Browns-Bengals Preview: Keys Matchups to a Cleveland Victory (Hopefully)

This Sunday the Cincinnati Bengals come into Cleveland in sole possession of second place in the AFC North.

That sounds really weird...the Bengals are in second place in the division.

Congrats to Marvin Lewis and that organization for beginning what appears to be a turn-around after several years of being the butt of all the jokes in the NFL.

Now our beloved Cleveland Browns are the butt of all jokes in the NFL, or is Eric Mangini the butt of all the jokes in the NFL right now?

There was an SI.com article that came out a few days ago that said Mangini is the worst hire in the NFL in the last 25 years.

Those are some pretty harsh words, but after three games, Mangini hasn't done anything to prove that wrong, especially with the latest quarterback debacle.

So Derek Anderson is the "new" Browns starting quarterback, and this Sunday's game is all-too familiar territory for Anderson. Back in 2007, Anderson got his first official start of the season against the Bengals and was part of a shootout in the Browns victory 51-45.

Anderson threw for 328 yards with five touchdowns and hopefully he can repeat that performance, but remember that was with a healthy Jamal Lewis who ran for over 200 yards too.

This Sunday, there are several key matchups to watch for versus the Bengals, and if these key battles are won by the Browns, then they may have a chance to upset the favored Bengals.


Derek Anderson and Braylon Edwards versus an improved Bengals defense with a berserker Rey Maualuga

The Browns had not one, but two chances to draft linebacker Rey Maualuga, but passed both times. Now Maualuga is hungry to show all the teams that passed on him they were wrong in doing so.

The Bengals defense will pose a challenge for Anderson because they are faster and tougher than in past years and he will have to be ready for their blitzes and make the right calls at the line of scrimmage to change protections.

With Mangini switching quarterbacks, he is hoping that the chemistry that Anderson and Edwards have had in the past is instantly re-ignited.

Both will need to play like their 2007 selves to help the Browns win this contest.


Joe Thomas versus Antwan Odom

Odom already has seven sacks after three games and Thomas has yet to give up a sack in three games.

Odom was sackless last week against the Steelers and with Thomas pitching shutouts against thus far, look for more of the same in order to protect the quarterback.

If the Bengals were smart, then they would line up Odom against the Browns' right side of their offensive line.


Eric Wright and Mike Adams versus Chad Ochocinco and Laveranues Coles

It has been reported that Brandon McDonald has been benched due to his horrible performances against the Ravens and Broncos by giving up a 49 yard touchdown to Jabar Gaffney and a 72 yard touchdown pass to Derrick Mason.

Taking McDonald's place as the starter will be Adams and look for Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer to target Adams on almost every play.

Wright has been a solid shut down corner after three games, but that may be because opposing teams just aren't looking in his direction because they knew they could exploit McDonald.

Whatever the reason may be, Adams now has a bulls-eye on him, and if the Browns are to win, Adams will need to shut down his guy.

The real question is why Adams when he is a backup safety? Why not let the rookie, Coye Francies get a shot?

(Props to Ochocinco for showing his support for cancer awareness since he will be wearing pink shoes, gloves, chip strap, and mouthpiece for the game.)


The defensive tackling versus the rejuvenated Cedric Benson

Benson is a ton to tackle at 5'11" and 230-pounds and the Browns have had a terrible time stopping the run by giving up 553 yards through three games.

Benson is averaging 4.4 yards per carry and just under 100 yards per game.

If the Browns are to win, they need to tackle period.

(Article originally posted on Dawg Scooper)