Bring on the Bungles

The Browns are back at work today, and so am I. After a couple of days off, the team is busy in Berea preparing for the Bengals.

The first game of the long-awaited NFL season kicks off this Sunday at 1 p.m. at Cleveland Browns Stadium. What some dub the Battle of Ohio can usually also be dubbed the Battle of the Basement for the AFC North.

The Bengals are an up and down team. They’re sort of like the Cleveland Indians of the NFL … when they’re supposed to be good, they choke. When they’re supposed to suck, they surprise you with some good games. But, no matter, in the end they always end up disappointing.

And so, this year, the Bengals are not supposed to be good at all (some “experts” are picking them to finish dead last). Of course, that means they’ll surprise some teams this year and Week 1 against the Browns is a prime opportunity.

Here’s the lowdown on the 2011 Bengals:

• First and foremost, the team was rocked by a trade demand from Carson Palmer, who then followed through on a threat to sit out rather than play for Cincinnati. So, they’ll be starting a rookie quarterback (TCU’s Andy Dalton), who will be working under a rookie offensive coordinator (Jay Gruden).
• Chad Ochocinco, the team’s  all-time leading receiver is gone, but they’ve drafted AJ Green from Georgia – a top prospect who might prove to be the real deal at WR.
• Running back Cedric Benson is averaging 92.2 yards per game against the Browns (461 yards, 5 games). Should be a good first test for the Browns new defense.
• At 6-3 and 316 pounds, center Kyle Cook is sized right to go up against Phil Taylor – that’s a battle worth watching.
• The Bengals are talented at linebacker, but no one has emerged as a real star. Rey Maualuga disappointed somewhat in his second NFL season but now moves back to the middle, where he starred at USC. Maualuga is instinctive and physical and could take a step forward moving back to his old position.

Sunday will be a great indicator for both teams’ seasons. A lot is on the line, as the Browns and the Bengals both appear to be “starting fresh” this season. Whichever team falters on Sunday will have a long, hard season ahead of them.

Go Browns!

Rocco the Blawg Pound Mascot says:

"Nice watch, Andy! You'll have to let me know what time it is when you realize the  Bengals stink."