Browns vs Ravens: Notes, Thoughts and Predictions

Cleveland Browns running back Jamal Lewis is at the magical age of 30, when NFL running backs begin their immediate decline.

So it's with little surprise that we read the news from the Cleveland Plain Dealer that he'll miss today's game, just the third of the 2009 season.

For those who were planning to start Lewis against the Baltimore Ravens today in fantasy, you can take a shot with Jerome Harrison or James Davis -- the two men who will share duties as his replacement.

Then again, take a gander at what AFC North blogger James Walker had to say earlier in the week:

"The Baltimore Ravens are giving the rest of the NFL a lot to worry about, and perhaps the scariest thought of all is that ESPN.com's top-rated team still has room to grow. Baltimore's defense is ranked No. 17 and has yet to get its act together against the pass. The Ravens' high-scoring offense has masked many of those early woes. But based on the team's history, you figure it's just a matter of time before Baltimore's defense catches up to its offense. (That felt extremely awkward to write.) "

I don't care if the Ravens have the 17th ranked defense, we've only played two games this season. Hell, even my wife could name four starters on there defense right now. I don't think she could do that for the Browns.

I am excited to get a look at the offense without Lewis. James Davis (as we all know) looked great during preseason, but didn't do much against Denver's first team defense. Maybe with more reps during practice this week, confidence will turn into a higher YPC this week.

Finally, something needs to be done with our passing attack, or lack thereof. I don't care if we go Wildcat all day or if Quinn sits back in shotgun 90% of the time. We need to move the ball vertically. The right side of our O-line is pathetic right now and we just won't have the luxury of running left all day.

Andy finally, there will be no Phil Dawson kicking today but NFL journeyman Billy Cundiff will have kicking duties while Dawson battles with the injury bug.

Comments

Shaun Rodgers and Some Insight on the Draft

A customer of mine told me once one of the greatest words to live by some years ago. “Never let your meat loaf.” Back when I heard this I only thought of it in a sexual context. But after hearing of the release of DT Shaun Rodgers this past week I was able to apply this great piece of advice from a half senile old man in a different way. The 10 year veteran had played only sparingly over the past two seasons. He ended the 2009 season on the I.R. (as so many others did as well). This past season sometime during training camp, Rodgers became gimpy and turned into the Lance Armstrong of stationary bikes. During the regular season Mr. Rodgers was lucky to play 20 snaps a game. 2009 stats: 11 games played, 11 game starts, 36 tackles (9 assisted) 2 sacks. 2010 stats: 15 games played, 1 game start, 17 tackles (3 assisted) 2 sacks. Shaun's salary in 2010 was $6.9 million, his base for 2011 was 5.5 million. Really didn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out. With

The Pooh Has Hit The Fan

Its been about a week since my last post. But its been very difficult to write about something that isn't worth writing about. So what I am going to do is simply post everything interesting I have been able to come across during the past few days. Oh, in case you didn't hear, the Browns let the door hit the ass of general manager George Kokinis on his way out. AFC North Stock Watch Adam Schefter talks about Cleveland getting rid of GM George Kokinis and what this means for Eric Mangini ( video ) The BROWN OUT Eric Barton going on I.R.? Mantarded's Master Plan ? The Browns should lose there Monday Night Football spot. Tedy Bruschi Defends Eric Mantarded. Browns Fans Say Owner Has Dogged Determination. Browns Owner " sick " about state of Browns, but won't fire Mantarded.

Josh Gordon: Not that difficult of a decision.

Josh Gordon is making steps to set himself up for reinstatement by the NFL. But do we want to see him in a Browns uniform again? He is still just 25 years old. He may be in shape, but is he in football shape? Does he actually realize that this is his last chance? Do we even care because the Browns will be lucky to even win two games this year? My thoughts (for what little they are worth), just move on. We are beyond rebirth again at this point. To me he is just taking up a roster spot from someone who hasn't screwed up 10 times and/or from someone who actually loves to play the game and wants to show up to practice and become a household name on Sundays. Hugh Jackson and his coaching staff need to realize this and work with the loaded WR roster we currently have. Mold these youngsters into what you want and need and roll with it. Why: Because, Josh has not played an NFL game since December 21, 2014 and has been suspended for 27 of his last 32! Next time, I will start

Metcalf Up the Middle

Search This Blog