Timothy Du, AFC North Analyst
Cleveland Browns @ Buffalo Bills
The Browns may have already given up the season.
Wide receiver Braylon Edwards was traded to the Jets Wednesday morning, for WR Chansey Stuckey, LB Jason Trusnik, and 2 undisclosed draft picks. The move gives the Browns more pieces during a rebuilding year, while happily (apparently) losing a trouble-making Edwards, who was reportedly in a fist fight against a member of LeBron James's entourage this weekend.
Against the Bengals, the Browns looked competitive. They produced more yards than their opponent, something they are not usually capable of doing. Derek Anderson's insertion into the starting lineup looks to be a jolt to the team's offense, at the very least. His constant completions to rookie WR Mohamed Massaquoi and the emergence of Jerome Harrison are reasons to be excited.
However, Rob Ryan and Eric Mangini's defensive minds have disappointed this season. The defense has allowed 29.5 points per game, above only the Detriot Lions (it seems as if the Lions have sneaked their way into my article again).
In week 5, the 0-4 Browns look to the 1-3 Buffalo Bills. The Bills have had a tough start to the season behind Dick Jauron and QB Trent Edwards. It may just be me, but I honestly do not believe in the talent of Trent Edwards. He has not looked very good, yet has somehow been branded a young QB talent when in fact, he is a young QB untalent. Regardless of my lack of trust in Trent Edwards's arm, the Bills can be a dangerous team. They have talent on their defense, but have been plagued with injuries lately, causing them to make a few adjustment moves. The game should be close, as a battle of two bad teams is almost as entertaining as a battle between two good ones.
The Browns will likely run a balanced offense against the Bills defense, who struggles in both run and pass coverage.
Against a struggling Bills team, I believe the Browns will get their first win of the season, riding on the heels of a well played game against Cincinnati.
Prediction: Browns 27 - Bills 23
Fantasy Insight: Derek Anderson and his pass corps may be seeing flashes of their 2007 selves (minus Mohamed Massaquoi of course). I expect a decent game for Anderson against a porous Bills pass defense. The Bills running back tandem of Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson could put up big totals against the Browns defense.
Player of the Game: WR Mohamed Massaquoi - 8 receptions 148 yards
The rookie Massaquoi strugged in the early part of the season, but found his soul mate in Derek Anderson. He was also 1 yard away from getting a touchdown, foiled by a booth review.
Questions? Comments?
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