In 2004, an overtime loss to the Eagles triggered the end of the Butch
Davis era in Cleveland. An appearance on Monday Night Football in
Philadelphia could very easily become the final chapter in the Romeo
Crennel era as well.
However, this Browns team has shown up for their primetime games thus far, and Monday is likely to be no different.
The Eagles are in a tight race for the final NFC Wild Card spot, but
they need to win to keep the pressure on the Falcons and Cowboys. The
Browns should be thinking of next year while trying to gain playing
time for their younger players, but that appears unlikely as Romeo is
sticking with his veteran players as he searches for a win.
Browns Offense vs. Eagles Defense
With both Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson on injured reserve, the
Browns turned to Ken Dorsey last week. His performance, however, has many
fans wishing to see more of return ace and former college quarterback
Joshua Cribbs under center. Cribbs has both the mobility and the arm to, at the very least, stretch out the Eagles' defense. He may
not be the answer, but, after seeing Dorsey against the banged up
secondary of the Titans, it might be best to keep Cribbs in mind if
the Browns' offense needs a spark.
This Eagles secondary is arguably the best in football with corners
Sheldon Brown, Asante Samuel and Lito Sheppard coming off the bench.
This group is cable of playing the Browns receivers 1-on-1 throughout
the contest. Safeties Quintin Mikell and Brian Dawkins provide
excellent support in the run game as well as in the deep support. This
allows the Eagles' front seven the opportunity to be very creative with
their blitz packages, and no one is more creative than defensive
coordinator Jim Johnson. Ken Dorsey will have a difficult time
advancing the ball through the air against this group.
Up front, DT Brodrick Buckley is becoming one of the best
unknown defensive linemen in the league. Earlier in his career, he
would often take himself out of position by becoming too aggressive and
somewhat reckless; now, he is showing patience and a willingness to
hold his ground. He can still get into the backfield when needed, but
his ability to play the run is one of the reasons this Eagles defense
is so very dominant.
The Browns' run game has been of little help. Jamal Lewis appears to
have hit that proverbial wall which marks the end of great careers.
The offensive line could have done a better job this season, but Jamal
has simply left too many yards on the field with hesitation and lack of
burst. Backup RB Jerome Harrison is nursing a rib injury and is likely
to be absent from Monday's contest.
Injuries to starting offensive guard Rex Hadnot, and also TE Kellen
Winslow, isn't likely to help the Browns' situation at all. With Winslow
out, it may allow for rookie TE Martin Rucker to gain valuable playing
time.
If the Browns are to have any chance at victory, wide receivers Donte
Stallworth and Braylon Edwards must have a terrific game. This will
not be easy with Dorsey's limitations at quarterback while also facing
the Eagles' secondary. However, they very well may be the Browns' best chance.
The receiving duo will need to make hay by making big plays with the run
after catch.
Browns Defense vs. Eagles Offense
No player in this league may be more valuable than Eagles RB Brian
Westbrook. Westbrook does everything for the Eagles' offense. He is a
terrific receiver out of the backfield. He not only has great speed
and elusiveness, but he is also a very physical running back despite
his lack of size. When he is in the game, the Eagles' offense simply
plays at a different pace.
When the Eagles struggled, QB Donovan McNabb took the majority of the
heat from the press as well as from the fan base. Despite the
criticism, McNabb remains one of the best quarterbacks in the league
today. The problem the Eagles have is limited investment in receiving
options for their prolific quarterback.
This year, they made a wise investment in second-round receiver DeSean
Jackson. Jackson is one of the most dynamic young receivers in the
game today. He has incredible speed combined with great balance and
quickness. At just 5-10 and 175lbs., Jackson has brought a new
excitement to the Eagles' offense.
The Browns' defense must contend with the Eagles' Big Three with sure
tackling. The Eagles make their living from opponent's missed tackles.
McNabb will use the missed tackle to scramble and unload deep down the
field. Jackson and Westbrook are capable of taking it the distance
with every possession and their big plays seem to come from a missed
tackle.
For the Browns to pressure McNabb and slow down Westbrook in the
running game, they will need NT Shaun Rogers and DE Corey Williams to
have a special game. Rogers will be going against C Jamaal Jackson.
Jackson is very quick despite his size, and this should be the most
exciting match up of the day. Injuries have depleted the talented right
side of the offensive line for the Eagles, and Corey Williams must take
advantage of this situation.
LB D'Qwell Jackson is coming into his own as an NFL linebacker. He,
along with Rogers, deserves to be invited to the Pro Bowl. Jackson
leads the league in tackles, and is also terrific in pass defense.
Jackson, however, needs the big, physical linebacker to stand as his
counterpart in the middle. Rookie Beau Bell was drafted to be that
counterpart but has yet to see his first action.
The Browns must play press coverage on the outside to disrupt the
timing of McNabb and his receivers. WR Kevin Curtis is a terrific
timing receiver and, with the speedy Jackson, you must bump them out of
their routes and make McNabb wait for something to develop. The longer
you make him wait, the more likely he is to make the errant throw.