Atlanta Falcons vs. Cleveland Browns Preview: 'The Cleveland Show' Edition

On Sunday the Atlanta Falcons travel to the "Dawg Pound" to take on the Cleveland Browns.  The Browns are coming off a 23-20 win over their divisional rival Cincinnati while the Falcons won in a thrilling comeback against the San Francisco 49ers. This is the kind of matchup where one would label a "trap game" since both teams have played in close contests throughout the 2010 NFL season.

This week, we have a special guest to preview the game, and what better host than the man who shares the name: star of the hit Fox sitcom "The Cleveland Show," coming straight out of Stoolbend, Virginia, the one, the only, Cleveland Brown!

Don't forget that if you want to discuss the game afterwards you can contact us on our live radio show "The Dungeon" at 7pm Sunday, only at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dungeonsociety.

Cleveland Jr. Asks "Who's Going To Be Running The Ball For The Browns"

Cleveland Jr. just picked up Hillis for his fantasy team.

Well, Cleveland Jr., it looks as if RB Peyton Hillis, who has had consecutive 100 yard rushing games against Baltimore and the Bengals, may not play against the Falcons' 11th ranked defense.  He has a thigh injury and Jerome Harrison, who was deemed the starter in the season, may start.

Browns' coach Eric Mangini likes to incorporate the run much like the Falcons while limiting his quarterbacks, and having Hillis in the lineup will make it easier for him to punish their defensive line with his bruising rushing attack.   For the Falcons to win they will need to use their linebackers on blitz plays to keep Hillis from getting huge yards on the ground.

Roberta Asks: "What Effect Will Josh Cribbs Have on Sunday?"

Well, Roberta, if there's one area in which the Falcons struggle, it is on special teams.  They have surrendered a blocked punt and given up huge yards on the ground on kickoff returns.  Special teams is where Cribbs excels. 

Even though the Browns don't possess a wealth of talent, one thing they do have is the electrifying Cribbs, who has the big play ability to make life difficult for an Atlanta team who is known for giving up the big play on occasion. 

Since QB Jake Delhomme is returning, there's a chance they could use Cribbs on the Wildcat formation, and the Falcons aren't used to playing that particular offensive set.  Expect Cribbs to make at least two big plays in the game.

Rallo Asks: "What's Up With All of Those Injured Falcons? Are They Playing?"

Rallo, it looks as if Atlanta may finally get some injured players back on the field.  WR Michael Jenkins, who has missed the first four games with shoulder surgery, will finally get a chance to play on Sunday, bolstering an already potent passing attack.  Also, LB Sean Weatherspoon, who missed last week's contest, will return to action.

Donna Asks: "How Will Matt Ryan Attack The Cleveland Defense?"

Donna, while the Browns may not have a bevy of defensive playmakers, they are very physical and if the Falcons aren't careful, they will find out that linebackers such as Scott Fujita will make life miserable for Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense all day.

The key for Atlanta will be to incorporate TE Tony Gonzalez early and often in short passing routes.  Although Atlanta likes to corporate the running attack, the Browns secondary is their weakness and WR Roddy White might have a huge day if Ryan can hit him deep on pass routes.  If Atlanta finds themselves trailing at any point in the game, expect a lot more passing than usual from Ryan, similar to when they played Pittsburgh.

Cleveland Brown Asks: "So Who's Going To Win?"

The Falcons are coming into this game winning three games in a row, and are used to playing in close games dictated by physical play.  The Browns are gaining confidence after last week's win, and will look to capitalize on an Atlanta team that has a habit of falling behind early.

If the Browns get at least a seven-point lead, expect to see a lot of the running attack take control.  Atlanta must avoid complacency and jump on Cleveland's secondary early and often.  Good teams don't allow lesser talented opponents to defeat them, regardless of the location.

That said, I expect Coach Mike Smith to deliver this message often throughout the week, and for Matt Ryan to get an early lead from which the Falcons will never relinquish.  Expect a huge day from the Falcons running back duo of Micheal Turner and Jason Snelling as Atlanta wins its fourth straight game.

Final Score: Atlanta 27, Cleveland 14