By Nevada Sharpshooter
The 4-3 Ravens travel to Cleveland to take on the 3-4 Browns. Last week the Ravens brought back the single wing offense using two Quarterbacks on the field at once. One of the plays from this formation resulted in a 43 yard TD pass from QB Smith to QB Flacco vs the Raiders. The reason is clear why the Ravens have resorted to trickery, they have been unable to move the ball consistantly using more convential plays. The Raven offense ranks dead last in the NFL averaging a paltry 239.5 yards per game. The defense which is battling through some key injuries has been mediorce ranking 19th in the league and 23rd vs the rush.
Something tells us that this game will be a turning point in the season for both teams. Cleveland desperately needs a win to get into the playoff hunt. A loss would drop them to 2-5 and effectively eliminate them from true playoff contention. It would take a 7-2 record the rest of the way just to have a shot at the postseason. Jacksonville sits at 3-3. A win, in our minds, would solidify this team as a true playoff contender. A loss makes the rest of the year an uphill battle; an winnable battle, but difficult nonetheless.
Cleveland is coming off a hard fought 11-14 loss at Washington. The offense was unable to find a rhythm, managing only 236 yards of offense. The offense’s performance proved that there is more to an NFL game than turnovers, despite what some may tell you. The offense did not commit a single turnover. Some good that did them. The defense did put together another solid performance though. That unit has improved from last year, and has to be considered at least an average NFL defense. They have the ability to keep the offense in the game.
Jacksonville is coming off of a much-needed bye. A number of players are healing up and are listed as day-to-day. Jacksonville’s defense has not played to their standards thus far, but an extra week of rest and preparation should get the defense headed in the right direction. A strong performance on Sunday should catapult the defense for the rest of the year and send them into the elite category where they belong. Both defenses will show up on Sunday.
Free winner from Dark Horse Sports: Take Cleveland / Jacksonville under 42.
By Nevada Sharpshooter
The Dallas Cowboys travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns. Cleveland just missed the playoffs last season and are looking to take the next step. Offensively the Browns are very good. Leading them is QB Derek Anderson who has developed into one of the more exciting players in the league. His main targets will be WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow. Leading the ground game is Jamal Lewis. While many of the Browns have been injured in the preseason, they should all be ready for game 1 of the regular season.