The Sports Cognoscenti

Cleveland Browns Preview

Week 4 Cincinnati

Head Coach Eric Mangini officially named Derek Anderson the starting QB for the week 4 tilt against Cincinnati.  He stated the reasoning was Anderson’s ability to move the team.  Anderson directed one scoring drive which resulted in a field goal but threw three interceptions; a performance certainly worth a promotion (lathered with sarcasm) .  Mangini prides himself on being a student of the game.  He must have been playing hooky the day the professor lectured on the dangers of playing quarterback carousel and how first year starters usually fare (see Troy Aikman and Peyton Manning to start).  Browns’ fans have seen this movie far too often.  The beginning is exciting, the middle is filled with ups and downs, then, when the moviegoers are on the edge of their seat, Anderson throws yet another untimely interception; roll the credits. 

On Mondays during the NFL season, most players are getting treatment, in the whirlpool and nursing various assortments of bumps and bruises.  The Ravens following the Browns game were most likely looking for something physical to do on Monday, possibly a pickup game or a tough workout to burn off some energy as the Browns offered little resistance.  Playing the Browns cannot be described in the typical NFL metaphor of war, the better comparison would be a day of crochet while sipping on tea.  The only thing softer than the Browns (Charmin being the only possible exception) is their strategy and play calling.  Cleveland fans expected a style similar to that of New York Jets’ Head Coach Rex Ryan.  When accepting the Jets’ position, Rex Ryan stated they will play on their toes and not their heels.  The Browns have played in the back pedal praying for the other team to make a costly mistake.  Rob Ryan, the Defensive Coordinator of the Browns, should give his brother a call and put him on the phone with Mangini.  This team could use some bravado.

All of this resulted from a humiliating loss at Baltimore 34-3.  Brady Quinn was benched at half time for Derek Anderson.  DA threw three interceptions in the 2^nd half alone which won him the starting position; only in Cleveland.  Quinn had the misfortune of playing against three of the top defenses in the entire league who have a combined record of 9-0.  The schedule going forward is still very difficult but eases some.  DA will get his fresh start where it all began for him, a home start against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Many thought the Browns would be boring and methodical under Mangini, they were correct, but also thought the team would be aggressive on defense and play smart football.  Instead, penalties, blown assignments and turnovers continue to mount.

Preview:

Mangini preaches accountability and performance.  Now that he has benched Brady Quinn, he needs to do the same at other positions.  No starter in the league has played worse than right tackle John St. Clair yet he continues to play the role of matador on the Browns o-line.  Jon Runyan and Levi Jones are both sitting at home and no doubt are better than St. Clair.  Although Josh Cribbs is the best special teams’ player in the league, he is not a # 2 receiver.  This has hurt both the offense and the special teams.  It is time to get rookie WR’s Brian Robiskie and Mohamed Massaquoi on the field and spread the offense.  Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll has to get better.

On defense the Browns had their worst performance of the season.  Instead of waiting till the 2^nd half to collapse, they decided to delay the inevitable and fall apart in the 1^st quarter.  They were equally dismal against the run and the pass.  Where is 2^nd round pick David Veikune and 4^th round pick Kaluka Maiava?  Thus far they are only contributing to a special teams unit that isn’t as good as the previous season. 

The Cincinnati Bengals are now 2-1 with their only loss coming via a miracle against Denver.  The Bengals followed up an improbable win at Green Bay with a home victory over the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers.  The Bengals were on the verge of getting blown out when the Steelers took the foot off the gas.  The Bengals held strong scoring with only 18 seconds left to win the game.  This isn’t the same old Bengals as the defense and a running game have carried the team thus far.

Prediction: Brian Daboll will most likely open up the offense with DA as the starter.  This should have happened in week one to see what Quinn can do.  The Browns will look like a different team on offense but it will not be enough.  Cincinnati 27 Cleveland 20

Scott Dryden, Senior Staff Writer

The Sports Cognoscenti

Cincinnati Bengals Preview

Pittsburgh

Line: Pittsburgh -4

The Bengals bounced back from the emotional loss to Denver with a stunning hard fought victory over Green Bay, at Lambeau Field no less.  The Bengals overcame two Carson Palmer interceptions, one of which was taken in for a touchdown, to get the win.  The Bengals were led by running back Cedric Benson who toted the rock for 141 yards and a stifling defense led by defensive end Antwan Odom, who had 5 sacks on the day. 

The Bengals return home in week 3 to face an angry squad in the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The defending champions were beaten at Chicago 17-14.  Ben Roethlisberger only managed 14pts for the struggling Steeler offense.

Prediction: A pivotal early season battle as neither team wants to fall to 1-2.   A game with high stakes between two old division foes will be filled with hard hitting and trash talking.   The Bengals will try to manufacture a running game with Cedric Benson to control the clock and protect QB Carson Palmer.  The Steelers will likely rely on the passing game extensively as their o-line has struggled with the running game.  Pittsburgh will miss All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu who is out with an injury.  Pittsburgh 24 Cincinnati 20

Scott Dryden, Senior Staff Writer

The Sports Cognoscenti

Ohio State Preview

Illinois

Line: Ohio State -14

The Buckeyes bounced back from the devastating loss to USC with a resounding 38-0 thrashing of Toledo.  The Rockets and their high flying offense was no match for the Ohio State’s powerful defensive line.  Cameron Heyward dominated the line of scrimmage forcing Toledo QB Aaron Opelt into errant throws. 

Ohio State opens the Big Ten season against Illinois and nemesis QB Juice Williams.  The Illini have gotten off to slow start with a 37-9 loss against Missouri and a cup cake win over Illinois State.  The Illini are coming off a bye week so they should be well prepared and rested for the Buckeyes.

Prediction:  Juice Williams and the spread offense in general have given the Buckeyes headaches in the past but this is a different Ohio State defense.  The Juice won’t get loose as Heyward, Gibson and Rolle control Williams and dominate the line of scrimmage.  The Illini defense will not be able to handle QB Terrelle Pryor as he will make big plays often.  Ohio State 44 Illinois 20

Scott Dryden, Senior Staff Writer

The Sports Cognoscenti

#14 Cincinnati Bearcat Preview

Fresno State

Line: Cincinnati -17

The Bearcats flew to Corvallis not knowing if they could control the Rodgers brothers of Oregon State; they flew back with a hard earned victory.  UC shook off any jet lag and held the brothers in check, holding the Beavers to only 18 points.  Tony Pike, one of the most underrated players in the nation, completed 31 of 49 attempts for 332 yards and two scores. 

The Bearcats will face a rested defense in Fresno State.  Not because their offense carried the load rather their defense just let Boise State score quickly.  Boise State scored on an interception return, a 2 play 60 yard drive, a 3 play 12 yard drive, a 4 play 9 yard drive, a touchdown on a fumble return, and a 2 play 67 yard drive.  Fresno only had drives of more than 5 plays on 3 occasions.  Still, the Bulldogs with their own quick strike ability had a shot.  They fell in a tough home loss 51-34.  Bulldog running back Ryan Mathews ran for 234 yards and 3 scores. 

Prediction: The Nippert Stadium scoreboard operator will need to be relieved at half time due to fatigue as two prolific offenses battle it out.  Fresno State will shake off the dust from the tough loss against rival Boise State but their defense will have no chance against the likes of Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard.  Pike will have his way and lead the Bearcats to a big victory.  Cincinnati 55 Fresno State 33

Scott Dryden, Senior Staff Writer

The Sports Cognoscenti

Cleveland Browns Preview

Week 3 Baltimore Ravens

The Browns followed up a week one 2^nd half collapse with an even greater collapse in week 2.  Trailing 13-6 going into the 4^th quarter, the Browns folded like a lawn chair and were whipped by a decent (at best) Denver Broncos team.  The Browns secondary made Kyle Orton, possibly the worst starting QB in the league, look like a Pro Bowler.  Bronco linebacker Elvis Dumervil resembled Lawrence Taylor with 4 sacks.  Dumervil was shut down by Browns left tackle Joe Thomas in the 1^st half, as result the Broncos made a half time adjustment (a foreign term in Cleveland) lining Dumervil up against right tackle John St. Clair.  Inexplicably, the Browns didn’t bench St. Clair nor give him any help.  His performance was worthy of a trip to the waiver wire.  Only Hank Poteat has the skills to match St. Clair’s performance.  Poteat’s timely penalty was superseded by his inability to stay within 20 yards of aging Brandon Stokely.  Poteat should have been cut at halftime, instead he continued to be the nickel d-back.  Brady Quinn received considerable flack for his performance, however, the o-line play combined with the play calling of offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, created a no win situation.  Calling Daboll conservative is similar to calling Lindsay Lohan promiscuous.  Daboll’s idea of a spread offense is lining a fullback or blocking tight end Robert Royal out wide.  Describing the Browns offense as porous is an insult to porous offenses everywhere.  Even with their offensive struggles, Coach Mangini deactivated WR Brian Robiskie, incredible.  Need I remind you that the Browns could have drafted LB Rey Maualuga and still drafted a receiver?  What will Daboll do against an aggressive defense in Baltimore?

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Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens: The Baltimore Ravens survived an epic performance by San Diego QB Phillip Rivers who threw for over 400 yards.  The Ravens defense can still stop the run but have struggled against the pass including against KC back up QB Brodie Croyle.  So the game plan should be simple; line up Edwards, Furrey, Massaquoi and Cribbs (preferably Robiskie) in a spread offense and attack their weakness.  No doubt, instead of the obvious Daboll’s strategy will include several 1^st down runs, pounding Jamal Lewis to “loosen” up the defense, several jumbo packages and short intermediate routes all of which will be horribly predictable and ineffective. 

On the defensive side of the ball, D-coordinator Rob Ryan will be aggressive and harass QB Joe Flacco.  When Flacco is flushed he struggles with his accuracy and the Baltimore offense is ineffective.  Ryan knows how to apply pressure and disguise coverages.  However, his defense experiences 2^nd half fatigue due to the ineffectiveness of the Browns’ offense.  The key will be Shaun Rogers and D-line’s ability to stop the run.  If they can place the Ravens in 3^rd and long situations, they will keep the game close.

Prediction: The Browns will keep it competitive into the 2^nd half and once again will crumble.  The lack of creativity on the offensive end will be too much to overcome.  Baltimore 31 Cleveland 17

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The Sports Cognoscenti

Ohio State Football Preview

Week 3 Toledo

The Buckeyes will travel north to Cleveland Browns Stadium to battle the Toledo Rockets.  Ohio State will try to right the ship after a tough loss against the USC Trojans in Columbus.  Toledo is coming off of an impressive drubbing of the Colorado Buffaloes, 54-38.

Ohio State should have a clear advantage against Toledo on the offensive side of the ball.  Purdue put up well over 200 yards rushing yards against the Rockets while Colorado had over 400 total yards.  Ohio State will be without right tackle Jim Cordle due to injury.  Much ballyhooed recruit, JB Shugarts will fill his position.

Toledo has some effective weapons on the offensive side of the ball.  QB Aaron Opelt has over 742 yards passing in two games while WR Eric Page has hauled in 15 passes for 266 yards with 2 touchdowns.

Prediction:  Football crazy Cleveland will get to see their beloved Buckeyes in person.  The atmosphere will be electric as two Ohio schools battle it out.  In the end, Ohio State’s athletes on both sides of the ball will be too much.  Terrelle Pryor will have a huge game and the Buckeye defense led by Brian Rolle, Cameron Heyward and Thaddeus Gibson will slow down the Rocket offense.  Ohio State 41 Toledo 16

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

The Sports Cognoscenti

Cincinnati Bearcat Preview

Oregon State 6:45 ET September 19th

The Bearcats face their toughest test of the young season as they travel cross-country to face the 2-0 Beavers of Oregon State.  The Bearcats, now ranked # 17, are 20 with an impressive victory over Rutgers and a cup cake against Southeast Missouri State.

The Bearcats defense will have their hands full with the Rodgers brothers.  RB Jacquizz Rodgers has accumulated 269 yards in two games with a whopping 6.4 yards per carry and 4 touchdowns.  WR James Rodgers has hauled in 8 catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns. 

Prediction:  Although the Beavers will challenge the new 3-4 defense of the Bearcats, QB Tony Pike and electric WR Mardy Gilyard will light up the scoreboard.  Cincinnati 44 Oregon State 34.

Scott Dryden, Senior Writer

The Sports Cognoscenti

Cleveland Browns Preview

Week 2

The Browns will make their first road trip of the 2009 as they travel to Denver, a place of catastrophic memories.  Thankfully for the Browns the game will not be played in the house of horrors- Mile High Stadium and John Elway will not be the Broncos QB. 

The Browns will try to bounce back from an opening loss to the Minnesota Vikings.  The Browns had some positives to take away but the offense continued their struggles from 2008.  Brady Quinn did not look decisive and his receivers seemed to be on a different page.  The defense played solid in the 1^st half until Adrian Peterson exploded in the 2^nd half.

The Broncos pulled out a victory of monumental proportion.  The Broncos held the lead for the vast majority of the game.  They took a 6-0 lead late into the 4^th quarter when Cincinnati Bengal QB Carson Palmer led his team to what appeared to be a 7-6 victory with less than a minute left in the game.  Facing a 3^rd a long situation, Broncos QB Kyle Orton threw a long pass in the direction of Brandon Marshall with 27 seconds remaining.  Bengals DB Leon Hall went for the interception; incredibly the ball went over a host of defenders hands into the waiting arms of Bronco WR Brandon Stokely.  Stokely ran in for an 87 yard touchdown, not before running the clock down to 11 seconds, giving the Broncos the miraculous win.

Offense:  Both offenses were putrid in week one.  Neither team could establish anything.  Broncos QB Kyle Orton struggled throughout the game finishing 17-28 for 243 yards and a touchdown with most of the damage happening on the miraculous 87 yard touchdown pass.  Correll Buckhalter and rookie Knowshon Moreno were held down by the Cincinnati defense.  The Browns did no better against a stiff Viking defense.

Defense:  The Bronco defense held down Carson Palmer and the Bengal offense limiting them to only one touchdown.  Palmer did complete 21-33 passes for 247 yards but threw two interceptions.  The Browns defense limited ageless Brett Favre but gave up 180 yards and three touchdowns to Adrian Peterson.

Prediction:  The difference in the game will be Browns left tackle Joe Thomas.  Thomas shut down one of the best pass rushers in the game, Jared Allen.  Broncos’ defensive end Elvis Dumervil is a good pass rusher but for him to be effective, he will need to line up on the left side of the d-line.  Thomas and the offensive line will open holes for Jamal Lewis and get Brady Quinn on track.  Browns 24 Denver 20

Jason Dent to Face George Sotiropoulos

ProFighting-Fans.com Editor-in-Chief Scott Dryden reports that The Ultimate Fighter Season 9 participant and Ohio’s own Jason Dent will battle The Ultimate Fighter Season 6 participant George Sotiropoulos at UFC 106 on November 21 in Las Vegas.

Dent performed well on the show then squared off against nemesis Cameron Dollar at The Ultimate Fighter Finale 9 in Las Vegas.  Dent dominated the fight winning submission of the night by finishing Dollar 4:46 into the 1^st round via his patented Anaconda Choke.  Dent has a career record of 19-9.

Sotiropoulos is on a 3 fight winning streak within the UFC Octagon.  George defeated Billy Miles at The Ultimate Fight Night 6, then defeated Roman Mitichyan at The Ultimate Fight Night Florian vs. Lauzon and recently defeated George Roop at UFC 101. George owns a career record of 10-2.

This should be a great matchup in the 155lb division.