Preview: Bengals at Browns

Sunday, October 3, 2010

1:00 PM ET

TV: CBS

This week our beloved Browns (0-3) will host the Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) in the battle of Ohio.

Here are some things to know heading into this week 4 matchup:

-QB Jake Delhomme, who returned to practice Thursday for the first time since suffering a high ankle sprain in week 1, is questionable for Sunday. Delhomme has been limited in practice on both Thursday and Friday, but he was said to be moving a lot better during Friday's practice. Coach Eric Mangini says that he will make a decision on Delhomme Saturday night.

-Injury update. The defensive line was very thin this week due to a number of different injuries. Robaire Smith, Shaun Rogers, and Kenyon Coleman were all out this week but returned to practice Friday. They are all questionable for Sunday. Linebacker Jason Trusnik (concussion) and right tackle John St. Clair (ankle) sat out Friday's practice and are expected to miss this game. WR Brian Robiskie and RG Shawn Lauvao are also questionable.

-Can Eric Wright bounce back after a terrible outing last week in Baltimore? Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said he expects Wright to have a great game and coach Eric Mangini has total confidence in him. Wright will have his hands full with Ochocinco and T.O. coming into town, but the duo only has 34 catches and a lone touchdown this season.

-The team looks like it has an identity in running the football, but we definitely need to see more out of the receivers. Mohamed Massaquoi, the teams number one receiver coming into the season, has only three catches in three games this season. Although he did score a touchdown in week one, it seems as though whoever is at quarterback doesn't even look for Massaquoi. He has said he isn't worried about his performance yet and that he is sure to get on track soon. Hopefully it will be this week.

-Peyton's Place. This kid is doing everything right now. Running the ball right through the teeth of defenses, and catching the short pass out of the backfield for significant yardage. He tore up the great Baltimore defense and if he can do the same this week the Browns will definitely have a shot at winning the ball game.

-Brian Daboll's questionable play calling. Although there have been many calls that we have questioned, Mangini still has total confidence is his abilities as an offensive coordinator. Pay attention to the play calling this week, hopefully it has improved.

-I wonder if it's possible for this team to apply any pressure to an opposing QB. Even when we send an all out blitz we can't seem to put the smallest bit of pressure on the quarterback. The Bengals don't have the greatest offensive line so maybe this week we may record a sack.

-Capitalize on Carson Palmer's mistakes. Palmer has completed only 56 percent of his passes this season and has a QB rating of 71. He threw two interceptions last week in Carolina and has three interceptions on the year. As long as Eric Wright doesn't have another horrendous game, the Browns secondary could take advantage of Palmer's tough start.

-Will they kick to Cribbs or not? Josh Cribbs has been held in check so far this season but he's dying to get a chance to get the ball in his hands on special teams. Teams have been kicking away from Cribbs and it has been very successful, so look for the Bengals to do the same.

-The Bengals have won 11 of the last 18 games against the Browns and have won 4 of the last 5 games in Cleveland.

Keys to the game:

1. Get some pressure on Palmer

2. Avoid self-inflicted mistakes

3. Give Hillis the rock at least 20 times

4. Shut down Ochocinco and T.O.

My prediction:

Cleveland Browns 20

Cincinnati Bengals 24