Both the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals enter this game with something to prove. The Bengals were blown out last week falling to the Baltimore Ravens by the score of 44-13 while the Browns' offense was abysmal in their 17-16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
For the Browns, rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden has nowhere to go but up after posting a 5.1 passer rating and giving up four interceptions. It was the defense that kept the Browns in the game. In fact, Philadelphia did not take the lead until well in the fourth quarter.
For Cincinnati, quarterback Andy Dalton was average but it was the defense that allowed 299 yards and two touchdowns to Ravens' quarterback Joe Flacco and 68 yards with two touchdowns to running back Ray Rice that did them in.
On paper it looks like a sure thing for the Bengals however if the Browns offense can move the football and the defense remains as strong as it was last week, the Browns may be able to sneak away with a win this week.
The matchup:
The Cleveland Browns will take on the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 1 p.m. EDT.
The standings:
Cleveland enters the contest with a 0-1 record and in second place in the AFC North. They are 0-0 when playing on the road and are 0-0 against AFC teams this season.
Cincinnati enters the contest with a 0-1 record and in fourth place in the AFC North. They are 0-0 when playing at home and are 0-1 against AFC teams this season.
The series:
The regular season all-time series record stands at 41-36-0 in favor of the Bengals.
Where to watch:
The game will be televised on the FOX network. Check your local television listings for broadcasts in your area.
Medical Watch: (PUP-physically unable to perform, IR-injured reserve, O-out, D-doubtful, Q-questionable, P-probable)
Cleveland: Phil Taylor (Chest, PUP), Marcus Benard (elbow, IR), Emmanuel Acho (undisclosed, IR), Eddie Williams (undisclosed, IR), Austin English (undisclosed, IR), Chris Gocong (Achilles, IR), Ben Watson (quadriceps, Q), James-Michael Johnson (ribs, Q), Joe Thomas (knee, Q), John Greco (calf, Q), Oniel Cousins (ankle, Q), Raymond Ventrone (hand, Q), Scott Fujita (knee, P), Alex Mack (knee, P), Chris Ogbonnaya (ankle, P), Sheldon Brown (shoulder, P), Josh Cribbs (knee, P), Jordan Cameron (groin, P), Josh Gordon (knee, P), Trent Richardson (knee, P).
Cincinnati: Pat Sims (hamstring, PUP), Travelle Wharton (knee, IR), Shaun Prater (knee, IR), Brandon Ghee (wrist, IR), Robert Sands (chest, IR), Taveon Rogers (shoulder, IR), Tony Dye (ankle, IR), Kyle Cook (foot, IR), Dre Kirkpatrick (knee, O), Donald Lee (thigh, D), Bernard Scott (hand, Q), Carlos Dunlap (knee, Q), George Iloka (ankle, Q), Jason Allen (quadriceps, Q), Thomas Howard (knee, Q), Pacman Jones (illness, P).
More Cleveland Browns Commentary from Paul Rados:
Josh Cribbs connects with Cleveland Browns' fans via extraordinary fan club
Despite the loss, the Cleveland Browns still provided enjoyment for fans: A fan's reaction
Philadelphia Eagles at Cleveland Browns, September 9, 2012: Fan Preview
Art Modell's passing signals the end of bitterness in Cleveland: A fan's perspective
Cleveland Browns release final cuts list, roster set at 53: A fan's reaction
Sources:
All data provided by NFL.com
Paul Rados is an avid Cleveland Browns fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook.
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