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To most that follow the NFL, it must seem like a real oddity that the Bengals are leading the AFC North division and have the Browns nipping at their heels. That's the case in the 2013 season and the two teams square off in a huge matchup at Paul Brown Stadium this Sunday. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis realizes the strides that the Browns have made in recent seasons and recognizes where they are as a team today.
Speaking with the local media earlier on Wednesday, Lewis gave major kudos to the Browns and spoke about how he made sure that the Bengals realize the significance. Local media members chronicled the presser via Twitter and here are some tidbits from Lewis:
#Bengals' HC Marvin Lewis: "I told our guys the #Browns have us circled, so we better be ready.''
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 13, 2013
#Bengals HC Marvin Lewis: This (#BRowns) secondary is playing as well as any in the league.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) November 13, 2013
"We've got to play great football to win this game" - #Bengals coach Marvin Lewis
— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) November 13, 2013
#Bengals' HC Marvin Lewis: "I told our guys the #Browns have us circled, so we better be ready.''
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 13, 2013
#Bengals HC Lewis on #Browns' Jason Campbell: "Beautiful passer, playing mistake-free football.'' Been "impressive.''
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 13, 2013
In regards to Campbell, Lewis is spot on. Since taking over for the injured Brian Hoyer and the inefficient Brandon Weeden, Campbell has come off of the bench to lead Cleveland to a 1-1 record while throwing five touchdowns and zero interceptions. His average passer rating in those two starts is 111 and he has thrown for 555 yards at a near 62 percent completion percentage.
Since going on a three-game tear where he was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for October, Dalton has been the exact opposite in Campbell in his past two games. The Bengals are 0-2 since their four-game winning streak and are looking to turn the tide on that dubious stretch. It's likely that much of this game will come down to the quarterback play, since two top-five NFL defenses will be taking the field.