Bengals game review/Ravens preview.
Last week's recommendations for the Bengal game?
We said QB Charlie Frye wasn't a good play but he came through with another 'passable' game. Frye still needs work on his passing game ( 20 - 33 for 244 yards with 2 INTs and 0 TDs) but he was able to use his legs to salvage the day (4 - 10 yards, 1 TD). Charlie still needs to improve his NFL production as his passer rating remains in the fifties, 56 passer rating. Charlie is facing a very tough game against the Baltimore Ravens so we once again caution starting Frye.
With WR Braylon Edwards we gave an unequivocal avoid recommendation last week and turns out we were flat out wrong, 4 catches for 104 yards no TDs. Braylon still isn't a finished product and is fast acquiring a reputation for drops but he has developed a chemistry with Frye. The duo is clicking on big plays. Edwards and Frye missed a 70+ yard pass play in the first game against the Saints but singed the Bengals for a 75 yard pass play Sunday. Can we recommend Braylon this week? Edwards squares off against Pro Bowl CB Chris McCallister of the Ravens who shut down Randy Moss last week. If that wasn't enough to give pause their is the uncertain status of RB Reuben Droughns' shoulder which might prevent him from starting. If Droughns is a no-go that means extra/unwanted defensive attention directed at the Browns passing attack so we can't recommend Edwards this week.
RB Reuben Droughns. We said Reuben wouldn't be able to generate much against the Bengals and although he came up with a score he was only rushed for 34 yards in 14 carries. Today conflicting reports over his MRI taken his shoulder yesterday lists him as questionable with some sources saying that he'll play. Reuben hasn't been able to produce due to problems with the line and with the passing game, now he's injured and facing a tough defensive match up so avoid starting Reuben this week.
TE Kellen Winslow Junior wasn't as spectacular last week as in week one (4 - 42 yards, 0 TDs) and the mercurial tight end has openly questioned the coaching staff's decision to sit him on third downs. No one knows how the coaches are going to handle this situation. We suspect that KWII will regret his decision to publically question the coaching staff and may not see the field as much as he normally would have if he had just kept his mouth shut. We have to give Winslow a recommendation to start this week but keep in mind that his number 'could' possibly suffer due to his loose lips. It will be interesting to see how this one plays out.
WR Dennis Northcutt was given a half hearted recommendation and we're glad we didn't give a ringing endorsement, (3 - 18 yards, no scores, 1 rush 14 yards no scores). This week Northcutt could emerge with a nice game. KWII 'could' end up in the doghouse, Droughns is injured, Braylon will be getting the defensive attention so Northcutt 'could' find favorable conditions to slip under the radar with a nice game but we have been down on Dennis so we can't recommend him.
Team DEF we gave a thumbs down and will continue to do so till the Browns can stuff the run and so far, two back-to-back games of giving up 150+ rushing yards, they haven't been able to stop anything.
IDPs - LB Andra Davis had a so-so tackling game (2 solos 3 assists) but was able to intercept a pass to make good on our recommendation to use him as an IDP. We also said to keep a lazy eye on S Sean Jones and we're glad to provide the tip as he came through with another solid game, 5 solos and a whopping 9 assists, so we can safely advise picking him up and giving him a shot as an IDP flyer if you find yourself thin with your IDP DBs.
PK Phil Dawson was perfect 1-1 30 yard FG and 2-2 on extra points. Our recommendation was that he'd be accurate but not get many chances.
Overall we didn't fair too bad last week with our recommendations. This week the storyline is the status of Reuben Droughn's shoulder and how the coaching staff will deal with the problematic Kellen Winslow Junior. The Browns are talent deficient roster but are showing signs of life with WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow Junior along with rookie LB Kamerion Whimbley making strides. Frye hasn't impressed with his passing but does provide an extra dimension of making plays with his feet. Fantasy football recommendations are difficult to come by from the lowest scoring team in the NFL last year facing a very rough defensive tilt on the schedule. Keep yer chins up Browns fans, their are a few sub plots developing and this team will look vastly different at the end of the year.
Aspettate fino alla prossima volta... Till next time, Ciao!