Sunday, the (4-1) Denver Broncos visit the (1-4) Cleveland Browns. Despite
the obvious difference in the win loss column, this one is shaping up to become
a very exciting game. The history between these two franchises is enough to get
any fan fired up for the game. The war of words is heating up but the war on the
field could be a classic in the making.
Broncos Offense
Jake Plummer is leading the anemic Broncos offense. Jake is guiding the ship
just long enough to allow rookie quarterback Jay Cutler time to absorb the
offense. His decision making remains the big question, but there is no doubt he
can be a very potent quarterback with the deep throw as well as
his ability to run the ball. The key to forcing Plummer to make mistakes is pressure
early in the game. Jake will struggle all game if he is taking hard shots in the
first... but when he is allowed to get into a rhythm he becomes a completely
different quarterback.
The Broncos wide receivers are true playmakers.
Rod Smith is what every NFL receiver should aspire to be. He has made the most
out of his talent by outworking everyone else. If Smith can post another 1000
yards receiving this year, it will be his 9th in the last ten years. Smith doesn't
have the blow away speed but, similar to Joe Jurevicius, he understands how to
use his body to get open and how to locate the soft part of zones.
Lined up across form Rod Smith is former Packer WR Javon Walker. Walker is
having a tremendous year and it could potentially get better still. He is showing a knack for
leaving defensive backs grasping for air as he runs by them. The Broncos also
enjoy using Walker in their running game, and have reverse and
double reverse plays in their repertoire.
The best way to contain Walker is to play him aggressively at the
line of scrimmage. He has tremendous acceleration off the line, and if the
Browns corners
allow him to run free for those first 10 yards, they won't be able to stay with
him.
Despite their pass-catching weapons, Denver is a run-based team that annually produces 1000
yard backs. The Broncos zone blocking scheme is the envy of the NFL but in
order for the scheme to be effective the runner must have vision and
patience.
The Broncos offensive line will allow two or three options on each running play
- the key
is for the back to take the right option by looking into the second
level to see where those blocks are developing. If the back makes the right
choice, he will be rewarded with an easy 5 plus gain.
Tatum Bell is showing that vision and patience that the Broncos desire.
He has averaged 4.7 yards per attempt, and has earned back his #1 spot on the Broncos
depth chart. Bell is struggling in the red zone mostly due to the fact
that he appears to have that moment of hesitation instead of firing his body
into the hole with pure blunt force. Patience can turn into hesitation in the
red zone.
Broncos Defense
Browns fans are, of course, very familiar with the starting front four of the Broncos because
Ebenezer Ekuban, Michael Myers, Gerard Warren and Kenard Lang were all recent
members of their favorite team.
While this should make this game very personal for
those four players, the most intriguing member of their defensive line is Elvis Dumervil.
Dumervil didn't play in the first three contests and saw few reps in the
fourth
game, but last week he saw increased action on third downs and registered two sacks
while applying constant pressure. Dumervil's speed off the edge could
present a match up problem for the Browns tackles.
The Broncos have an excellent group of linebackers led by veteran Al Wilson.
They often play well off the line, so if Browns running backs can get through the front
four, they will find some room to
run. Open space won't last long, however. Wilson and company fly to the ball and their zone coverage is
excellent.
The front seven feeds off of the play of the secondary. Champ Bailey is an
elite corner with the full compliment of skills. He is willing to support the
run and is a terrific open field tackler. He is also known for his solid man
coverage as well as tremendous hands in intercepting the ball. Throwing away
from Champ is always advisable.
The muscle for this secondary is safety John Lynch. Lynch is one of the
hardest hitting safeties in all of football. He has made a career of separating
the player from the ball. Charlie Frye must avoid throwing the ball high and
leaving the receiver vulnerable to the bone-jarring hits that have made Lynch famous.
Browns Offense
Quarterback Charlie Frye reminds me a great deal of Jake Plummer. He has tremendous talent, but
accuracy and decision making appears to be an issue. Still, Frye is showing progress.
In his
last game, Frye showed improvement with the passes he did not make as he simply
threw the ball away instead of taking the sack or forcing the play. If Charlie
can get out of the pocket, he could have a big day running the ball. Charlie
should take what is given and look to go deep when the Broncos bring the outside
blitz.
Frye's best weapon for Sunday is tight end Kellen Winslow. Kellen is
leading all tight ends in receptions and is still under-utilized. Kellen should
have a huge day against a Denver defense that leaves the middle of the field
open. If he can break that first tackle, a big run should follow.
With receiver Dennis Northcutt suffering from a rib injury, Joe Jurevicius
will receive a great deal of playing time. Joe will be the safety valve when
pressure is coming. Joe should find himself matched up with the second-year
defensive back Darrent Williams. Darrent is only 5-8 and going against the 6-5
Jurevicius could be difficult.
Braylon Edwards should not be a viable option as he will be matched up
against Champ Bailey. If the ball goes to Edwards, it better be on the quick
slant underneath the coverage or on the deep post 25 yards downfield. Wide
receiver screens and curl routes are where Champ excels at jumping the route.
The Browns running attack remains a work in progress. Reuben Droughns has
struggled thus far but he will have extra motivation going against his old team.
He has struggled with an injured shoulder, but indications are that the shoulder and Reuben will be
ready for Sunday.
The key to the Browns offense success or failure against the Browns will be the offensive line. The line has provided
little pass protection, and run blocking has been abysmal. Head coach
Romeo Crennel hinted that Lennie Friedman could see playing time this week. This
will be a big test for the line, but the week off to work on their timing and
continuity could go a long way in solving the line's woes.
Browns Defense
The bye week could not have come at a better time for the Browns defense. With both starting corners out with injuries, the Browns were
forced to scheme around this weakened position. Look for a more aggressive front
7 this week with the return of Gary Baxter and Leigh Bodden.
The key to stopping the Broncos running game will be the play of the
defensive line as well as the interior linebackers. The Browns defensive line
must protect themselves from the chop blocks that Denver is famous for and the
best way to do that is penetrate. Look for Orpheus Roye to have his best game
this year. He has always been very effective when facing zone blocking teams.
While inside backers D'Qwell Jackson and Andra Davis are looking to fill the
gaps and stop the run, it will be the outside backers in Willie McGinest and
Kamerion Wimbley that will have their hands full. They must become the best of
both worlds in pressuring the quarterback, while holding containment against the
run. Kamerion could be a very difficult match up for Matt Lepsis. Matt is a fine
left tackle but he doesn't seal the edge as good as he used to.
The Browns defensive backs must take advantage of Jake Plummer's mistakes.
Jake will put the ball into the defenders hands and thus far the Browns have not
taken advantage of mistakes by opposing quarterbacks. This must change on
Sunday.
Look for Sean Jones to have a superb game. He is improving with every snap
and this could be the game where he is asked to provide more of a pass rush.
Sean also has the ability to go up and get the ball and Plummer is known for hanging a
few passes up for grabs during the course of a game.
Special Teams
Former Browns receiver Quincy Morgan is returning kicks for the Broncos.
After some of his comments this week, he could receive a not-so-friendly welcome
from some of the Browns special teams players as well as from the Cleveland fan
base.
The Browns have a special return man of their own. Josh Cribbs is on pace to
earn a trip to Honolulu at season's end. Right now he is the Browns MVP along
with punter Dave Zastudil. If Josh can break that first wave, the big return
will happen.
Overview
With parity prevailing throughout the NFL, the Browns control their own
destiny as far as the playoffs are concerned. Look for a hard hitting, physical
game with neither team finding the end zone very often. Special teams as well as
any distractions created by noisy fans could be the difference in this one.