QB Brandon Weeden-led Cleveland Browns face uphill task of beating Cincinnati Bengals – NFL Preview
The Cleveland Browns face a daunting task of beating the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium and in front of their home crowd, and the only hope for them to stand a chance for a victory over the hosts is a miraculously impressive performance
from rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden.
Although Brandon was all over on the field in the team’s season opener against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles, the Browns had come closer to a win and were only denied the opportunity by a touchdown pass from QB Michael Vick during closing two minutes
of the game.
In the Bengals' game, Weeden does not have any room for leniency and it is a must for him and the team to find an answer to some of the errors the rookie has been committing since the preseason.
So far no coach including head coach Pat Shurmur has worked with the QB closely on those mistakes and he has been let wonder and wander around clueless about the issues.
He has done well so far by not losing his confidence, amid ambitious but shallow hopes of the coach that he will bounce back strongly, while Browns’ fans have started demanding bringing back former offence leader quarterback Colt McCoy on the starting line.
The coach said of the QB:
"He won't lose his confidence. I think it's important we go back, just like we do each week, work on the fundamentals of playing the position and get ready to play the next team."
Stakes are higher for Pat given the team has recently been sold to a new owner and the coach must convince him to stand a chance for continuing with them in the coaching role.
A good development for the Browns is that linebacker Scott Fujita is back on their roster - thanks to lifting of his suspension by the National Football League (NFL) over his alleged contribution to illegal bounty programme.
His comeback is expected to make up for absence of cornerback Joe Haden, who has been suspended by the league office over use of a banned substance until October 08, and can improve the defence situation overall.
The hopes and chances for a win, according to game punters, are but few for the Browns but if somehow they are able to pull off a victory over the Bengals, it must be a huge surprise of Shurmur for the new owner.
Given the Bengals themselves have made a miserable start to the season, losing the opening game to the Baltimore Ravens, the Browns can come on the field without any pressure. They, however, must be ready and prepared to face a tough challenge.
Bengals QB Andy Dalton is known for his capabilities and he can turn the game in favour of the home side by overcoming even a strong lead. The Browns do not have any such player.
The Bengals will definitely head into the game with odds clearly in their favour but they will have to fight for a victory probably as much as they do against other oppositions. There will be no easygoing.
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