Game preview: Browns at Redskins
Posted October 19th, 2008 by Dan
Game time: 4:15 p.m.
Station: CBS
Where: FedEx Field in Washington
Although the Browns improved to 2-3 with Monday night's win against the Giants, this should still be considered a must-win game. Still, in a week, Romeo Crennel went from the hot seat to winning Coach of the Week honors. Derek Anderson went from a benching to Pro Bowl-caliber.
More important, the Redskins went from being a possible Super Bowl contender to a team that lost to the hapless, and previously winless, Rams. So, do the Browns have a chance? Absolutely.
When Cleveland has the ball: Last week, the return of Ryan Tucker on the offensive line was what the team needed to protect Anderson better. It tempered the Giants blitz, allowing Anderson to step up in the pocket and launch passes to Braylon Edwards almost at will. The Redskins don't have much of a pass rush, so the Browns should be able to throw the ball around the field today. However, end Jason Taylor is expected to play, but may not be completely 100 percent.
It should also help the Browns' passing game that Redskins secondary is the walking wounded. Top corner Carlos Rogers has been battling a calf injury and so is Shawn Springs opposite him. Nickel corner Fred Smoot is doubtful with a groin injury.
Tight end Kellen Winlsow is a game-time decision. If he plays, it will open up the running game because Winslow forces linebackers to drop back.
When Washington has the ball: The Redskins are reeling. Star running back Clinton Portis missed a few days of practice this week due to a hip flexor. Talented backup Ladell Betts is out. That means the Browns could see newly signed Redskin Shawn Alexander. Yes, that Shaun Alexander who no other team in the league wanted. No, it's not raining out. That's Shaun Rogers salivating. Still, the Browns gave up 178 yards last week, so if Portis is healthier than the Redskins are letting on, it could be trouble.
The possible return of safety Sean Jones should only make the Browns defense that much better, a week after intercepting three Eli Manning passes last week. Jones could be the key to stopping Redskins tight end Chris Cooley.
Key matchup: Redskins DE Andre Carter vs. Browns LT Joe Thomas. Carter has had a very good season. Since the Redskins haven't had Jason Taylor to get after the passer, Carter is the team's top rush end. He's also very good at stopping the run.
X Factor: Last week, Joshua Cribbs had a very good performance in special teams. He even lined up at quarterback for a play for the Browns' version of the Wildcat formation. Cribbs could be the player who confuses the Redskins the most today, so he'll have to be in top form again this week.
The spread: The Browns are 7.5-point underdogs and the over under is 42.5.
The pick: Browns 27, Redskins 21
The Browns were in top form last week. The Redskins were not. The Browns are finally healthy. The Redskins are not.
