Cleveland Browns
8/10 @ Philadelphia Loss 20 – 7 (0-1)
8/18 Detroit
8/26 @ Buffalo
8/31 Chicago
Ø The Browns lost their pre-season opener to the Eagles on Thursday and apparently the offense was most offensive. According to Dawgbones.com, no pass attempts were made where the ball was in the air over 7 yards until late in the game. Charlie Frye averaged a paltry 3.3 yards per attempt. We can surmise that Maurice Carthon (Offensive Coordinator) might be under the gun this year, and remember that Trent Dilfer was allowed to leave for San Francisco and publicly stated that he and Carthon didn’t get along.
Ø To make matters worse, cornerback Gary Baxter strained his left pectoral muscle on the first play from scrimmage. The recovery time is estimated at 3-4 weeks, but the team is optimistic that Baxter will be back for the regular season opener.
Ø On the positive side, despite some critics’ thoughts that off-season turmoil might hurt Rueben Droughns’ effectiveness, he hit the hole as if he was shot out of a cannon several times against the Eagles 1st team defense. Dave Zastudil averaged 43.2 yards per punt in the game as well. He will have a lot of opportunities in 2006.
Ø Now without their top two centers (LeCharles Bentley and Bob Hallen), the Browns obtained Ross Tucker from New England. Apparently not only has Center Bob Hallen been dealing with a back injury, but he has personal issues and has left the team.
Ø While injuries have plagued this team, we should expect to see a hard-nosed defense in 2006. Romeo Crennel deserves some mention for recognizing the need to add leadership to this unit. The acquisition of 12 year veteran Willie McGinest does just that. Crennel stated recently that “Willie has a professional attitude and I think that is the thing he’s been able to lend to the team at this point.”
Cincinnati Bengals
8/13 Washington Win 19 -3 (1-0)
8/18 @ Buffalo
8/28 Green Bay
9/1 @ Indianapolis
Ø The Bengals are the only AFC North team to win its preseason opener. All eyes were on QB Anthony Wright in his debut performance. Lackluster is the best one word available to describe it. The Bengals failed to get a first down on their first three series behind Wright, a free-agent quarterback signed less than four months ago. He was sacked twice and looked indecisive in those three drives. He finally got going with the help of a flea-flicker — a trick play seldom used in preseason — that surprised the Redskins. TJ Houshmanzadeh was the recipient of this 57 yard gainer. Later Wright tossed a TD pass to Chris Henry on a very nice touch pass that only Henry could make a play on.
Ø QB Carson Palmer remains uncertain on whether he’ll be healthy in time for the season opener. Palmer is recovering from a serious leg injury incurred in the playoff loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. During the game broadcast, commentator Chris Collinsworth indicated that the coaching staff wants Palmer to take some live snaps in the upcoming pre-season game with Buffalo, but that Palmer would not agree to participate until he felt that he was ready to go. Stay tuned to this one.
Ø Guard Eric Steinbach became the 5th Bengal player arrested in the off-season. The pro bowl alternate was arrested on charges of BUI, boating under the influence on the Ohio River on Saturday night August 5th. Word is there were no Vikings on the boat.
Ø Cincinnati Bengals fans annoyed by bad behavior in the stands can now report it by cell phone. The hot line number should be easy to remember – 513-381-JERK.
Pittsburgh Steelers
8/12 @ Arizona Loss 21 – 13 (0 – 1)
8/19 Minnesota
8/25 @ Philadelphia
8/31 Carolina
Ø Ben Roethlisberger played one series that ended in a missed field goal, but the good news is that he was able to take the field at all exactly two months after incurring injuries resulting from the now infamous motorcycle accident. Kurt Warner stayed in the game long enough to direct two touchdown drives and stake the Cardinals to a 14-3 lead. This was the first game played in the new $455 million stadium in western suburban Phoenix.
Ø Commenting on the loss, Bill Cowher had this to say: “From an execution standpoint we have a long way to go and I think that was very evident tonight." Now there’s a man that I admire for not mincing words.
Ø Back-up Center Chukky Okobi had surgery to repair a herniated disk to his neck. He is expected to be able to play again, but probably not until midseason.
Ø The Ravens should pay close attention to the punting competition taking place with the Steelers. Mike Barr is pushing incumbent Chris Gardocki for the job, and rumor has it that the Steelers would like to free up some salary cap space by unloading the 16 year veteran Gardocki.
Ø With the departure of Antwaan Randle-El, fans wonder if the Steelers will continue their history of trick / gadget plays to change a game’s momentum. Hey if they replaced Michael Keaton in Batman they can replace Randle El as Inspector Gadget. A few candidates for the role include: Hines Ward, a high school QB who played the position for 4 games at the U of Georgia; and Cedrick Wilson, a top high school QB before switching positions at U of Tennessee.
Baltimore Ravens
8/11 New York Giants Loss 17 – 16 (0 – 1)
8/17 Philadelphia
8/25 @ Minnesota
8/31 @ Washington
Ø Steve McNair’s opening drive was a thing of beauty and it is indelibly etched on the mind of this writer as I watched the veteran coolly manage a much-maligned QB position for the Ravens. Watching him carry the two Giants’ defenders into the end zone was impressive, but his overall management of the drive and his accurate throws enabling receivers to gain yardage after the catch was something that Ravens fans are not accustomed to seeing, which they will need to see more of, because….
Ø Kyle Boller played like he usually does. We saw the tripping over the O-linemen as he took his drops, his penchant for throwing behind receivers, mismanaging the clock, a taste of nirvana, i.e. the perfect pass to Mark Clayton for a 22-yard gain. Oh will it ever change? We need to start seeing some improvement and consistency from Kyle. If not and if McNair goes down to injury, the Ravens have no chance. Some will say that Boller is playing with and expected to succeed with back-up players. This is true, but if he doesn’t get better, the Ravens have no chance.
Ø Speaking of consistency, the punting has been anything but. Sean Landeta is still out there. What harm would there be in bringing him to camp to compete for the job? Ozzie, are you feeling me?
Ø The Ravens appear to have a very imposing three-headed monster at running back so far. Jamal Lewis looked lightning quick against the Giants, and Musa Smith continues to impress. We all know what Mike Anderson brings.
Ø All in all, things are looking pretty positive. Brian Rimpf’s injury (hamstring) notwithstanding, the team is relatively healthy. Coach Billick has done a nice job this year of managing camp and keeping the players fresh. They’ll test that freshness against the Eagles this week.
