Browns Preview 10.21.16: Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The (0-6) Cleveland Browns travel to the Cincinnati to take on the (2-4) Bengals. Last week the Browns lost to the Tennessee Titans 28-26. The Bengals lost to the New England Patriots 35-17. This week marks the first time Hue Jackson takes on the Bengals as a head coach since leaving Cincinnati for Cleveland.


Browns Offense vs Bengals Defense

The Browns offense struggled last week and they should struggle again this week. The running game hasn't done anything the past few weeks. The Bengals are ranked 20th in the NFL in rush defense giving up 108 yards per game. The Browns can't give up on the running game like they did last week. Last week the Browns only had 15 rushes...4 rushes for Duke Johnson for 18 yard and Isaiah Crowell had 9 rushes for only 16 yards. This week the Browns will need to control the time of possession and the only way they can do that is have success on the ground.

Cameron Erving needs to step up this week. Last week was his first game since his injury week two against the Ravens. Erving is going to set the tone for the game this week. Erving has been terrible in both pass protection and run blocking but hopefully another week recovering from injury will help improve his play. 

Cody Kessler has balled out since becoming the starter and is starting make his case to be the quarterback of the future. Kessler's game plan each week is simple...short quick passes to the tight ends and running backs and when in doubt target Terrelle Pryor. Lets just hope Pryor is able to play this week even though he's been nursing a hamstring injury. 

Last key for the Browns offensively is converting on third down. Last week the Browns were 3-13 on third down which was one of the main reasons they gave up on the run. 


Browns Defense vs Bengals Offense

The main thing the Browns need to do defensively is stop A.J. Green at all cost. Green is a top tier receiver, ranking number one in catches with 42, and third in yardage with 606.  Joe Haden will be matched up against AJ Green this week. The past few years Haden has had Green's number which is why its important Haden plays even if he's only at 80% or so. 

Pressuring Andy Dalton is another key for success. Dalton is known to make mistakes when pressured and the Browns should be able to do that. The Bengals have given up 19 sacks which is tied, with the Browns, for second with most in the NFL. So guys like Carl Nassib, Emmanuel Ogbah, and Cam Johnson should have a field day.

Last but not least is stopping the two headed monster in Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard. Hill will get most of the carries on the ground, Bernard is not just a threat on the ground but in the passing game too. Bernard is second on the team with 29 catches. The Browns shouldn't have to sell out to stop the run this week and all they should do is focus on getting to Dalton and shutting down AJ Green.


Five Guys to Watch

Joe Haden: The Browns need Haden this week. Like stated before, Green has had terrible games against Haden. Haden need to come up big for the Browns to have a chance this week.

Emmanuel Ogbah: Ogbah is still looking for his firs career sack and this week seems like the perfect week for him to record it against a struggling Bengals O-line.

Duke Johnson: Johnson has been a disappointment this year and needs to step up as a playmaker. Whether its in the kick/punt return game, the passing game, or the ground game the Browns need his play-making ability. Also he takes pressure off of Crowell and Kessler. 

Cody Kessler: Speaking of Kessler he will be making his fifth start of his career this week. He's played really well for a rookie and its really nice to see him grow. Its going to be interesting to see how well he plays with one of his main guys (Pryor) hurt. Kessler seems to have chemistry with Ricardo Lewis. 

Ricardo Lewis: Lewis had a really solid game last week recording 5 catches for 65 yards. He's been inconsistent at times with drops but if Pryor can't play look for this week to be his coming out game. 


Injury Report
Weather Report

Betting Line: Cincinnati -10

 
Unfortunately the Browns fall again, which will make their record 0-7. Now I won't be surprised if the Browns keep it close for most of the game but the Bengals have too many weapons and are a veteran team. Another moral victory for the Browns. Kessler will continue to play well and develop right in front of us. Like I said in my
"Krunch Time With Katelin" article this week this season is all about the big picture and a game like Sunday's against a really good opponent in Cincinnati will help make the development go even faster. And like I've stated in the past few previews...don't get all pissed off at the Browns. Just go enjoy the Indians, Buckeyes and Cavaliers!!!