Browns – Lions Preview

In matchup for the ages…..or maybe one that will make you age a few years after watching it…..the Cleveland Browns (1-8) face the Detroit Lions (1-8) on Sunday in Detroit at Ford Field.

This game is an important one though for the Browns of 2009 though as it is one that they SHOULD be able to be competitive in. The Lions have one of the worst defenses in the NFL, with the 32nd ranked defense against the pass, and the 19th ranked defense against the run. In overall yardage given up, there is no defense worse than the Detroit Lions, except of course the Browns. These aren’t the Vikings, Steelers, Bengals or Ravens. These are the Detroit Lions, and for an offense that has struggled at almost historical levels, the Browns offense will have an opportunity to finally move the ball and score some points. Granted, the Detroit Lions are an NFL team and it’s not as if they are pushovers, but still the Browns must find a way to generate some offense on Sunday against the weakest defense they will face this season. If they continue to under-achieve as they have all season, against the Lions, it will make as big a statement about the ineptness of the Browns offense as has been made at any time thus far this season.

This week, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, acknowledged the fact that the Browns have been a disappointment. As he stated, everyone on the offense has played a role in their poor performance, including him. He promised to try to open up the Browns offense a bit more and try to get some explosive plays. Usually in the NFL, the unofficial definition of an “explosive play” is one that exceeds 40 yards. So far this season, the Browns have the fewest +40 yard passing plays in the NFL……one. They also have the shortest “big play” when passing the ball, which was that one play of 43 yards. Against the Lions, the Browns have an opportunity to “get healthy” in their passing game against the leagues worst pass defense, and one that has allowed 29 passing plays greater than 20 yards, and nine greater than 40 yards. Opposing quarterbacks have achieved an average passer rating of 107.8, which is the highest passer rating allowed of any NFL team.

So as you watch the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, you should be at least a little optimistic that the offense may actually look like an NFL offense. If they do put up some yardage and points, though it will be much more entertaining, it will not necessarily mean that the offense has “turned the corner”, as you have to consider who they are doing it against. Still it will be a positive sign. However, if they fail again, it will put an exclamation point on what has been viewed by many as one of the worst offenses in the NFL in 2009, or any season for that matter.
PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB/BRADY QUINN – In his second start of his second term as starter, Quinn has to show some signs of being able to get the ball downfield. As stated already, there will be no better opportunity than this week against the Lions, for Quinn to get on track.

RB/CHRIS JENNINGS – In somewhat of a surprise decision, former CFL standout Jennings was the one who got the ball to spell Jamal Lewis, instead of Jerome Harrison. The coaches liked that Jennings had been doing in practice and awarded him the opportunity. Jamal Lewis (who is playing out his final season in the NFL) will likely see fewer touches as the season rolls along and the Browns coaching staff seem to be taking this opportunity to see what they have in Jennings. The Lions are only slightly better against the run than they are against the pass, so this could be an interesting day for Jennings.

WR/BRIAN ROBISKIE – Coming off the bench last week, as Josh Cribbs started, Robiskie had limited action. With Cribbs still hurting (though he may still play), this could be the game where Robiskie sees increased playing time.

LB/KALUKA MAIAVA – With the injuries at linebacker, Maiava was forced into the most extensive action of the season last week against the Ravens. He performed well, and showed good range. He also showed a nice ability to cover backs in the screen game. Maiava should be see a lot of action again this week.