The Browns look to go 1-0 in divisional play (AFC North) when they travel to Cincinnati this Sunday to square off against second year quarterback Andy Dalton and the Bengals. The Browns will have plenty of motivation as they seek to avenge last year’s regulars season lost to the Bengals, 23-20.
The defense is coming off a spectacular showing last week against the Eagles, recording 4 interceptions against Micahel Vick. The offense however sputtered, and committed four turnovers of its own as rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden (12-35, 118 yds. rtg 5.1) struggled early and often against a stingy Eagles defense.
Weeden spoke about what he has to look forward to against the Bengals. “It can’t be any worse than it was the first week and I mean that jokingly. We’re all going to have rough stretches. I think obviously mine was the first week. I look at the mistakes I made and guys were wide open, and I missed them. That’s not my character. That’s not the way I usually throw the football. I’m confident. I’m just really harping on the mistakes I made and trying to correct those going into this week. They are a little bit different style of defense, but still a very good defense. The game plan is not all in yet, but I think day one was pretty good.”
Rookie sensation Trent Richardson (19-39 yds.) also spoke about what he expects for his second NFL game. "My expectations are always going to be high. I always set my goals high, and the sky is always the limit as I see it as how good I can be or how good this team can be as a group and as a unit how much we can come together and try to do the best we can to win.”
Richardson on Bengals linebacker Rey Maualuga commented, "there was “nothing spectacular” about his performance. “I prove people wrong all the time,” Richardson said Thursday when asked about Maualuga’s jab. “So we’ll see Sunday.”
Head Coach Pat Shurmer weighed in on Richardson’s performance, “I think they’re an outstanding defense, and we need to do a better job of running the football. We tried to run Trent and I think he held up pretty well. I would say this; he’ll play better next week. I would say that, and I think he’ll tell you the same thing. I will say one more thing about Trent, now that’s a competitor.”
Game Notes: Season series History since 99-00: Cleveland 7-26 The Browns will be without CB Joe Hadan who is suspended 4 games for a violation the NFL’s substance abuse policy Head Coach Pat Shurmer has yet to beat the Bengals as coach of the Browns. Bengals head Coach Marvin Lewis has a 13-5 record against the Browns. Players to Watch: Browns QB Brandon Weeden RB Trent Richardson WR. Gregg Little LB D’Qwell Jackson Bengals QB Andy Dalton RB Cedric Benson WR. AJ. Green S Reggie Nelson
