Rivalry Time

Here we go. It's almost game time. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous about this game. The Browns have had their troubles with Pittsburgh - is anyone else tired of hearing about the Browns losing the last 14-of-15 against the Steelers?

As nervous as I am, though, I'm still confident we might pull this one out. I think we'll rebound nicely from last week (just as we did after Week 1 last season), and what better time than now, against the Steelers, in Prime Time!

According to the poll, it's almost split even between the Browns winning a close one and the Steelers winning a blow-out. I'll lean toward the Browns winning a close one and predict a score of 28-24.


Three Things I'm Looking Forward to in Tonight's Game:

1. The Lights - This is Prime Time. We're under the lights against our hated rivals. If I'm not mistaken, the last time the Browns beat the Steelers was also a Sunday night game in 2003 (Tim Couch played a great game). I'm hoping the pageantry of Sunday Night Football will pump up the Browns tonight.
2. Jamal Lewis - This is his night. He knows how to beat the Steelers (he did it nine times when he was with the Ravens). And, with high winds from Ike making an appearance in Cleveland, as well as rain, I expect a lot of running.
3. Brady Quinn - OK, I know it may be wishful thinking but what if there's a surprise from the Browns and Brady gets the start? Tonight could be his coming out party, anointing him as the Browns savior and a Pittsburgh-killer! You never know ;-) Seriously though, if Anderson plays great and wins, I'll be happy.
   

Three Things I'm NOT Looking Forward to in Tonight's Game:

1. Constant Reminders - OK, I'm sick of hearing over and over again that the Browns have lost the last 15-of-16 against the Steelers. I'm sick of hearing about all the blowout losses to the Steelers. If the Browns can use that as motivation, great. But I'm sick of hearing about it. Unfortunately, I'm sure Madden and Michaels (and Andrea Kramer) will be quick to bring it up multiple times tonight.
2. Willie Parker - For the same reason I'm looking forward to seeing Jamal Lewis, I'm not looking forward to seeing Parker. He's a fast running back who will also get a lot of carries tonight. He can kill us if we don't contain him ... and with our defense, I'm hoping we can.
3. Hines Ward - Perhaps the only player in the entire NFL upon which I wish injury. I simply don't like this guy. I really don't. It would be nice if someone on our defense could knock that stupid grin off his face.
   

This is a must-win game, according to Savage. I couldn't agree more. Go Browns!