"We've got our swagger back," Derek Anderson to Peter King of Sports Illustrated.

What? So, let's recap what it takes to get ones swagger back:

• Beat a winless team without it's starting quarterback
• Score three points through the first three quarters of the game
• Throw just one interception instead of the almost two a game you were averaging
• Pass for a whopping 138 yards on 24 attempts
• Get 24 yards on 13 carries in the second half from your starting running back
• Have your "star" receiver get an unnecessary roughness penalty, scream at the starting quarterback and play air guitar following his first touchdown of the year
• Have said receiver catch a whole three passes for 22 yards
• Convert on just half of your four red-zone appearances

Should the team be happy about getting its first win? Absolutely. Should the supposed leader of the offense gloat about it to, arguably, the most recognizable and read football writer in the country? No.

Stupid move on Anderson's part. Between this and the fact that he really hasn't taken a hold of this team emotionally makes me question his maturity a little.

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The Browns should be counting their blessings for the Bengals victory. Up until the fourth quarter, this game was looking like every other Browns game this season: Ugly. They were lucky enough to meet a team that was in just as much disarray as they were, and were without their starting quarterback.

Make no mistake, not having to face Carson Palmer was a huge boon for the Browns. Palmer is beaten up and the offense has struggled, but this could have been a rally game for him. Instead the Browns faced off against a sluggish Ryan Fitzpatrick.

The Browns were able to generate a nice pass rush against Fitzpatrick, who was indecisive in the pocket. While the three sacks they were able to get on the Bengals' backup was nice, Kamerion Wimbley's first sack of the year was definitely a coverage sack. The pressure outside of the sacks was consistent, though.

Offensively, the Browns were just not a cohesive unit. Derek Anderson did just enough to get by, as Dan mentioned in his earlier post. Anderson rallied in the fourth quarter with a touchdown to Braylon Edwards from four yards out that helped smooth over some of his consistency and decision making issues. I'm far from one to say a professional football player can be scared by an opponent, but look at how Anderson avoided throwing toward Chinedum Ndukwe after his third quarter interception. Ndukwe was a terror in the Browns' December 2007 game in Cincinnati that lead to the team missing the playoffs, and he was all over Anderson again.

Anderson probably has kept his job through the bye, but Quinn is lurking. If Romeo Crennel could learn his name, we might see a Brady sighting in the near future.

Game Balls

Offense – Joe Thomas, OLT: Thomas had been struggling this season after a stellar rookie campaign. He was not picking up blockers well on the blitz, and was not sealing off his blocks well in the run game. Both of those were non-issues Sunday. He played extremely well on the ground, and opened up some beautiful holes for Jamal Lewis. Edwards, Jamal Lewis, Donte Stallworth and Kellen Winslow are the playmakers, but Thomas really does keep the offense afloat. Look for him to rebound nicely after this game.

Defense – Mike Adams, SS: On a young secondary that is without leadership right now, Adams stepped up against the Bengals. He had a small day on the stat sheet, but he had a fumble recovery in the fourth quarter which set up Jamal Lewis' one yard touchdown run. Adams' coverage skills kept the Bengals in check, and he was able to help the young corners. Adams' role is keep the pass coverage from being exposed vertically, and he did a good job.

Special Teams – Darnell Dinkins, TE: Dinkins' two special teams tackles were big on Sunday. His last tackle on Glen Holt helped save a much bigger return. He also was a key part of Lewis' fourth quarter touchdown run, sealing off a nice block.

Turning Point

In the fourth quarter with a first and goal on the Bengals' four-yard line, the Browns went to the end zone for Edwards on a fade that didn't connect. It was a close play but Edwards couldn't get his feet down in bounds. Offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski showed faith in Edwards, and called a similar play to the opposite side of the field on the next play, which resulted in a touchdown.

About four minutes earlier in the quarter, Edwards was penalized for an unnecessary roughness penalty for a block on the end of a Lewis run. It brought Edwards to four penalties on the year, and on the sideline both Edwards and Anderson appeared to be arguing regarding the play. Edwards is an emotional player who has had a rough season so far, so for Chudzinksi to call his number again on a critical play shows his faith in Edwards.

Last Straw

Browns fans are angry over this victory, and without good reason. Being angry that Quinn hasn't taken the field yet makes little sense. Quinn hasn't taken the field yet because Anderson, as bad he's been this season, still gives the Browns the best shot to win.

He may only be holding on to his job by a thread, but Browns fans should remember what happened with Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb. It was questionable to take Couch's job away from him when injury took him away from his job. Butch Davis' decision to go with Holcomb effectively ruined both quarterbacks careers. Only one of Anderson and Quinn can start at quarterback for the Browns, so let's make sure it's the right guy.

Thoughts on the game? Comment!

-Beacon Journal (Marla Ridenour): Just enough to win
-Beacon Journal (Patrick McManamon): Browns should hold noses after surviving this stinkfest
-Cincinnati Enquirer (Paul Daugherty): Disarmed and dangerous
-Columbus Dispatch (Scott Priestle): No lipstick for this pig
-Plain Dealer (Tony Grossi): Not pretty, but precious
-Plain Dealer (Bill Livingston): Against lowly Bengals, Browns overcome faltering offense, inflexible coach
-Plain Dealer (Terry Pluto): Browns' victory should calm jumpy nerves, while some (Cowher) rumors should just fade away

-What I'm saying today: It seems like most are upset about this win. The offense still looked bad. Derek Anderson wasn't quite bad enough to bring in Brady Quinn. Josh Cribbs wanted to cry after the game. Carson Palmer wasn't playing.

It doesn't matter. The Browns won. Cheer up.

Game time: 1 p.m.
Station: CBS
Where: Paul Brown Stadium

This is it. There is no more educated description for this game. Win this game, a glimmer of hope remains. Lose and the repercussions could have a lasting affect on the Cleveland Browns franchise. Head coach Romeo Crennel could be gone. Derek Anderson could be out as the starting quarterback.

Does that make it sound important enough? Well then, onto the preview.

When Cleveland has the ball: Cincinnati is pretty terrible against the run. They've given up more than 500 yards rushing in just three games. So, this is the time for Jamal Lewis to finally earn the contract he received in the offseason. Or, maybe Jerome Harrison can get some additional touches. For the Browns, this could truly be a game where they just grind it out and set up the occasional pass. And when those passes do come, Kellen Winslow needs to be the recipient.

Also on the plus side for Cleveland is the fact that Cincinnati really struggles to get pressure on the quarterback.

When Cincinnati has the ball: Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer has all the mobility of a construction worker in eyesight of an attractive woman. Because of that, it will be imperative for the Browns to get some kind of pressure on him. Doing that will help cornerbacks Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright as they face their toughest challenge going up against T.J. Houshmanzadeh and Chad Johnson (note: I will not refer to him as Chad Ocho Cinco. It is stupid). If Kamerion Wimbley decides to hustle all game, instead of just on third downs, this could finally be the game where he reemerges. And it's not like pressure will be coming from the other side because the coaching staff seems to refuse play Alex Hall at outside linebacker in serious situations.

Key matchup: Lewis versus Bengals left defensive tackle Domata Peko. Lewis is big. Peko is much, much bigger. Peko has become a very good run stopper so Lewis might have to run around him, but agility isn't really his specialty.

What Cleveland absolutely has to do to win: Want it. Outside of St. Louis or Kansas City, it seems like no team in the NFL has played with less fire than the Browns. Seriously, when is Anderson going to just yell at Braylon Edwards? Or vice/versa? How often have the defensive player celebrated after or even made a big hit? Crennel is a chill out head coach. The players can't continue playing with that same cool demeanor.

The spread: The Browns are a three and a half point underdog and the over/under is 44.5

The prediction: Cleveland 31, Cincinnati 28
It seems as though the Bengals are just the opponent the Browns need. The matchups should mean a Browns victory. If not, expect a drastic fall out. A big day from Lewis is probable. But if he carries the offense, is Brady Quinn the starter following the bye week?

If the Browns continue to play terribly, they could end up with this wild savage of a middle linebacker:

How about having that guy roam the middle of the field? Scary! What, too soon to start thinking about the Browns draft? Never!

In fact, check out this latest mock draft from NFL Draft Dog, one of the more solid draft sites around. Or this one from the NFL Draft Geek.

All right Browns fan, face it: No matter how much you complain in online comments, on radio shows or to your dog, Romeo Crennel is probably going nowhere. But! All may not be lost with this season, so I came up with some outlandish ideas to improve the team. *cue circus music*

1. Just start Kellen Winslow at wide receiver and Steve Heiden at tight end. It will help the team's blocking and give Anderson some sure hands to throw to. Besides, Winslow is on pace for only 75 catches. Why can't he catch 100-110?

2. Start Leon Williams. Unless Williams did something none of us have been made aware of, he's probably the team's most physically gifted inside linebacker. Sit on it, D'Qwell Jackson.

3. Get Jerome Harrison and Alex Hall in the game more. Everyone has touched on this one. Well, except the coaching staff. Zing!

4. Mix it up. It seems like opponents have really figured out what the Browns offense is going to do. How confusing would a formation of Heiden at tight end, Winslow at receiver and both Jamal Lewis and Harrison lined up in the backfield be? Unfortunately, it would not only cause confusion for opponents, but also for Derek Anderson.

5. Play Kamerion Wimbley as a down lineman. This one is probably the most radical. Put him over the slower right tackle. Since his only move is the speed, outside move, maybe this will get him jump started. What's the worst that could happen? Wimbley sure can't get any less productive.

6. Move Brodney Pool to cornerback. He's shown in the past that he can play cornerback. It's clear the secondary is struggling some, but Nick Sorenson is decent enough to give a shot as a starter. And who doesn't want to see Sorenson's flowing locks?

7. Run a trick play. The entire team is beginning to look on edge. A players-only meeting probably only made them edgier. Have some fun out there. Do like the Dolphins did with Ronnie Brown against the Patriots Sunday. Line Anderson up at receiver and Josh Cribbs at quarterback. If Cribbs is so good in the open field, creatively get the ball in his hands. And clearly what worked against Mid-American Conference defenses would work against NFL defenses.

Dire factoid from Patrick McManamon: Since 1990, only 3.3 percent of teams to start 0-3 have made the playoffs. Oof.

• The preceding post has been paid by the PT Barnum Association for wacky ideas and silly thoughts. (Not really)

We've all lived through the horror that has been the past three weeks.  Underlying throughout each game was the sub-par performance of Browns quarterback Derek Anderson, with the second lowest QB Ratio so far this season in the NFL, 43.5  As a point of reference, an average quarterback should have around 83.0 as their rating.  Anderson's last rating in a single game over 83.0 was against the Jets in Week 14 of the 2007 season

Last year's surprise player has been in a funk that reaches back to Week 15 of last season.  The bad weather was partially to blame last year, but this year he's played in two games with beautiful weather.  Surprisingly, his best statistical week this year was the wind-swept Week 2 loss to the Steelers.  Realistically, Anderson's short leash could come to an end this week if under performs against the Bengals.  Last season's Week 1 debacle against the Steelers showed that head coach Romeo Crennel is not afraid to pull a quarterback mid-game. 

So what are they saying out there?

ESPN (James Walker):  Making the switch to Quinn is the right thing to do.

Sporting News (Bill Bender): Anderson will be benched within a week.

Baltimore Sun (Mike Preston):  Savage should have told Crennel to make a choice:  Anderon's job, or his. 

Akron Beacon Journal (George Thomas):   Quinn keeps on working like he's the starter.

CBS Sportsline (Pete Prisco):  Brady Quinn time is nearing. 

Who do you think should be the quarterback?  Comment!

From expectations of contending for a divisional crown to an 0-3 start. Ouch. The Browns' season has gone from promising to disaster in three short weeks. There is so much blame, so little space.

Yesterday was supposed to be another chance for Derek Anderson to show his value against the team that cast him aside in 2005. Instead, he continued his spiral into Spurgeon Wynn-like mediocrity. Anderson threw two interceptions in the third quarter that resulted in touchdowns for the Ravens, thus sealing the victory against an inept Cleveland offense. To add insult to injury, the Ravens' Samari Rolle intercepted a pass on the Browns seven-yard line in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.

Turnovers aside, a concerning eye needs to be turned to the coaching staff as a whole, lead by Romeo Crennel. The Browns have been ill-prepared, the schemes have been suspect, and the decision making lacks any faith in the players. Romeo says that all players, including Anderson, will be re-evaluated as the season progresses, but are Randy Lerner and Phil Savage doing the same with Romeo and his staff?

Game balls (only because I have to)

Offense – Jerome Harrison, RB: Harrison has been the lone offensive bright spot the past two weeks, playing about a snap a game, and then scoring on each. He is a spark this offense needs. Hopefully the Browns start to integrate him into more packages soon, as it appears they may have been wrong to not trust him for so long.

Defense – Alex Hall, OLB: The Browns defense really didn't do too bad, considering the horrible field position they were getting, and Hall made the biggest impact. His sack of Joe Flacco in the fourth quarter was the team's sole sack, and set up a punt situation for the Browns. Hall should continue to get snaps as the Browns try to figure out a pass rush that lacks a playmaker.

Special Teams – Dave Zastudil, P – The coverage units both left something to be desired, and so did Zastudil. He did a nice job of pinning the Ravens deep in their own territory, but two touch backs in a game where field position is king is not acceptable.

Turning Point

With roughly 10 minutes left in the third quarter, when Anderson's pass over the middle was intercepted by Ed Reed for a touchdown, it clinched the win. For as good as Anderson can be, he often buries himself and tries too hard. Rarely will Anderson pass the same when he's behind than he would when he's up. He's not a guy who can manufacture a rally.

Last Straw

Is it time for Brady Quinn? The answer is no, but it's getting closer. Anderson shoulders the blame for this loss, but he is losing consistent play from his biggest threat, Braylon Edwards. Edwards has been a total non-factor this season which has allowed teams to concentrate more heavily on Kellen Winslow. Without the full stable of receivers, Anderson has to play smarter rather than force things. The Browns are one game away from a bye week, and if Anderson struggles against the Bengals this upcoming week, Quinn may need to be installed as the starter.

What were your thoughts on the game? Comment!

• Beacon Journal (George Thomas): Browns' loss bewildering
• Beacon Journal (Patrick McManamon): Season slipping away for 'pathetic' Browns
• Plain Dealer (May Kay Cabot): Anderson admits starting job at risk after loss
• Plain Dealer (Bradley Schlegel): Ravens relishing their Browns beatdown
• Baltimore Sun (Peter Schmuck): Ravens take bad with the good
• Baltimore Sun (Edward Lee): After scare, good news on Landry

What I'm saying today: Once again, I was fortunate enough to miss the game. I did DVR it, so maybe I'll watch some later this week. Seemed like another mess. There is a ton of fall out from this game. Luke will probably have some real thoughts at some point this week.

Apologies if you looked for a game preview. We've been having an issue with Word Press lately where we set a story to run and Word Press just eats it. That is what happened with the preview and in a flurry of work Sunday, I didn't even check to see if it ran. Needless to say, my prediction of another loss would have been correct.

Baltimore Sun (Jamison Hensley): Three things that need to go the Ravens way, and three things that can't go wrong.

Baltimore Sun (staff): The staff picks for the game.

Carrol County Times (Aaron Wilson): Podcast preview for Sunday's game.

Carroll County Times (Aaron Wilson): Cribbs needs to be contained on returns, and the Ravens will answer with their return specialist Yamun Figurs.

Ravens Insider: Is this the end for Jamal Lewis?

Baltimore Beatdown: After an unexpected week off, the Ravens are ready.