 Overview
An even matchup to be sure, with both teams mired in quagmire seasons. The Browns are better off because at least they know they'll have the same head coach next year and won't have to embark on yet another rebuilding scheme. Scouting the Browns QB Charlie Frye wore a protective sleeve on a knee that got banged up against the Bengals. Nationally, analysts are registering shock over the athletic ability and footwork of this third-round draft choice from Akron. Cleveland's defense, while in need of offseason tinkering, is the AFC's best in the red zone, allowing 19 TDs on 42 possessions (45.2 percent). Scouting the Raiders They are playing QB roulette as head coach Norv Turner tries anything to keep his job. This week it's back to big-armed Kerry Collins, but if Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson couldn't burn the Browns deep, Collins and Randy Moss could have trouble, too. RB Lamont Jordan will test a suspect run defense. Key matchup Browns left tackle L.J. Shelton vs. Raiders DE Derrick Burgess. Frye needs to get the ball out quickly. Burgess leads the league with 13 sacks and Shelton is a better run blocker than pass protector.
Darts & Flowers Darts to Raiders owner Al Davis for keeping such a low profile lately. Isn't there someone he should be suing? Flowers to Browns GM Phil Savage for signing inside linebacker Andra Davis to a five-year contract extension. It cements his future in Cleveland to the extent any NFL player's future can be cemented. Darts to Raiders owner for keeping such a low profile lately. Isn't there someone he should be suing? Flowers to Browns GM for signing inside linebacker to a five-year contract extension. It cements his future in Cleveland to the extent any NFL player's future can be cemented. Numbers game In Browns history, six QBs — spanning the gamut from Otto Graham to Eric Zeier — have started at least three games as rookies. Today, Frye has the chance to become the first to rush or throw for multiple TDs in each of his first three. In Browns history, six QBs — spanning the gamut from to — have started at least three games as rookies. Today, Frye has the chance to become the first to rush or throw for multiple TDs in each of his first three. Injury report Cleveland — Doubtful: CB Antonio Perkins (hand); Questionable: G Joe Andruzzi (calf), TE Steve Heiden (ankle), CB Michael Lehan (hamstring), CB Ray Mickens (groin), DE Orpheus Roye (knee), TE Aaron Shea (calf); Probable: CB Leigh Bodden (concussion), G Cosey Coleman (knee), RB Reuben Droughns (knee), QB Charlie Frye (knee). Oakland — Out: CB Charles Woodson (fibula); Doubtful: C Jake Grove (knee); Questionable: RB John Paul Foschi (foot); Probable: G Brad Badger (knee), CB Chris Carr (quadricep), LB Danny Clark (shoulder), S Jarrod Cooper (calf), RB Omar Easy (knee), DT Edward Jasper (back), DE Tommy Kelly (ribs), WR Randy Moss (groin/ribs), DT Ted Washington (thigh). Outcome Winning in Oakland is difficult, no matter how bad the Raiders are. Jordan could be the difference. Raiders 20, Browns 16. |
