Originally posted by Legobedan@Oct 18th '05 @ 8:23 am other way around. garcia >>>>>>>>> harrington
I'm a Lions fan and I'm still not sure about that. Personally, I'd sit him another week. There's no way he's healed enough. I'm sure he'll tell you otherwise but I'd sit Jeff at least one more game so he can shake the rust off a little more in practice.
Anyway, Either way the Lions win this one. We're finally coming up against some softer D's and should have an easier time getting the O going no matter who is QB. It will be another tough, close game though.
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Game-day details
Sun., 1 p.m. ET, Cleveland Browns Stadium
Weather forecast from AccuWeather.com:
Mostly cloudy. High: 60. Low: 43
Why To Watch
Both teams are 2-3, but their situations couldn't be more different.
The Browns are in the NFC North cellar, 2 1/2 games back of Cincinnati, meaning that postseason play is all but unreachable. Still, coach Romeo Crennel has made Cleveland competitive in just a matter of months. Quarterback Trent Dilfer has been mostly efficient, except for his three turnovers in Week 6, and Reuben Droughns has taken over the lead role in the running game.
The Lions, however, are tied with Chicago atop the dysfunctional NFC North and have a solid chance to make playoffs no matter how poorly quarterback Joey Harrington plays. The Lions' offense is a disappointment, but the defense has been steadily improving. In Sunday's 21-20 loss to Carolina, the defense returned two interceptions for touchdowns for the first time since 1976. The defense could be the difference, especially if Dilfer struggles again.
Lions Keys For Success
1. Get Kevin Jones the ball. In Detroit's two wins, Jones had at least 25 rushing attempts. In the three losses, he has run the ball an average of 10.6 times. By getting him the ball, the Lions can control the tempo and create play-action passing opportunities for Harrington. Jones was hampered with a shoulder problem last week but should play Sunday. Expect coach Steve Mariucci to adopt a run-first mentality this week to showcase his best offensive player against one of the league's worst run defenses.
2. Create turnovers. With the offense struggling, the defense must be opportunistic and create good field position. Last week, outside linebacker Boss Bailey and safety Kenoy Kennedy each returned interceptions for touchdowns. Look for Detroit to disguise coverages and bait Dilfer into ill-advised throws.
3. Use maximum-protection blocking schemes. Harrington struggles to maintain composure when facing a blitz. To protect him, the Lions have used tight end Marcus Pollard a lot more in pass protection instead of as a receiver. That's a must this week against the blitz-happy Browns. If fullback Cory Schlesinger (leg) returns, it would free up Pollard to be utilized more as a receiver. Pollard had a big day last week -- three catches for 105 yards, including an 86-yard catch.
Browns Keys For Success
1. Neutralize Jones on first down. The Browns want to force Harrington to beat them and thus must make Jones a non-factor. Expect the Browns to stack eight and nine defenders in the box on first down to stymie the running game. Second-and-long situations will put the ball in Harrington's hands.
2. Double-team Lions defensive tackle Shaun Rogers. To establish an inside running game, offensive coordinator Maurice Carthon must designate two blockers for Rogers on most plays. Rogers gets great penetration when not double-teamed. To get two bodies on Rogers, the Browns must handle defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson one-on-one.
3. Use short passes to wear down the defense. Dilfer has played well, completing 64.3 percent of his passes by making short, safe throws. He struggled mightily last week against Carolina, completing only 16-of-30 passes with one interception and two fumbles. To rebound, Cleveland must establish long drives by utilizing short passes. This plan could wear down the Lions' defense and leave it susceptible to a big play in the fourth quarter.
Injuries at a glance
Lions injuries
10/18/05 Kevin Jones RB Shoulder Questionable for Week 7
10/18/05 Roy Williams WR Quad Questionable for Week 7
10/11/05 Eddie Drummond WR Knee Out until Week 7
9/27/05 Fernando Bryant CB Separated shoulder Out several weeks
Browns injuries
10/12/05 Braylon Edwards WR Arm Out until at least Nov. 1
10/12/05 Lee Suggs RB Thumb surgery Out till at least mid-November
The Bottom Line
The Dawg Pound will make it difficult for Harrington to call plays and make audibles at the line of scrimmage. Crennel will further complicate Harrington's day with a multitude of defensive looks to force Harrington to make changes at the line. The crowd noise and lack of communication will lead to turnovers.
Lions @ Browns
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