Browns vs. Bucs – Week 1
The Browns open the 2010 NFL season today against Tampa Bay with a legitimate chance to win just their second opening-game since 1999.
The Opposition
Tampa Bay (2009) record: 3-13
Offensive rank (2009): 28th overall/24th passing/23 rushing
Defensive rank (2009): 27th overall/10th passing/32 rushing
What to Watch For
Led by a running game that was 8th in the league last year and featuring Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis, the Browns should be able to run the ball and control the clock – Tampa’s defense was 27th overall last season but last in the league against the rush. We should also see the debut of the new Flash/Cyclone package with Josh Cribbs and Seneca Wallace.
Even with the right side of Cleveland’s offensive line still unstable, the combination of Joe Thomas, Eric Steinbach and Alex Mack – who should be even better in his second season – should allow the Browns to control the line of scrimmage, even with Tampa rookie Gerald McCoy at one of the defensive tackle spots.
Controlling the game by keeping the ball on the ground should be in the Browns game plan throughout the season, and especially today. Limiting the number of times Jake Delhomme has to throw the ball will help:
- Keep the Browns defense off the field as much as possible, normally a good idea but even more important as today is expected to be one of the hottest games in Browns history
- Continue the process of rebuilding Delhomme’s confidence
- Limit the responsibilities of the wide receivers, who as a group are still unproven and a weakness.
That’s not to say the Browns can’t turn to Delhomme if needed. Delhomme’s past success against the Buccaneers – he was 9-2 as a starter with Carolina – and knowledge of the team should come in handy at some point today. With the Browns only playing the NFC South teams once every four years, any extra edge will help.
Tampa QB Josh Freeman enters the game with a broken thumb on his non-throwing hand, but his size can still prevent problems for the Browns defense, and tight end Kellen Winslow will present a good test for the Browns revamped secondary, especially safety T.J. Ward. The Browns won’t face many tight ends better than Winslow this season, so a solid day by Ward and the secondary will pay off down the road.
The Best Browns vs. Tampa Bay Game I’ve Seen
The 1989 game in Tampa, which the Browns won 42-31. Eric Metcalf had 233 yards of total offense and abused the Tampa defense all day, scoring on a 24-yard reception and a 43-yard TD run (look at the 1:25 mark of the video). Here’s the Plain Dealer‘s game story.
The Prediction
The Browns are better than Tampa, even if only slightly. The Bucs are three-point favorites, but the game will be blacked out in the Tampa area, which negates any perceived advantage they may have. We’re taking the Browns (+3) and fully expect them to win outright.
And with Cincinnati facing New England, Pittsburgh taking on Atlanta and Baltimore facing the Jets Monday night, we could very well be looking at the first-place Browns after Week 1 concludes.
Red Right 88 