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Can the Browns Run Game Beat the Falcons?

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  • Personally, when I look at matchups, most teams in the NFL are almost indistinguishable talent-wise. It's the strength v strength matchups that usually tell the tale. What I see...

    Both these teams would rather line up and run it 50 times than throw it. That means the OL that is able to impose it's will on the other is going to have the advantage. I could see the Browns looking good at it early with the Falcons looking good late. The nature of our running games would tend to suggest that would be the case, imo. Truthfully, I think the running is going to be successful for both teams, so one can negate that as a determinate factor in the game. That means the team who can make the most of its passing opportunities and convert/defend on special teams is likely going to get out with a win. Cribbs is the x-factor that I worry about more than anything else going into this game. If we don't get a handle on him, the Browns could pull the upset.

    On your side, I would be concerned with our Wrs because we get Michael Jenkins (buckeye you know I'm sure) back this week. Without him our vertical passing has been non-existent. If he is healthy and ready to go, I would not be surprised if we take some shots deep early in this one. With Douglas back in the slot, it will be a tall order to cover everybody for 60 minutes without some breakdowns along the way. The key for your DBs is to keep our WRs in front of you. If they get into open field often, it could get ugly.

    All in all, I see a pretty close game, but I think our offensive weapons will ultimately come through in the 4th quarter. Say 24-17 Falcons. You guys are improving and I'm glad, but this game is probably going to be one where you are simply out-talented by a more complete team.

  • Personally, when I look at matchups, most teams in the NFL are almost indistinguishable talent-wise. It's the strength v strength matchups that usually tell the tale. What I see...

    Both these teams would rather line up and run it 50 times than throw it. That means the OL that is able to impose it's will on the other is going to have the advantage. I could see the Browns looking good at it early with the Falcons looking good late. The nature of our running games would tend to suggest that would be the case, imo. Truthfully, I think the running is going to be successful for both teams, so one can negate that as a determinate factor in the game. That means the team who can make the most of its passing opportunities and convert/defend on special teams is likely going to get out with a win. Cribbs is the x-factor that I worry about more than anything else going into this game. If we don't get a handle on him, the Browns could pull the upset.

    On your side, I would be concerned with our Wrs because we get Michael Jenkins (buckeye you know I'm sure) back this week. Without him our vertical passing has been non-existent. If he is healthy and ready to go, I would not be surprised if we take some shots deep early in this one. With Douglas back in the slot, it will be a tall order to cover everybody for 60 minutes without some breakdowns along the way. The key for your DBs is to keep our WRs in front of you. If they get into open field often, it could get ugly.

    All in all, I see a pretty close game, but I think our offensive weapons will ultimately come through in the 4th quarter. Say 24-17 Falcons. You guys are improving and I'm glad, but this game is probably going to be one where you are simply out-talented by a more complete team.

    @thanatos said:

    Personally, when I look at matchups, most teams in the NFL are almost indistinguishable talent-wise. It's the strength v strength matchups that usually tell the tale. What I see...

    Both these teams would rather line up and run it 50 times than throw it. That means the OL that is able to impose it's will on the other is going to have the advantage. I could see the Browns looking good at it early with the Falcons looking good late. The nature of our running games would tend to suggest that would be the case, imo. Truthfully, I think the running is going to be successful for both teams, so one can negate that as a determinate factor in the game. That means the team who can make the most of its passing opportunities and convert/defend on special teams is likely going to get out with a win. Cribbs is the x-factor that I worry about more than anything else going into this game. If we don't get a handle on him, the Browns could pull the upset.

    On your side, I would be concerned with our Wrs because we get Michael Jenkins (buckeye you know I'm sure) back this week. Without him our vertical passing has been non-existent. If he is healthy and ready to go, I would not be surprised if we take some shots deep early in this one. With Douglas back in the slot, it will be a tall order to cover everybody for 60 minutes without some breakdowns along the way. The key for your DBs is to keep our WRs in front of you. If they get into open field often, it could get ugly.

    All in all, I see a pretty close game, but I think our offensive weapons will ultimately come through in the 4th quarter. Say 24-17 Falcons. You guys are improving and I'm glad, but this game is probably going to be one where you are simply out-talented by a more complete team.

    Well, I think I schooled one of your colleagues on this: given the seemingly parity of the two teams, the decision will come down to the ever important turnover margin....as it does in so many NFL games.

  • @thanatos said:

    Personally, when I look at matchups, most teams in the NFL are almost indistinguishable talent-wise. It's the strength v strength matchups that usually tell the tale. What I see...

    Both these teams would rather line up and run it 50 times than throw it. That means the OL that is able to impose it's will on the other is going to have the advantage. I could see the Browns looking good at it early with the Falcons looking good late. The nature of our running games would tend to suggest that would be the case, imo. Truthfully, I think the running is going to be successful for both teams, so one can negate that as a determinate factor in the game. That means the team who can make the most of its passing opportunities and convert/defend on special teams is likely going to get out with a win. Cribbs is the x-factor that I worry about more than anything else going into this game. If we don't get a handle on him, the Browns could pull the upset.

    On your side, I would be concerned with our Wrs because we get Michael Jenkins (buckeye you know I'm sure) back this week. Without him our vertical passing has been non-existent. If he is healthy and ready to go, I would not be surprised if we take some shots deep early in this one. With Douglas back in the slot, it will be a tall order to cover everybody for 60 minutes without some breakdowns along the way. The key for your DBs is to keep our WRs in front of you. If they get into open field often, it could get ugly.

    All in all, I see a pretty close game, but I think our offensive weapons will ultimately come through in the 4th quarter. Say 24-17 Falcons. You guys are improving and I'm glad, but this game is probably going to be one where you are simply out-talented by a more complete team.

    Well, I think I schooled one of your colleagues on this: given the seemingly parity of the two teams, the decision will come down to the ever important turnover margin....as it does in so many NFL games.

    @the-gipper said:

    Well, I think I schooled one of your colleagues on this: given the seemingly parity of the two teams, the decision will come down to the ever important turnover margin....as it does in so many NFL games.

    I am not saying the Falcons are going to win. But to say the two teams have "seemingly parity" is silly. The Falcons arebetter are almost every unit (RB, WR, QB, LB, DL, OL clearly go to the Falcons). Not trying to dismiss the Browns but if you look at it objectively you would agree.

  • @the-gipper said:

    Well, I think I schooled one of your colleagues on this: given the seemingly parity of the two teams, the decision will come down to the ever important turnover margin....as it does in so many NFL games.

    I am not saying the Falcons are going to win. But to say the two teams have "seemingly parity" is silly. The Falcons arebetter are almost every unit (RB, WR, QB, LB, DL, OL clearly go to the Falcons). Not trying to dismiss the Browns but if you look at it objectively you would agree.

    @bytes said:

    I am not saying the Falcons are going to win. But to say the two teams have "seemingly parity" is silly. The Falcons arebetter are almost every unit (RB, WR, QB, LB, DL, OL clearly go to the Falcons). Not trying to dismiss the Browns but if you look at it objectively you would agree.

    Bullshit, Bullshit, bullshit. The only units I will give the Falcons the clear edge in those areas are WR, and probably QB. The rest: Not so fast my friend.

    The OL is almost clearly an edge for the Browns. The RB, LB, DL, are all fully debatable.

    No, the silliness was on your part for making such a claim.

  • @bytes said:

    I am not saying the Falcons are going to win. But to say the two teams have "seemingly parity" is silly. The Falcons arebetter are almost every unit (RB, WR, QB, LB, DL, OL clearly go to the Falcons). Not trying to dismiss the Browns but if you look at it objectively you would agree.

    Bullshit, Bullshit, bullshit. The only units I will give the Falcons the clear edge in those areas are WR, and probably QB. The rest: Not so fast my friend.

    The OL is almost clearly an edge for the Browns. The RB, LB, DL, are all fully debatable.

    No, the silliness was on your part for making such a claim.

    @the-gipper said:

    Bullshit, Bullshit, bullshit. The only units I will give the Falcons the clear edge in those areas are WR, and probably QB. The rest: Not so fast my friend.

    The OL is almost clearly an edge for the Browns. The RB, LB, DL, are all fully debatable.

    No, the silliness was on your part for making such a claim.

    Don't take my word for it check out the link below. And the ESPN scouting report is more lopsided than my statement.

    http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=301010005

    Joe Thomas is better than all any of the Falcons Olinemen. However as a unit the Falcons are better. Most "experts" have the Falcons as a top ten unit. And Sorry Hillis is not better than Turner + Snelling.

  • @the-gipper said:

    Bullshit, Bullshit, bullshit. The only units I will give the Falcons the clear edge in those areas are WR, and probably QB. The rest: Not so fast my friend.

    The OL is almost clearly an edge for the Browns. The RB, LB, DL, are all fully debatable.

    No, the silliness was on your part for making such a claim.

    Don't take my word for it check out the link below. And the ESPN scouting report is more lopsided than my statement.

    http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=301010005

    Joe Thomas is better than all any of the Falcons Olinemen. However as a unit the Falcons are better. Most "experts" have the Falcons as a top ten unit. And Sorry Hillis is not better than Turner + Snelling.

    @bytes said:

    Don't take my word for it check out the link below. And the ESPN scouting report is more lopsided than my statement.

    http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=301010005

    Joe Thomas is better than all any of the Falcons Olinemen. However as a unit the Falcons are better. Most "experts" have the Falcons as a top ten unit. And Sorry Hillis is not better than Turner + Snelling.

    I don't have to take your word, and I don't have to take ESPN's word. Hillis and Harrison and Vickers together may indeed be better than Turner. Hillis is in the Top 10 in rushing and TDs, Turner is not. Harrison had a game just late last year where he gained 286 yards. I know no Falcon has ever done that. I know that Falcons have a pretty good fullback but I don't think anyone clears a path like Vickers does. No, I don't buy that the Falcons running game is better.

    And I certainly don't buy that their OLine is better. And it is not just Thomas, it is Steinbach and Mack, and the other two are coming along as well.

    For the DL, LBs, and DBs I am going to need some more data before I would just hand that edge to the Falcons.

  • @the-gipper said:

    Bullshit, Bullshit, bullshit. The only units I will give the Falcons the clear edge in those areas are WR, and probably QB. The rest: Not so fast my friend.

    The OL is almost clearly an edge for the Browns. The RB, LB, DL, are all fully debatable.

    No, the silliness was on your part for making such a claim.

    Don't take my word for it check out the link below. And the ESPN scouting report is more lopsided than my statement.

    http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=301010005

    Joe Thomas is better than all any of the Falcons Olinemen. However as a unit the Falcons are better. Most "experts" have the Falcons as a top ten unit. And Sorry Hillis is not better than Turner + Snelling.

    @bytes said:

    Don't take my word for it check out the link below. And the ESPN scouting report is more lopsided than my statement.

    http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=301010005

    Joe Thomas is better than all any of the Falcons Olinemen. However as a unit the Falcons are better. Most "experts" have the Falcons as a top ten unit. And Sorry Hillis is not better than Turner + Snelling.

    Hillis is way better at this point than Turner and Smelling.....hands down...

  • @bytes said:

    Don't take my word for it check out the link below. And the ESPN scouting report is more lopsided than my statement.

    http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/scouting?gameId=301010005

    Joe Thomas is better than all any of the Falcons Olinemen. However as a unit the Falcons are better. Most "experts" have the Falcons as a top ten unit. And Sorry Hillis is not better than Turner + Snelling.

    I don't have to take your word, and I don't have to take ESPN's word. Hillis and Harrison and Vickers together may indeed be better than Turner. Hillis is in the Top 10 in rushing and TDs, Turner is not. Harrison had a game just late last year where he gained 286 yards. I know no Falcon has ever done that. I know that Falcons have a pretty good fullback but I don't think anyone clears a path like Vickers does. No, I don't buy that the Falcons running game is better.

    And I certainly don't buy that their OLine is better. And it is not just Thomas, it is Steinbach and Mack, and the other two are coming along as well.

    For the DL, LBs, and DBs I am going to need some more data before I would just hand that edge to the Falcons.

    @the-gipper said:

    I don't have to take your word, and I don't have to take ESPN's word. Hillis and Harrison and Vickers together may indeed be better than Turner. Hillis is in the Top 10 in rushing and TDs, Turner is not. Harrison had a game just late last year where he gained 286 yards. I know no Falcon has ever done that. I know that Falcons have a pretty good fullback but I don't think anyone clears a path like Vickers does. No, I don't buy that the Falcons running game is better.

    And I certainly don't buy that their OLine is better. And it is not just Thomas, it is Steinbach and Mack, and the other two are coming along as well.

    For the DL, LBs, and DBs I am going to need some more data before I would just hand that edge to the Falcons

    .

    I agree with taking anybodies word on anything. Hillis and Harrison have a combined 407 yrds while Turner and Snelling have 507 yrds. I haven't watched Vickers so I won't debate the FBs. The OL IMHO probably goes to the Browns. We do a good job in the run but pass protection has been sketchy at times.

  • @bytes said:

    I am not saying the Falcons are going to win. But to say the two teams have "seemingly parity" is silly. The Falcons arebetter are almost every unit (RB, WR, QB, LB, DL, OL clearly go to the Falcons). Not trying to dismiss the Browns but if you look at it objectively you would agree.

    Bullshit, Bullshit, bullshit. The only units I will give the Falcons the clear edge in those areas are WR, and probably QB. The rest: Not so fast my friend.

    The OL is almost clearly an edge for the Browns. The RB, LB, DL, are all fully debatable.

    No, the silliness was on your part for making such a claim.

    @the-gipper said:

    Bullshit, Bullshit, bullshit. The only units I will give the Falcons the clear edge in those areas are WR, and probably QB. The rest: Not so fast my friend.

    The OL is almost clearly an edge for the Browns. The RB, LB, DL, are all fully debatable.

    No, the silliness was on your part for making such a claim.

    LB and DL? What planet do you live on? You lose out in both areas and a completely healthy Turner is also better than Hillis. You also say Probably QB? I don't love Matt Ryan but he's a HELL OF A LOT better than anything on the Browns roster. The Browns win on the o-line, lose everywhere else. Period.

  • @the-gipper said:

    Bullshit, Bullshit, bullshit. The only units I will give the Falcons the clear edge in those areas are WR, and probably QB. The rest: Not so fast my friend.

    The OL is almost clearly an edge for the Browns. The RB, LB, DL, are all fully debatable.

    No, the silliness was on your part for making such a claim.

    LB and DL? What planet do you live on? You lose out in both areas and a completely healthy Turner is also better than Hillis. You also say Probably QB? I don't love Matt Ryan but he's a HELL OF A LOT better than anything on the Browns roster. The Browns win on the o-line, lose everywhere else. Period.

    Homotron said:

    LB and DL? What planet do you live on? You lose out in both areas and a completely healthy Turner is also better than Hillis. You also say Probably QB? I don't love Matt Ryan but he's a HELL OF A LOT better than anything on the Browns roster. The Browns win on the o-line, lose everywhere else. Period.

    I'm not thinking Turner is the better of the two, he just doesn't have the same burst of 08. Hillis is getting a full yard more per carry. I think most of our base would agree that Snelling is our best back right now.