2007 1:41 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
nice to see Joe finally getting some throws his way.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 1:41 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Offense is  moving the ball well, just have to be more effective in the red zone.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 1:44 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
The defense has really stepped it up the past two series. Anderson has made some good and bad throws already, but at least he's giving our guys a CHANCE to make a play. Much more than what Frye did last week...

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 1:47 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
TD Joe Wasn'therelastweek!!!!

Return to prominence!

by Zorgon on Sep 16, 2007 1:54 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
All I wanted was for us to be competitive today.

Accomplished.

by Drewski on Sep 16, 2007 1:54 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
TOOOOUUCCCCCCCCCCHHHHDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWN Joe Jurevicius!!

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 1:54 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

by Zorgon on Sep 16, 2007 2:06 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Regardless if it stands...blown coverage by Eric Wright.

by Drewski on Sep 16, 2007 2:07 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
I can't disagree with the call. There wasn't clear cut evidence that he did or didn't catch the ball.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 2:12 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
CRIBBS!!!)(JERSFJOISFHOISDHGO:SDHFD:JS

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 2:13 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
and Romeo's challenge futility continues. But my boy Cribbs continues his awesomeness

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 2:14 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
JOE!!!!!! This TOTALLY makes up for last week!!!!

by Zorgon on Sep 16, 2007 2:15 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Holy shit we look like a fully competent football team out there! this is great!

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 2:16 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Tremendous read by Anderson there, very nice job of looking right and then throwing over the middle.

Outstanding special teams play already...we may actually be winning heading into the half! =-o

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 2:17 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
D-line outperforming the secondary? Agreed?

by Drewski on Sep 16, 2007 2:24 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
mental mistakes are killing the D. but Cribbs! Cribbs = Awesome.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 2:30 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

This is flipping amazing!!!!

by Zorgon on Sep 16, 2007 2:36 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
I'd like to apologize to Derek Anderson for thinking he was incapable of starting.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 2:36 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
I gotta give a ton of credit to the offensive line and Derek Anderson.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 2:37 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
I'd give my left nut to see this game live. Damn you CBS! Damn you to hell!

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 2:37 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
I've done that here and there. Not a lot of sports bars in Cali show Browns games though. And I made a bit of a scene in one last week...long story.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 2:50 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
We have the lead, and we get the ball first to start the second half. Can Cribbs get ANOTHER exciting return? After two in a row, you'd have to imagine that the Bengals will try and kick it short to the up man. That's where it'd be nice to have Chris Barclay ;)

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 2:49 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Wow.  I can't believe I'm seeing this offense from the Browns after the disaster of last week.  Anderson has looked much better than I thought he would.  Hopefully they can keep it up in the second half.  I'm worried that we have benefited so far from turnovers and good field position from the special teams, and if that doesn't continue can we stay in the game?  At least we're competitive, which is all I was really hoping for.  Go Browns!

by Buckeye Brad on Sep 16, 2007 2:53 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
My thoughts on first half:
1.) Derek Anderson has an uncanny ability to throw down the middle of the field, into coverage.  He also is perhaps the least accurate passer to the short flats and slants that I have ever seen.  Is there something wrong with his depth perception? (Maybe he needs laser eye surgery like Jhonny Peralta and LeBron James)

2.) Yes, Charlie Frye was that bad.  Sure the Steelers D is better than Cincinnati's, but damn- its amazing how good the line looks despite a ton of blitzes.  Most of that, I think, is because Frye's hanging on to the ball because of his lack of confidence in his arm.

3.) Defense actually hasn't played terribly.  Cincinnati is a top 5 offensive team of the past 5 years. A slip by Bodden and Pool/Adams still learning how to play in the NFL lead to most of Cincinnati's offense.  When will Baxter be available, if he can solidify the safety depth, our defense is much better.

4.) Calls are not going our way.  That offsides play where Palmer pulled away from center early was total crap.  Actually, so was the one called on R. Smith when Palmer took the quick knee.  Smith got back, and it should have been called a two yard loss, no flag.  The leading with the helmet call on Pool was also debatable, but I think that is the fault of the rule moreso than the call on the field.  TJ's TD could have gone either way, CBS didn't give us a great slow mo view, but I think he was out.

5.) Cribbs is awesome.  seems like they should find a way for him to get about 15-20 plays with the offense instead of the 3-5 that he gets.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 16, 2007 2:54 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Terrible pass by Anderson--- should have been a dump off to Joe Jur. or a pump fake and bomb to Braylon.  Sonofabitch!

by DaytonDogg on Sep 16, 2007 2:57 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Cribbs not able to come out, and Anderson throws a pick. Not the way to start the half with a lead.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 2:57 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
It seems like all of DA's inaccurate passes have been intended for Braylon.

by Drewski on Sep 16, 2007 2:57 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Great job by the defense to hold them to a field goal after the turnover.  Now let's see a nice drive by the offense.

by Buckeye Brad on Sep 16, 2007 3:00 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Nice job by the defense to suck it up and hold them to a field goal after being down by the goal line.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 3:00 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Cribbs in the locker room with shortness of breath.  It looked like he was really sucking wind after that last return.

by Buckeye Brad on Sep 16, 2007 3:02 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Hope he's alright. Return game severely hampered without him.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 3:10 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
TOOUUUCHHDOWN BRAYON EDWARDS! Scoring for the Browns AND my fantasy team.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 3:13 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Touchdown Braylon Edwards! What a drive for Edwards...that toe drag earlier on looked like a play Marvin Harrison would make.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 3:14 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Helluva stop by the Defense at the goal line.  

Nice drive with Anderson, Lewis, Braylon and K II.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 16, 2007 3:15 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Kick coverage has looked a little suspect all day.  

by DaytonDogg on Sep 16, 2007 3:16 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Does this mean Chud actually knows what he's doing? Or that Frye was really that utterly horrible? or that the little kitty's D is that soft? or some combination of the 3?

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 3:18 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
any offensive coordinator with a clue kills the bungles defense, especially through the air.  

Plus, Frye was that bad.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 16, 2007 3:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Oh, how I long for some pass coverage

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 3:21 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
BIG PLAYS TODAY, SIRS

by Drewski on Sep 16, 2007 3:23 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
well would you look at big Jamal run.

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 3:24 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Read what I said in the defensive line section for today's gameday preview:
However, looking back to last week, a lot of Willis McGahee's success against them came on quick halfback counters to the left side of the line. If the Browns are able to get that initial push, Lewis will reach the second unit fairly often.

Boy was I right. WELCOME JAMAL LEWIS!!!

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 3:25 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
nice call.  Good game plan by the offense.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 16, 2007 3:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Cribbs is back and makin' a difference!

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 3:35 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Good to see Cribbs back.  

Defense is going to have to make some plays if we are going to win this game.

Big third down coming up, don't want to give the ball right back to the Bengals.

Gotta hope that Anderson doesn't make any crucial mistakes.

GO BROWNS.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 16, 2007 3:37 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Yeah, this is almost like an Arena game..first one to make a defensive stop wins

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 3:40 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
hmmm, would have liked a qb sneak there.  or a punt.

by DaytonDogg on Sep 16, 2007 3:41 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Bengals just got that defensive stop. I agree with us going for it on fourth down and short, but ugh...once again a handoff to Vickers didn't work in a pressure situation.

by ChrisPokorny on Sep 16, 2007 3:42 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
I don't see why Lewis didn't get the carry. Seems like it'd be the perfect situation for him. Jeez.

by LGTs GFP on Sep 16, 2007 3:44 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
gutsy call, just didn't work out. Wonder if Lorenzo Neal is gonna be a free agent soon..

by BringBackKosar on Sep 16, 2007 3:44 PM EDT   0 recs

Re: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
First time poster, by the way. Longtime member of Let's Go Tribe, go by the handle over there of Grady for President.

by LGTs GFP on