Enquirer photographer Michael E. Keating spent Sunday chronicling the colorful similarities between the Bengals and the Browns for this audio slideshow.
What you need to know about today's Bengals-Browns game at Cleveland Browns Stadium:
The 67th "Battle of Ohio" finds the Bengals shooting for their first five-game winning streak against Cleveland. The Bengals, coming off a 31-16 win at New Orleans, need a victory to strengthen their playoff hopes, while the Browns want revenge after their 34-17 loss at Cincinnati on Sept. 17.
Scouting the Bengals
The league's No. 8 offense (342.6 yards per game) is finally measuring up to its enormous potential, but the defense — ranked last — is living dangerously, yielding 377.6 yards a game. Even though three interceptions saved the Bengals in New Orleans, the offense is carrying the team. The Browns will double- and triple-team wide receiver Chad Johnson, but they can't ignore tailback Rudi Johnson, who has averaged 160.5 yards rushing the past four games against Cleveland. In the past two weeks, Chad Johnson set an NFL record for most receiving yards in back-to-back games (450). He needs 163 today to break the NFL mark for a three-game span (612), set by Charley Hennigan of the Houston Oilers in 1961.
Scouting the Browns
Cleveland — 2-2 in its last four games — has a solid defense and is playing much better under new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson. Quarterback Charlie Frye is in a nice groove with tight end Kellen Winslow and wide receiver Braylon Edwards, but the club needs more production from the league's 30th-ranked rushing offense (83.0). Other players to watch are linebackers Andra Davis and Kamerion Wimbley and return man Joshua Cribbs. Davis has three interceptions in the past four games against the Bengals; Wimbley owns the club's rookie sacks record (6.5); and Cribbs ranks third in the NFL with a 28.0 kickoff return average. He scored on a 92 yarder against Pittsburgh.
Numbers game
The series is tied, 33-33, but the Browns are 20-12 as the home team. ... This is right offensive tackle Willie Anderson's 169th game, tying Lee Johnson for ninth most in Bengals' history. ... The Bengals are 15-0 when Rudi Johnson carries the ball at least 25 times, and they are 22-2 under Marvin Lewis when they win the turnover battle. ... Frye has three rushing TDs this year, the most by a Browns quarterback since Brian Sipe's three in 1978. ... Winslow's 60 catches are the most in Browns history through the first 10 games of a season. ... Edwards has three 100-yard receiving games this year. He posted a career-high 137 yards on seven catches against the Steelers.
Injury report
Bengals — C Rich Braham (knee) and G Bobbie Williams (appendix) are out; WR Kelley Washington (hamstring) is doubtful; LB Brian Simmons (neck), LT Levi Jones (knee), SS Dexter Jackson (Achilles) and CBs Deltha O'Neal (shoulder) and Keiwan Ratliff (ribs) are questionable.
Browns — CB Leigh Bodden (ankle), FS Brian Russell (elbow) and LB Willie McGinest (ankle) are questionable.
Outcome
The Bengals have enough offensive firepower to overcome their defensive deficiencies. The final: Bengals 27, Browns 20.
Updated: 6:50 p.m.
The agent for running back Cedric Benson says his client's work ethic is a classic Midwestern approach and is a good fit for a Cincinnati team in desperate need of backfield depth.
"If you look at his history before the Bears,...
Posted: 6:10 a.m.
If Ryan Fitzpatrick gets another shot to start Sunday in Dallas, the Bengals only have to look at their last 19 games to see the road map for getting a victory with a backup quarterback.
In that stretch they've played eight...
Opening comments: ML: My thoughts didn't change much after watching the three phases of the game on video. Sometimes the execution of the offense was not where we needed it to be, and we played pretty well for most of the day on special...
This is THE podcast for all Cincinnati Bengals fans.Twice a week, legendary Cincinnati sportscaster, Ken Broo, is joined by the editors, writers and publisher of the popular bi-weekly publication, Bengals ReportIn this up to the minute podcast, the discussion is all Bengals featuring interviews with your favorite Bengals players.Get the inside scoop on the Bengals and their upcoming games by placing Bengals Report on your list of favorites!
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin preview the Bengals vs Browns game coming up Sunday 92808. You'll hear comments from Carson Palmer, Chris Perry and Marvin Lewis. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin preview the Bengals upcoming game at the New York Giants. You'll hear comments from Bengals head coach, Marvin Lewis and quarterback Carson Palmer. For the best in sports, visit Ken Broo's web site www.kenbroo.com
In this episode, Ken Broo and Bengals Report executive editor, Mark Hardin review the Bengals loss to the Tennessee Titans in week #2 of the 2008 NFL season. You'll hear comments from head coach Marvin Lewis, running back Chris Perry and wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh. For the best in sports visit Ken's web site www.kenbroo.com.
