More Than Pride on the Line for Browns, Bengals

More often than not in recent years, the battle for Ohio between the Browns and Bengals has been about bragging rights and not playoff position. This Sunday’s meeting in Cincinnati finds Cleveland (4-5 overall, 2-1 in the AFC North) tied for second place in the division and within striking distance of the league-leading Bengals (6-4, 1-2).

Cleveland, which is coming off a bye week, has won the last two meetings between the two teams, including a 17-6 victory on the last weekend of September. Cincinnati has lost two straight overtime games by a total of five points, but still controls its destiny as the AFC North pole sitters.

When the Browns have the Ball

The last time the two teams met, Brian Hoyer threw for 269 yards to lead the Browns to the win. But Hoyer got hurt, adding to the team?s rotating quarterback woes. Journeyman signal caller Jason Campbell seems to have brought some stability to the position, though. A key for the Browns, who rank 25 in the league in total offense (235.2 passing, 81.6 passing), will be how well they respond to the idle week.

The Bengals defense ranks fourth in the NFL, surrendering 209.4 passing yards and 102 rushing yards per game. One person the Bengals won’t have to worry about is Travis Benjamin. The Browns’ elite punt returner injured his knee in late October against Kansas City and is gone for the season.

When the Bengals have the ball

The Bengals’ roller coaster ride seems to rise and fall on the right arm of quarterback Andy Dalton. Cincinnati went on a four-game winning streak after the loss to the Browns, and Dalton was selected AFC Offensive Player of the Month in October. But in the Bengals’ last two losses – both overtime setbacks to the Ravens and Dolphins – Dalton committed seven turnovers and was sacked 10 times.

The Browns defense is no pushover; it ranks right behind Cincinnati, and gives up just under 100 yards per game on the ground. They rank 10th in pass defense (217 yards per game) and will have to match up against Dalton’s most dangerous target, A.J. Green.

Other tidbits…

The Bengals lead the all-time series 42-37; neither team has owned more than a six-game advantage in the overall series win margin.
The Bengals have started the season 4-0 at home for the first time since 1988.
The Browns haven’t won in Cincinnati since 2008.
The Browns are seeking their first season sweep of the Bengals in 11 years.
The Browns won seven straight against the Bengals in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Wrap Up

Regardless of who you root for, it’s going to be a great game. We hope to see you down there.