Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals: Week Four Preview

This Sunday the Cleveland Browns travel to Cincinnati for "The Battle of Ohio," which, embarrassingly enough, amounts to nothing more than the battle for third place in the AFC North as both teams currently hold 0-3 records.

As much as it depresses me to think back to the second game of 2007, when Carson Palmer lit up the Browns' secondary on 33 of 50, 401 yards and six touchdowns and the Bengals STILL LOST THE GAME—it was at least entertaining to watch. This result Sunday could be very similar, which is exactly what both teams need to jump-start their seasons.

Three weeks into the 2008 season there are only two teams that have had worse success on the offensive side of the ball than the Bengals—the horrendous St. Louis Rams and, you guessed it, the Cleveland Browns.

It is no secret that neither team can play solid defense, but the fact that both high-powered offenses have failed to produce this season is extremely disappointing.

This season the Bengals' offense with Pro Bowlers Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh have only averaged 239 yards a game (although they did play in a game two weeks ago against the Tennessee Titans in 60 mph wind).

What may be even more depressing is that Cleveland, with arguably one of the best offensive units in the NFL, has only mustered up an average of 194 yards of offense per game. 

What better time to hold "The Battle of Ohio" than week four of a season in which both teams have struggled to put numbers on the board? Although neither team appears ready to pack it up for the season, there is no doubt that this is a must win game for both teams. With neither team being very impressive on defense, "The Battle of Ohio" couldn't come at a better time to jump start the offense.

The key for the Bengals starts up front with the offensive line. If the Bengals can give Carson enough time in the pocket to exploit the Browns' paper thin secondary, the Bengals could very easily win this game.

However, the Bengals have been unable to do so since the first game of the preseason. As a unit, the line has given up nine sacks in three games and has allowed Carson to get so beat up that he broke his nose.

This is unacceptable. The Bengals need to regroup, refocus, and start playing like they are capable of playing. If they do, this offense will roll. I look for that to start on Sunday. 

The Browns obviously have issues of their own. Quarterback Derek Anderson hasn't played well since the second half of 2007 and he is in jeopardy of losing his starting job to backup Brady Quinn. With guard Eric Steinbach's status for Sunday still up in the air, if the Bengals can put some pressure on Anderson early, Quinn may get to see his first action of 2008.

It is absolutely essential for the Browns' offensive line to give Derek Anderson enough time in the pocket to make the necessary throws. There is no question that Anderson has an extremely strong supporting cast in Kellen Winslow, Braylon Edwards, Jamal Lewis, and what appears to be a healthy Donte' Stallworth. If the offense gets rolling, this could be another high scoring game. 

The Bengals also must contain Jamal Lewis who has a knack for running wild against them. The Cincinnati defensive line must do their job this week to be successful, starting with DT John Thornton.

Thornton has to feel some pressure after the Bengals drafted Pat Sims out of Auburn and Jason Shirley out of Fresno State back in April. I look for one of the "rooks" to get some significant playing time rotating in this week. 

I give the edge to Cincinnati this week for the simple reason that they have a better defense (and this is literally the first time in my life I have ever said that.) The offense played pretty well last week against the Giants and hopefully that will continue this week against the Browns.