Browns Preview 9/29/17: Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The winless Cincinnati Bengals travel to Cleveland to take on the winless Browns in this week four matchup. The Browns lost to the Colts 31-28 last week. And the Bengals lost to the Packers 27-24 in overtime.



Browns Offense vs Bengals Defense

The Browns offense on the other hand has struggled during the first three weeks of the season. Last week, turnovers and penalties killed the Browns' momentum at times. Kizer threw three picks last week, all in the second half of the game, when the Browns were down two touchdowns. The Browns passing game didn't get any help from their young receivers. The receivers were called for four offensive pass interference penalties.

The gameplan this week for the Browns should be pretty simple. Protect the ball. Last weeks three picks from Kizer wasn't good, especially the first one that was in the redzone. The running game needs to keep improving, but in order for the running games to get an opportunity the Browns defense needs to keep them in games. Like last week, the Browns were forced to throw the ball 47 times because the Browns were down three scores. Kizer and Isaiah Crowell had 11 attempts each and Duke Johnson was only given two rushes but made the most of his opportunity, scoring on a 19-yard touchdown run.  Hopefully this week against the Bengals, who have struggled against the run this year, the Browns can get their running game going.

The passing game this year is lead by Duke Johnson, Rashard Higgins, Seth Devalve, and David Njoku. The Browns need someone on the outside to step up. Guys like Kenny Britt and Ricardo Lewis have had issues getting open. This week the outside guys need to step up in order to open up the passing game for their leading receivers.




Browns Defense vs Bengals Offense

The Browns might have Myles Garrett back this week. Garrett participated in practice Thursday. Unfortunately, Jamie Collins is still in concussion protocol.

The Bengals have three running backs they alternate with. Rookie Joe Mixon is their leading rusher, with Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill second and third. The Browns run defense on the other hand has done a pretty good job this year. They are ranked 14th in rush defense this year.

The issue for the Browns defense this week will be Andy Dalton and AJ Green. Last week the Browns let T.Y. Hilton do whatever he wanted in the first half. And that is one of if not the main reason the Browns lost last week. They can't keep letting the opposition's best receiver kill them each week. Going into week four, AJ Green is the Bengals leading receiver with 20 catches. Brandon LaFell is second on the team with eight...So the game plan on defense should be limit Green and force Dalton to use other weapons.




Five Guys to Watch

1. DeShone Kizer: Like I say every week, Kizer is the number one guy to watch. He's the franchise quarterback for this regime. I think we will start seeing improvement with Kizer. Last week he only took one sack, which is a major positive. Now we need to see his accuracy improve with these receivers.

2. Jabrill Peppers: He's another guy where everyone is watching multiple things. First, where he is lined up on defense. And second how he comes up and plays in open field. Last week he and a horrible game. Hopefully he can rebound and play a bit less hesitant.

3. Myles Garrett: This one is pretty simple. Garrett was our number one overall pick and has yet to play a down in the regular season. Garrett's ability as a pass rusher should help a defense that is one of the worst at getting pressure on the quarterback.

4. Trevon Coley: With Danny Shelton dealing with an injury, Coley will have to step up and be the number one defensive tackle on defense. Guys like Coley, Meder, Ogunjobi, and Brantley have played really well in rush defense. All these guys are going to have to step up if Shelton is either out of game or extremely limited when playing.

5. Emmanual Ogbah: Ogbah has struggled in the first three weeks of the season. Hopefully with the return of Garrett, Ogbah can get more favorable matchups and get to the quarterback way more than he has.


Injury Report

Weather Report 

Betting Line: Cincinnati -3


Prediction: Browns 24 Bengals 17

Yes, I am once again taking the Browns to win a game...I think the presence of Myles Garrett is going to help the defense without a doubt. And because the defense will be much improved it will give Hue Jackson an opportunity to call on the running game much more than he's been able to through three weeks. If the Browns win the turnover battle they will win this game.

Browns Recap 12.12.16: Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The Cleveland Browns lost another game, this time to the Cincinnati Bengals 23-10. The Browns now sit three losses away from joining the 2008 Detroit Lions to lose 16 games in a season. This week the Browns just got outplayed. They struggled with the passing offense only having 85 total passing yards. And defensively gave up 360 total yards with 213 of them on the ground.

The overall all offense wasn't good. A combination of terrible starting field position and the rust of Robert Griffin III didn't spell success for this week. RGIII was only 12/28 throwing the ball. He missed throws all day, whether under-throwing the deep ball, throwing into double coverage, or just missing wide-open dink-and-dunk throws. Obviously, Griffin was going to have rust considering he hasn't played since week 1 but even with rust being accounted for Griffin seemed to be overzealous most of the game. Taking deep shots down field when it wasn't there. Hopefully this was a "knock off the dust" type game because the Browns can't afford to have RGIII play like that.

Where the Browns had success was in the running game. Isaiah Crowell had 113 yards on the ground, RGIII ran for 31 yards and a touchdown, and Duke Johnson had 24 yards on four carries. The running game started to work in the second half when most of the running plays were: A. Zone-Read options, or B. used in a high-tempo situation. The Browns had two really good drives in the third quarter, the one that resulted in the touchdown and the one that resulted in the field goal. And both were set up by the running game

Defensively, the Browns struggled stopping the run. Jeremy Hill ran for 111 yards and a touchdown. And overall the Bengals ran for 213 yards on 38 carries, which was the main reason the Bengals won the time of possession battle. The positive side of this game the pass defense wasn't terrible. They only allowed 147 yards through the air and got pressure to Dalton, hitting him five times and sacking him four times.

Overall it wasn't a good game for the Browns. Inconstant defense and an offense who could only manage two positive drives. But hopefully next week, vs the Bills, the Browns can regroup and start putting drives together, force a few turnovers, and maybe just maybe pull out a win next week.

Most Valuable Brown: Jamie Collins is the MVB for this week. He had 15 totals tackles, one sack, and two tackles for losses. Collins has played really well in his short stint with the Browns. It is going to be interesting if the Browns want to/are able to bring him back for next year and beyond.

Browns Preview 12.9.16: Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The 4-7-1 Cincinnati Bengals travel to Cleveland to take on the 0-12 Browns, who are coming off of a bye week. The Browns announced that Robert Griffin III will be the starter Sunday with rookie Cody Kessler has his backup. Griffin started week one against the Eagles and went 12/26 for 190 yards and one interception before suffering a fractured bone in his non-throwing shoulder which sidelined him until now. The Bengals are coming off of a 32-14 win against the Eagles were they picked off rookie Carson Wentz three times.


Browns Offense vs Bengals Defense

Its unknown what the Browns are going to feature offensively. Griffin will have some rust to start off, so the Browns will have to run the ball, even though its not usually their game plan. It doesn't matter whether its Isaiah Crowell or Duke Johnson getting the bulk of the carries, the Browns need to protect Griffin this week and the next three weeks if they want a realistic shot of winning a game this year. Duke Johnson should get the most touches this game considering he has the better yards per carry between the two and his a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield.

The passing game should be interesting to watch. Terrelle Pryor and Corey Coleman will be the main targets for Griffin which is expected, but considering the time off for Griffin his chemistry/timing could be off with his wideouts. Griffin needs to protect the ball and himself this game, so checking down, sliding when scrambling, and throwing the ball away will be extremely important.


Browns Defense vs Bengals Offense

Its unknown if AJ Green will play this week for the Bengals but whether or not he plays, the Browns main focus should be stopping the running game. Earlier this year, the Bengals ran for 271 yards on 30 attempts against the Browns and Jeremy Hill had 168 of those 271 yards. If the Browns don't stop the run game they have no chance this week.

Andy Dalton is prone to throw interceptions at times, hopefully the Browns can force him into a mistake and then capitalize on it. If AJ Green doesn't play, rookie Tyler Boyd and Brandon LaFell will start at receiver. Both have 40+ catches on the year and are solid targets for Dalton.


Five Guys to Watch

Robert Griffin III: Griffin is going to be someone to watch the next four games. There is still a small chance Griffin can win over the front office and coaching staff and become the quarterback for the future. If the Browns win one of these four games its going to be because of Griffin.

Christian Kirksey: Kirksey is one of the leaders on defense and has really grown this year. He's going to need to play extremely well in the run game for the Browns to stop the two headed monster (Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard). Kirksey will also be matched up against Tyler Eifert.

Johnathan Cooper: Cooper is a former first round pick who will be starting for the first time for the Browns. Cooper has a lot to prove but with Greco down for the year, he has an opportunity to prove he isn't a bust.

Corey Coleman: It will be interesting to see how he looks after a week off. Coleman seems to be growing and his play is improving. Also Hue Jackson said Coleman might be used as a punt returner too.

Joe Haden: Whether or not AJ Green plays, Haden will need to lock down who ever he's covering. Haden should have a really good game this week and maybe even an interception because the Browns need their defensive play makers to make some plays for them to get a win this week.

Injury Report
Weather
Betting Line: Cincinnati -5.5


Prediction: 28-17 Bengals

The Browns should play well this week but unfortunately fall to 0-13. Griffin should start out rusty but end the game playing fairly well. The Browns are going to win a game this season, but its not going to be this week.

On The Mark 10.24.16: Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals Recap

0 for 7; The Browns lose yet again, 30-17, to the Bengals, and also lose another QB
By Mark West, @Markw2112

The Cleveland Browns are headed towards a historic 2016 season.  Sadly, this history might be one of the worst teams in NFL history.  The Browns have now lost all 7 of their games, this time to the Cincinnati Bengals, 30-17 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati.  The Bengals, who have had issues of their own, were able to completely maul the Browns on both sides of the ball.  

Cody Kessler started the game and, when time allowed him, looked good yet again.  Yet the offensive line was over matched by the Bengals defensive line and Kessler paid the price.  On an excellent shovel pass to Gary Barnidge, he was hit in the head then hit his head to the ground by defender Domata Peko in the second quarter.  He went 9-of-11 for 82 yards before being knocked out of the game and in to concussion protocol.

When Kessler went down, in came 4th string QB Kevin Hogan, who had a few excellent runs in a wild cat formation usually reserved for Terrelle Pryor.  Hogan tried to lead the team with his feet as he was the leading rusher with 108 yards and a touchdown.  Passing, he was 12-of-24 for 100 yards and 2 interceptions.  Gary Barnidge led all receivers with 66 yards.  Terrelle Pryor, fighting a hamstring issue, only had 2 catches for 18 yards.

For the Bengals, it was all too easy on the offensive side.  With Joe Haden sidelined yet again with an injury, Andy Dalton (19-of-28, 308 yards, 2 TD's) had no problem connecting with A.J. Green, who ended his day with 169 yards and an amazing Hail Mary touchdown to end the first half to make it 28-17 going in to halftime.  Jeremy Hill also ran for 168 yards on 9 attempts while Gio Bernard had a touchdown with 80 yards rushing.  The Bengals had 559 total yards against the Browns depleted defense.

The Browns will play the Jets next Sunday, in Cleveland, at 1 PM.

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!!!

3 Rivers Rundown 9.17.16: Now The Steelers Season Begins

By Jaison Roberts, @Kratoslives

Finally! The preseason is.....over. #RockVoice

That includes you Washington Redskins in week one, (38-16).

Now here comes our real season opener, the Cincinnati Bengals. In this fight we have an old dog with tons of new tricks in Antonio Brown, Jesse James, Eli Rogers and Sammie Coates. While we also bring out old vicious dogs in Ben Roethlisberger and DeAngelo Williams, with an o-line rebuilt for war. In the other corner, here comes Andy Dalton, AJ Green and Pittsburgh native returning home, Tyler Boyd of the Cincinnati Bengals. With a Bengals defense hell bent on killing anything not wearing stripped orange and a chip on their shoulder that can crush a stadium and it's fans. This is also a team willing to do anything for a playoff win.

Ahhh keep your mouths closed and pull your pants up. I know you're excited. I am too. But this is only week 2 of the NFL season. And it only gets better for the fans and the NFL for these two franchises. Cincinnati has tasted the AFC North crown twice but something goes wrong in the playoffs for them, PITTSBURGH! This damn team just won't die far as Cincinnati is concerned. As far as Pittsburgh is concerned, they want this division and league to look at them as immortal.

Pittsburgh just keeps retooling and getting younger except for Big Ben & DeAngelo Williams. So how do you conquer that? Knock their blocks off like Vontez Burfict tried to in last year's playoff lose to Pittsburgh. Which brings us to 9/18/16 this war has just begun and both teams would like to end it before the second game. So let's bring on the fighters Champion Cincinnati Bengals the current kings of the North. Look at this young warrior full of strength and vitality. Here in the other corner is a wily old veteran team with young cubs being taught by fire.

There's a long history of success when it comes to Marvin Lewis and Mike Tomlin. For Lewis, he's won a Super Bowl as an assistant with the Baltimore Ravens. And then you have two-time Super Bowl winning coach in Tomlin. The staff for both teams have great coaches from head to toe, but one thing separates both. Tradition and legacy, and Pittsburgh has both in spades. While the Bengals are trying to build theirs by conquering an old foe.

So as we prepare to see the newest "most popular" NFL rivalry on Sunday, remember this; they do have to see each other one more time and one or the other will want revenge. So prepare for blood, prepare for fights. Most importantly prepare to be entertained as these two NFL juggernauts try to crush each other.

Then take a breather while they fatten up on other NFL teams and victories. Before trying to crush each other again when they meet in Cincinnati on December 18. Since we all know who I'm cheering for, let me leave you with this. I'm turning 46 this year and all I want is to have my Black and Gold receive their 7th Lombardi Trophy.

So go get your beer, pop and food and enjoy yourself and remember #HereWeGo

#Browns Recap 12.7.15: Cincinnati #Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

To what should have been a surprise to no one, the Cleveland Browns lost to the Cincinnati Bengals 37-3.
By @mrgroce

The Cleveland Browns, in front of their own fans looked over matched, overwhelmed, and uninspired as they suffered their worst defeat of the year at the hands of the division rival Bengals. QB Austin Davis made his first start at for the Browns and didn't do too bad completing 25 of 37 passes for 231 yards with one interception. Davis started the game without WR's Andrew Hawkins and Taylor Gabriel and in the first half lost two more, Travis Benjamin and Marlon Moore. Let's not forget Dwayne Bowe and Terrell Pryor were "healthy scratches" as well. This was another game in which the offensive line was completely over matched. The Bengals defense only sacked Davis three times, but he was under pressure on basically every pass attempt. The Browns top receiver was Brian Hartline who had 83 yards on 8 receptions, and running back Isaiah Crowell led the team in rushing with 62 yards on 11 attempts.

Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton did whatever he wanted against the Browns defense. He was 14 for 19 with 220 yards and threw two touchdowns. Running back Jeremy Hill ran the ball 22 times for 98 yards. Receiver AJ Green caught five passes for 128 yards and one touchdown. Keep in mind the Bengals were without tight end Tyler Eifert who leads the league with 12 td's. The Bengals did not commit a single turnover, while the Browns had two.

The Bengals only had two more first downs than the Browns (20-18), and finished with the lead in time of possession by only two minutes (30:58-29:02). Statistically, it would seem that the game should not have been this lopsided. The Bengals finished with a hundred more yards than the Browns, but how does that account for a 34 point loss? Easy answer: coaching and talent. The Browns coaching staff is by far the worst in the league and most of their best players, a term I use loosely, were out with injury. There was clock mismanagement, going for it on fourth down like they were playing Madden on PS4, and questionable decisions on why some guys were made inactive. Blame the coach. Blame the GM. At this point it doesn't really matter. They'll both be gone before the Wild Card games in January.

I know what fans are gonna complain and cry about this week and his name is Johnny. Maybe he'll start next week or maybe he won't, it truly does not matter. His last two games the team has scored 19 points. One game and two and a half drives for Davis has accumulated a total of 10 points. When McCown is behind center the Browns score 23 points per game. Let's stop talking about quarterback. For once it's not the number one problem. There's no one on this team that can rush the quarterback, stop the run, or defend a pass. There isn't a single offensive lineman that's nasty enough to put some one on their ass. If a hole somehow does open up, there isn't a running back that could get more than 9 yards, and finally there isn't a single wide receiver over 6'3 that can bail a quarterback out with a jump ball or a receiver who after the catch get a little something call YAC(yards after catch). There's too many issues on this team to try to say" it's only this or only that".

My fellow TripleThreatCle.com writer normally gives out a player of the game. The score was 37-3. This award goes out to all of us, the die hard, crazy, stupid, committed, Browns fans who watch this crap every week. I know at some point in this game we said we were done, but I'm pretty sure I'll see you all next week.


Next week: The San Franciso 49'ers visit FirstEnergy Stadium led by the rejuvenated QB Blaine Gabbert.

#Browns Preview 12.5.15: Cincinnati #Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

By @mrgroce

Monday night the Cleveland Browns lined up for what would have been the game winning field goal against the Baltimore Ravens. Only two things could have happened, so we thought. Either the field goal goes through the uprights and the Browns win, or they miss the kick and the teams go into overtime. By now you've all seen what actually happened. The one thing that could have happened but no one expected: the kick was blocked, the Ravens ran it back for a touchdown and the Browns lost.

A year ago I would have cursed, been sick to my stomach, and avoided ESPN for a few days. Not that night. I literally laughed, hit the rewind button on my Directv receiver to see the play a few more times, and then fininshed watching the last few episodes of Netflix's Jessica Jones.

I'm numb to the losses. Hell, I expect them.

In a season that was supposed to have only one big question mark (quarterback), the Browns truly have issues at every single position. The owner is too involved, the GM continues to make terrible decisions, and the coaching staff as a whole are clueless. Put all of that together and you end up with what is the worst record in the NFL. This article is supposed to be a "preview", but I'm stalling because there isn't a single thing to look forward to in this game. The Browns are 2-9 and the Bengals are 9-2. The Bengals are fourth in the league in scoring (27pts per game) and the Browns are second to last in scoring defense giving up 28pts per game. The Browns best player, and I use that term loosely, Joe Haden is STILL out with a concussion.

Have fun AJ Green! Tyler Eifert has been ruled out, but Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones will still be available to abuse Tremond Williams. The Bengals are also like most teams that use the two running back system with Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill. They'll be going up against the worst run defense in the NFL.

New week, new quarterback. This time Austin Davis will get his first start as a Cleveland Brown. Davis who came in for the injured Josh McCown in the fourth quarter, finished the game 7/10 for 77 yards and a touchdown. Davis is a solid QB who will probably have a small bit of success, but with basically no running game (no Browns running back has gained more than 40 yards for 6 straight games) and a very suspect offensive line, getting through this game healthy will be considered a success. Tight end Gary Barnidge and wide receiver Travis Benjamin have been the only consistent guys on this team. Davis will rely heavily on them.

I picked the Browns to beat the Ravens and I figured that would be their last win of the season. Well, I was wrong and I have learned my lesson. This Sunday at home the Browns will lose for the second time this season to the Cincinnati Bengals 31-10.

When's the draft?

What: Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals
When: Sunday December 6, 2015
Where: FirstEnergy Stadium Cleveland, Ohio
TV/Radio: Fox, 850 ESPN WKNR, 92.3 The Fan WKRK, 98.5 WNCX

On The Mark 11.6.15: Cleveland #Browns @ #Bengals Recap

Pathetic second half by the Browns leads to 31-10 disaster against the undefeated Bengals
By @MarkW2112

Johnny Manziel looked good in the first half, but like last week, the Browns seemed to give up in the second half and give the game to the Cincinnati Bengals, 31-10.  Andy Dalton was nearly flawless, throwing for 3 touchdowns to Tyler Eifert.  Manziel had 1 touchdown to Duke Johnson at the end of the first half.  The Browns offense was summed up by Taylor Gabriel's 4 dropped passes.

The Browns defense, once again, did absolutely nothing to stop the run or on third down.  Dalton was able to have his way along with Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Benard running the ball at will against the Browns.  

My take:  The Browns are done.  The season is over.  It will be interesting to see if Jimmy Haslam makes drastic changes before then.  Especially with Jim O'Neil's awful defense.

Player of the game:  Andy Dalton, who went 21 of 27 for 234 yards and 3 touchdowns.  He was precise and played like he hasn't in the past few years.

Next game:  Against the dreaded Steelers, November 15 in Pittsburgh

#Browns Preview 11.5.15: Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati #Bengals

By @mrgroce

Week 9 of the NFL starts this Thursday with an AFC North match-up between the last place Cleveland Browns, and the undefeated, first place Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals are coming off of a come from behind win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Browns are still recovering from their loss against the Arizona Cardinals. When these teams face off, it will be almost one year (Nov. 6, 2014) since the Browns defeated the Bengals in Cincinnati 24-3 on national TV. Ever since that night, the Browns have only won three games total. 

It's only Thursday, but the Browns have already had a very long week. On Sunday, they forgot to continue playing after leaving the locker room after halftime, and then quarterback Josh McCown got hurt. Monday and Tuesday were filled with rumors of players getting traded before the NFL's trade deadline and of course, no one was dealt. On Tuesday, GM Ray Farmer tried to convince the fanbase that everything is ok, no need to panic, and we should allow the "movie to play out' before jumping to conclusions. Now, players who've had they're names mentioned in trade rumors need to go out and treat this game like any other. No dysfunction here.

The Bengals have had success making the playoffs for the past five seasons, but this year seems different. They'll still need to win a playoff game or two to convince the naysayers, but Andy Dalton seems to have taken his game up a notch. With a strong running game featuring Giovanni Bernard and Jeremy Hill, and a receiving corps that features receivers AJ Green and Marvin Jones, and tight end Tyler Eifert, this offense will be very hard to stop for a Browns defense that's going to be without starting cornerback Joe Haden and safety Donte Whitner. Both have been ruled out with concussions. The Browns defense has moved up two spots from 32nd to 30th in total defense, but are still dead last against the run. 

The Browns, who feature three running backs, are getting absolutely nothing out of any of them to help the running game. Last week against Arizona, they had a combined 20 carries for a paltry 39 yards. Running back Duke Johnson made a few good plays in the receiving game, but only touched the ball three times. Wide receivers Andrew Hawkins and Brian Hartline have both been ruled out with concussions.

Sound familiar?

Oh yeah, and Josh McCown can barely breathe, so Johnny Manziel will get his second start of the season.

Call me crazy, but it looks like a major embarrassment is about to take place on national television for everyone to see. Best case scenario, Manziel lights it up, the Browns win and a small bit of hope peeks through. Thursday night might be the last chance for the Browns to show that they have some pride left and do whatever it takes to win this game. If not, with ten days before their next game someone or more than one person could lose their job. 


Here's a few keys to the game. 

1. The Browns must find a way to protect Manziel and give him a clean pocket.
2. Somehow, the Browns need to take pressure off Manziel and consistently be able to run the ball.
3. Manziel needs to find other receivers to throw to other than Travis Benjamin.
4. The Browns defense must put pressure on Andy Dalton. Haden has had his issues, but he's done a pretty good job of defending AJ Green. 
5. The Browns defense must get off the field after 3rd down. Arizona was 13-16 on 3rd downs last week.

My prediction: Bengals 31, Browns 13. 

What: Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals
When: Thursday 11/05 8:25 PM
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
TV/Radio: NFL Network,  WKNR 850 Cleveland, WKRK 92.3 The Fan, WNCX 98.5

On The Mark 12.15.14: #Browns Recap

Johnny Failure: Browns Destroyed By The Bengals 30-0 In Manziel's Disaster Debut.
By @MarkW2112

The month of December seems to be an unkind month for the Cleveland Browns.  This year is no exception.  After losing a heartbreaker last week to the Indianapolis Colts, the Browns came out flat on defense and even more dismal on offense, being beat at every aspect of the game by Cincinnati Bengals 30-0 in the last home game of the year.  It was a disaster of a debut for quarterback Johnny Manziel, the prized pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.  Manziel threw for just 80 yards and 3 interceptions.  He also had no help from his offense, with Isiah Crowell and Terrance West providing no spark with the running game and the offensive line seemingly lost on almost every play called.  The Bengals defense picked apart the offense, sacking Manziel 3 times with most of the defenders doing the money sign after the fact.

The Bengals offense had it's way with the run game as Jeromy Hill running for 148 yards and 2 touchdowns with a total 244 running yards for the Bengals offense.  Andy Dalton didn't have to do much only throwing for 117 yards and an interception but it didn't matter as the Browns defense just let them run wild.  The best block of the day came when Hill tried to jump in the Dawg Pound and a fan pushed him down with a force not seen by any defensive player.

My take: Sadly, Johnny Manziel is a rookie that made a ton of rookie mistakes.  It was an absolute disaster.  Missed play calls, dropped passes, false starts...the offense was a mess. The defense was pretty awful too. And with only 2 games left it killed any playoff chance they had.  It was just another Sunday in December for the (as always) last place Cleveland Browns.

Next: against the Carolina Panthers in Raleigh next Sunday. 

On The Mark 12.13.14: #Browns vs. #Bengals Preview

Johnny Starter.  Johnny Manziel Starts His First Game As A Cleveland Brown Sunday.
By @MarkW2112

The Cleveland Browns, who have been solid on defense but struggling mightily on offense, have turned to rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel to lead the Browns offense this Sunday against division and Ohio rival Cincinnati Bengals.  With only 3 games left in the season and the playoffs on the line, head coach Mike Pettine had no choice but to go with Johnny Football after 4 very rocky starts for Brian Hoyer, who threw 1 touchdown and 8 interceptions in the past few weeks.

The Browns, 7-6, are still in the thick of the playoff chase but their chances of making them remain slim if they lose Sunday with 3 games left.  The loss to the Indianapolis Colts last week was a huge letdown after the defense was sensational against Andrew Luck and their powerful offense.  This weekend, facing a division rival, look for the defense once again to step up against Andy Dalton and A.J. Green, who seems to have issues with all pro cornerback Joe Haden every time they meet.  Look for a lot of the same pressure and different looks the defense showed the Bengals the first time they faced back in November in Cincinnati.

As for the offense, at this point, it's an unknown what will happen.  Manziel, however, appears to be ready to go and do what he does best, which is making off the cuff plays using his feet to keep the defense off balance.  That said, look for a big game from both Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell as the Bengals concentrate on stopping Manziel.  Also expect Josh Gordon to have his best game since coming back during the Atlanta game.  There is no doubt Manziel will make mistakes but they will be exciting mistakes nonetheless.

My take: It's finally Johnny time.  We'll see if he lives up to the hype but if his touchdown series against Buffalo is any indication, I think he's more than ready to take over the Browns quarterback position.  I also expect the Bengals offense to look much better this time around than it did in Cincinnati.  It will be a tough match up to say the least.

Prediction:  It will be close.  It's a pick em game for sure.

What: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Where: First Energy Stadium, Cleveland, OH
Time: 1 PM
TV/Radio: Fox, WTAM 1100, WMMS 100.7 in Cleveland and The Browns Radio Network elsewhere in Ohio.