BROWNIE POINTS: Benchings, Statistics, Robiskie and More

Just a few thoughts as the Browns head in to Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals

Third Down Conversions

There is a whole lot of hooting and hollering from Browns fans about Eric Mangini’s decision to bench Quinn this week. There have been some ridiculous theories floating around like “Mangini’s attempting to tank the season,” or Mangini “intentionally set Brady up to fail.”

Let’s get a grip fans. Not all of the Browns ills can be blamed on one guy (Quinn), but Mangini has to try something to avoid a 0-16 season. Worse than the 0-3 start is the way that each game turned into a laugher.

Mangini and his staff will never get jobs again if this continues to happen, and ultimately, the most important thing to any coach is present (and future) job security.

Mangini has been alluding to the ineptitude of the offense on third down for weeks. In fact, before game two he mentioned that Quinn has to improve in that area.

Let’s take a look at the numbers during Quinn’s three games at the helm:

Game 1: 3-12 (1-1 in garbage time);

Game 2: 3-14

Game 3: 0-8 (THAT'S RIGHT, NONE!)

TOTAL: 6-34!!!!!!!!!!!!! 18.75 percent!

That is just not getting the job done.

In addition to not scoring points on the offensive side of the ball, those types of numbers are absolutely killing an already suspect defense

Anderson vs. The Bengals

Don’t think the Bengals do not remember getting torched by Derek Anderson over his career. During an interview with local sports talk show WKNR, Bengal defensive back Leon Hall stressed that he is still hurting from the 51 points Anderson laid on them in 2007.

In fact, Anderson has averaged 240 yards and thrown for 8 touchdowns against the Bengals in three career games. The Bengals defensive backs respect Anderson more than any Cleveland fan after being scorched the way that they have.

Anderson may be erratic, but he can light teams up when he is on.

Rolling the Coverage

Teams have learned that Braylon Edwards is the one guy who can beat you on the Browns offense. Defenses have been rolling two or three men into coverage to stop it.

Someone has to be open. It is about time Furrey, Cribbs or Massaquoi step up their games and make teams pay. That or whoever is taking the snaps is just not finding them.

Finding Private Brian

Fans and media alike are wondering what in the world has happened to WR Brian Robiskie.

Apparently, Mr. Robiskie hasn’t learned that rookies have to take their special teams duties seriously. Thus, he has not even been active the last two weeks.

Still, he’s a second round pick, and second round picks have to at least be in the rotation. Mangini might be sending him a message. But to the fans, he’s sending a message that, “I really blew a second round pick.”

If the team is not interested in paying Edwards what he wants this coming off-season, Mangini better find someone between Massaquoi and Robiskie (or both) that can play the position. Neither is going to do that while riding on the bench.

Make Palmer Uncomfortable

The Browns pass rush has been inconsistent, but Wimbley and Rogers have managed to put some pressure on quarterbacks in the first three games.

The Bengals offensive line is shaky at best. Injuries, inexperience, and shuffling of positions mean that starting quarterback Carson Palmer cannot feel too comfortable in the pocket.

Palmer is a calming presence for the Bengals, but he is coming off of a serious injury. This is a chance for the defensive line to shine, as the Bengals are 24^th in the league in sacks per pass attempt.

Injury Report

Guards Rex Hadnot (knee) and Floyd Womack (ankle) have still not practiced this week. Jamal Lewis (hamstring) is riding the stationary bike, but media members have not seen him on the field.

The Browns really need Lewis and one of the two guards to play because the Bengals front seven is very physical. Harrison filled in admirably with 88 total yards against the tough Ravens defense, but he is not the type of running back who is going to grind out tough yards.

Hadnot and Womack are much better run-blockers than their replacement Hank Fraley.

Mangini said this week that Lewis and PK Phil Dawson might play this week, but replacement kicker Billy Cundiff is still around the training facility.

The Bengals have some injury concerns of their own, specifically rookie LB Rey Maualuga (knee) and RB Cedric Benson (knee). Both are key Bengal players and should play, but their roles might be limited.