Five-star scouting report
Matchup of young QBs is key with run-challenged teams
1. The Mighty Quinn. Second-year QB Brady Quinn looked poised and in control during his first NFL start last week. With a full week of practice, it will be interesting to see if the Browns give him an expanded offensive package. His primary targets are TE Kellen Winslow and WR Braylon Edwards, a pair of Pro Bowlers with size and speed to create matchup problems. Edwards’ ability to stretch the field creates openings underneath for Winslow, WR Donte’ Stallworth and TE Steve Heiden. The Browns’ offensive line is good at protecting the passer (only 11 sacks allowed). The Bills need to figure out how to pressure Quinn and take pressure off their secondary. They also must be wary of Quinn’s mobility, which helps him escape the pocket and keep plays alive.
2. On the rebound. Bills QB Trent Edwards, right, has had several subpar outings, but this game presents an opportunity to bounce back in a big way.
The Browns’ pass defense has been porous to say the least, giving up 447 yards to Denver QB Jay Cutler last week. Cleveland’s pass rush has been as bad as Buffalo’s, and the lack of pressure has exposed a young secondary that has had massive breakdowns. WR Lee Evans has the speed and route-running ability to beat second-year CBs Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright, so look for the Browns to provide plenty of safety help. If that happens, the Bills should exploit the middle of the field with WRs Roscoe Parrish and James Hardy and leak RBs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson out of the backfield.
3. Backfields in slow motion. The Bills’ inability to run the ball has coincided with their recent slide. They have rushed for 90 yards in the last two games, which is unacceptable with two good backs like Lynch and Jackson. The heart of the
Browns’ run defense is NT Shaun Rogers, who has been dominant at times. But despite his presence, the Browns are 26th in the NFL against the run and allow the seventh-highest yards-per-carry average (4.7). … Cleveland RB Jamal Lewis ran through the Bills and the snow for 163 yards in last year’s meeting. Lewis is a powerful downhill runner once he gets through the hole, so the Bills’ front seven has to capture the line and penetrate gaps before Lewis builds up a full head of steam.
4. Cribbs rocks. There might not be a more complete special teams player in the NFL than Cleveland’s Josh Cribbs, who leads the Browns in kickoff returns (27.7, fourth in the league) and punt returns as well as special teams tackles. The 6-foot-1 and 215-pound Cribbs breaks tackles, can make people miss and has the speed to score from anywhere on the field. The Bills’ kickoff and punt coverage teams have made steady progress this season, but kicking to Cribbs is risky.
5. Monday night lights. Making their long awaited return to Monday Night Football last season, the Bills fed off an emotional sellout home crowd to deliver an inspired performance despite losing to
Dallas on a last-second field goal. Ralph Wilson Stadium will be electric again and with the Bills trying to end a three-game losing streak, they have plenty of incentive to rise to the occasion. The Browns are the more desperate team because a seventh loss would all but end their already slim playoff hopes. You also have to wonder about their mind-set after key players suggesting that some of their teammates quit.
Prediction: Buffalo outguns Cleveland to take the Battle of Lake Erie. Bills, 30-24.
