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First let me say this week is such an unexpected yet pleasant surprise. My buddy FunTimes on here is a big Cleveland fan, and for the past few years we've been going back and forth about what team is worse. I don't think either of us expected this, but what do ya know. It's week 15 and the Bills and Browns are playing in a game with HUGE playoff implications. While I'm obviously pulling like crazy for Buffalo to win this game, if the Browns should win I hope they make the playoffs and pull a few miracles. Im a fan of that team too, in ways they're a lot like us.
Anyway. As anxious as I am about this game; there are some things/matchups about facing the Browns that scare the living **** out of me. Since this is Cleveland week and he's our "Browns guy" I think FunTimesYaY should contribute a few things about the Browns as well.
* I can't believe I'm saying this, but I fear George Wilson is going to be missed big time. He's more athletic than Jim Leonhard and although he may not be a "steady" in coverage; he has a knack for making a big play (2 defensive TDs) and he's a much more physical hitter. It's not even exclusively that Leonard is forced to start; it's that it changes the nickel package. I would ASSUME that this puts Ashton Youboty onto the field as the 5th DB. The only other option seems to be Scott. SCott seems to pass rush good, but I fear his coverage abilities against these great Browns WRs.
* Specifically, I fear the hell out Kellen Winslow. The guy is finally emerging as one of the elite TEs in football. Who's going to cover him? I would think Whitner.
* We all know what Braylon Edwards can do, but Joe J is a hell of a 2nd WR and I see him getting a lot of balls on third down. This is a very tough matchup for our secondary.
* That OL is the strength of the team, and many are saying Joe Thomas is the best rookie OT to come in the league in well over a decade. Somehow, someway Aaron Schobel HAS to play like the franchise DE we paid him to be and make some big plays over him.
* Defensively, we gotta contain that beast Wimbley.
* Lastly, the way our kick coverage has been lately, I'm petrified of Joshua Cribbs. I wouldn't do much kicking to him that's for sure.
In NO WAY am I saying we can't or won't be Cleveland. I'm just saying this is going to be a very tough and exciting game. I hope our young guys do a lot of growing up this game.
I think personally the key to beating Cleveland is the running game. I know the Edwards fanatics and fans of huge plays don't want to hear that; but we can't go drive for drive with the Browns offensively. We need to control the ball with Lynch/Jackson (who I think the Browns will have a tough time stopping) take advantage as they line up more guys in the box by looking for Evans/Reed, and create at least 2 turnovers defensively.
Yards mean nothing this game. The Browns WILL move the ball. We really need that "bend but dont break" defense to do exactly that. I think we can win a 24-20 type of game. I don't think we can win a 38-35 type of game against this team.
Anyway. As anxious as I am about this game; there are some things/matchups about facing the Browns that scare the living **** out of me. Since this is Cleveland week and he's our "Browns guy" I think FunTimesYaY should contribute a few things about the Browns as well.
* I can't believe I'm saying this, but I fear George Wilson is going to be missed big time. He's more athletic than Jim Leonhard and although he may not be a "steady" in coverage; he has a knack for making a big play (2 defensive TDs) and he's a much more physical hitter. It's not even exclusively that Leonard is forced to start; it's that it changes the nickel package. I would ASSUME that this puts Ashton Youboty onto the field as the 5th DB. The only other option seems to be Scott. SCott seems to pass rush good, but I fear his coverage abilities against these great Browns WRs.
* Specifically, I fear the hell out Kellen Winslow. The guy is finally emerging as one of the elite TEs in football. Who's going to cover him? I would think Whitner.
* We all know what Braylon Edwards can do, but Joe J is a hell of a 2nd WR and I see him getting a lot of balls on third down. This is a very tough matchup for our secondary.
* That OL is the strength of the team, and many are saying Joe Thomas is the best rookie OT to come in the league in well over a decade. Somehow, someway Aaron Schobel HAS to play like the franchise DE we paid him to be and make some big plays over him.
* Defensively, we gotta contain that beast Wimbley.
* Lastly, the way our kick coverage has been lately, I'm petrified of Joshua Cribbs. I wouldn't do much kicking to him that's for sure.
In NO WAY am I saying we can't or won't be Cleveland. I'm just saying this is going to be a very tough and exciting game. I hope our young guys do a lot of growing up this game.
I think personally the key to beating Cleveland is the running game. I know the Edwards fanatics and fans of huge plays don't want to hear that; but we can't go drive for drive with the Browns offensively. We need to control the ball with Lynch/Jackson (who I think the Browns will have a tough time stopping) take advantage as they line up more guys in the box by looking for Evans/Reed, and create at least 2 turnovers defensively.
Yards mean nothing this game. The Browns WILL move the ball. We really need that "bend but dont break" defense to do exactly that. I think we can win a 24-20 type of game. I don't think we can win a 38-35 type of game against this team.
& 
too!!
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