This is kind of a cool game, even though it won't be a good viewable game for a neutral fan (or Browns fan) and we're heavily favored. There are some questions that can be answered, and I'm looking forward to it:
Can Russell Wilson carry the team ? It's been put on the defense, on Lynch, etc....but the knock on Wilson is that he can't carry a team. There will be no Lynch, no Rawls. We actually might have to go pass heavy. I think he can do it (against a poor pass defense, but still), and he'll prove it to the nation.
Just how improved is our OL ? We're trotting out a stable of RB's that pretty much every other team in the NFL didn't want. Coleman is a converted FB. Brown and Michael weren't even on a roster and Jackson might be the only guy anyone else in the NFL would've wanted. If we can grind out 100 yards on the ground (discounting runs by Wilson), then we'll know our OL has arrived.
Also I can see a lot of blitzed and pressure on Wilson, knowing that we have to pass. Keeping Wilson clean, and creating a consistent pocket for him would also prove a point.
Just how valuable is Kam Chancellor ? Cleveland can pass the ball Manziel threw for a decent amount on SF, at SF, where their defense isn't bad at home. Personally, I think Chancellor has had a few good games, and has flashed, but he's been pretty average this season. I'd like to see if the defense maintains it's torrid pace with Chancellor out.
How will Clark look replacing Bennett ? I haven't read if Bennett and Chancellor are out, but if I'm Pete, I'm resting them. The Rams just handily beat a team in playoff contention that had momentum. They're not completely dead yet, and they always have an axe to grind with us. I'd rest both players against this Cleveland squad. So, can Clark carry the load without having Bennett on the other side of the line ? The Browns can concentrate on him with Bennett out.
Can Russell Wilson carry the team ? It's been put on the defense, on Lynch, etc....but the knock on Wilson is that he can't carry a team. There will be no Lynch, no Rawls. We actually might have to go pass heavy. I think he can do it (against a poor pass defense, but still), and he'll prove it to the nation.
Just how improved is our OL ? We're trotting out a stable of RB's that pretty much every other team in the NFL didn't want. Coleman is a converted FB. Brown and Michael weren't even on a roster and Jackson might be the only guy anyone else in the NFL would've wanted. If we can grind out 100 yards on the ground (discounting runs by Wilson), then we'll know our OL has arrived.
Also I can see a lot of blitzed and pressure on Wilson, knowing that we have to pass. Keeping Wilson clean, and creating a consistent pocket for him would also prove a point.
Just how valuable is Kam Chancellor ? Cleveland can pass the ball Manziel threw for a decent amount on SF, at SF, where their defense isn't bad at home. Personally, I think Chancellor has had a few good games, and has flashed, but he's been pretty average this season. I'd like to see if the defense maintains it's torrid pace with Chancellor out.
How will Clark look replacing Bennett ? I haven't read if Bennett and Chancellor are out, but if I'm Pete, I'm resting them. The Rams just handily beat a team in playoff contention that had momentum. They're not completely dead yet, and they always have an axe to grind with us. I'd rest both players against this Cleveland squad. So, can Clark carry the load without having Bennett on the other side of the line ? The Browns can concentrate on him with Bennett out.
