I wonder...
- When did Kellen Winslow find out that he has the right to trash talk #85? Winslow, marred by injury, has only caught 13 passes for 113 yards... for his career. Chad Johnson has 14 games with 113-yards or more.
- If Charlie Frye is the answer or just a hopeful prospect. While depth and talent have improved, the Browns seem destined to dwell in the basement in the AFC North. It's really not their fault. The Ravens have reactionary football pundits going nuts, the Bengals are the defending AFC North Champions, and the Steelers are the defending Super Bowl champions. Tough neighborhood. In his only game against the Bengals, he went 16/24 for 138 yards, with a TD and a pick.
- If the Bengals can prevent Reuben Droughns from gaining yards and first downs. For his career against the Bengals, Droughns has rushed 58 times for 263 yards with Detroit, Denver and Cleveland. I believe the critical element to any football game is stopping the run; especially with Cleveland. If we stop Droughns and force Frye to make tougher throws, the opportunist Bengals defense will capitalize with interceptions and sacks. Momentum shifters. The bigger question is whether the Bengals rush defense has improved. We did well with the limited carries Larry Johnson had, but he's another animal on a different plane of existence.
- If the word John Clayton is spreading that the organization hopes to present Justin Smith with a contract extension is true. His theory that Smith will get more sacks while playing with the lead is well understood. If the opposing quarterback drops back nine out of ten times, it gives rushers more changes for a sack. The bigger question is if Smith benefited playing against weaker offensive tackles.
- If opposing quarterbacks will think twice about running around after seeing Robert Geathers impose his will on Trent Green.
- If David Pollack and T.J. Houshmandzadeh will get some playing time. Pollack, still hampered by a hamstring injury, was "Where's Waldo" last Sunday. T.J. was in street clothes. These two starters, in my opinion, would have dramatically changed the outcome against Kansas City -- better sustained drives; better containment on the end against the run.