Browns @ Bengals: Keys to the Game

The Battle of Ohio is upon us, and most NFL fans can take comfort in the fact that they probably won't have to watch this epic battle between 0-3 teams. Residents of Ohio are not so lucky, and they will be stuck watching to see which bad team plays worse. Either way, the season is practically over for both of these teams, but the winner will at least have a shot of making their season a respectable one. Here are some things to look for on Sunday:

Pressure, Pressure, Pressure: I feel like a broken record, but the Bengals have to find a way to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. They have 1 total sack through three games, and quarterbacks have routinely had all day to sit back in the pocket against them. Free agent addition Antwan Odom has show flashes since returning from a foot injury, but Robert Geathers on the other end has been nearly non-existent. Neither of these two men have been helped by the interior line, as John Thornton and Domata Peko have struggled to get any kind of a push up the middle. Mike Zimmer will have to find a way to get to Derek Anderson who has struggled so far this season. With weapons like Braylon Edwards and Kellon Winslow at his disposal, now would not be a good time to give Anderson the time to find his groove. The same goes for the Browns defense who will look to keep Carson Palmer on his back. Palmer has already been sacked nine times this season, and has had injuries to his nose, ankle, and now his elbow. Levi Jones will need to give a much better effort than the one he displayed against the Giants last week. If these two quarterbacks stay upright, we could see a shootout similar to the one these two teams took part in Week 2 last season.

Braylon v. Ocho Cinco: Both Edwards and Chad Johnson have struggled mightily so far, but this could be the type of game to get them on track. Edwards only has eight catches for 73 yards this season, and Johnson is not much better at eight grabs for 88 yards. Edwards has been plagued by drops, and he is starting to have the look of an all or nothing kind of receiver. Johnson may still be suffering from the labrum injury he sustained in the pre season which could affect him when he is trying to get a release off the line of scrimmage. Johnson wears a shoulder harness to help support his shoulder, and it is possible that this is having an impact on his play. If this game turns into a shootout, these two players will be vital in determining who winds up on top in the end.

Injuries at the Corners: The Bengals secondary has been plagued by injuries to start the season, and it looks like Jonathan Joseph will miss a second straight game with an ankle injury. Joseph looked like an all-pro corner the first two games, and his absence leaves the team very thin at the corner position. Cincinnati signed CB Jamar Fletcher this week, and with David Jones questionable, it is possible that Fletcher will have to step in right away and contribute. Fletcher is an eighth year pro out of Wisconsin who has 94 games and 10 starts under his belt. He also has seven career interceptions. After Deltha O'Neal was released, the Bengals were weak at the third corner position, and with Joesph and Jones possibly out, they will need every available body to contribute.

Bratkowski: Brilliant of Buffoon?: Bob Bratkowski's play calling has left many people scratching their heads this season, but he showed some improvement in last week's loss to the Giants. Most noticeably, he utilized Antonio Chatman by getting him six catches for 70 yards through pass patterns designed to take advantage of Chatman's strengths. He needs to do the same this week, especially with Ben Utecht questionable with a chest injury. Bratkowski has also shown a commitment to the run this season which has often left the offense with third and long situations. It would be nice to see him mix in some more first down throws to set up the running game rather than vice versa. The Browns have allowed 4.1 yards/carry this season, so Chris Perry could have a nice day if used properly. One way to do this would be to move him around on the field so that the Browns are never sure where he might be lined up. Perry has great receiving ability for a running back, and the Bengals have not used this part of Perry's game nearly enough this season. With Palmer battered and bruised, it is necessary to mix up the game plan to keep the defense on its toes and limit the number of shots taken on Palmer.

Turn it Over: Since 2005, the Bengals have struggled at forcing turnovers, and this year has been no different. They have yet to intercept a pass, but that could change this week as Derek Anderson has already thrown five interceptions this season. Someone in the secondary needs to step up and make some big plays to help the offense and create momentum which will keep the fans up on their feet. It sounds simple, but the two most important things for a defense to do are create turnovers and eliminate the big plays. Cincinnati has been awful at both this season, as big plays by the opposing offenses have played pivotal roles in all three games, and a lack of turnovers has led to long, morale depleting drives. Whether its a young player like Leon Hall or Keith Rivers, or a veteran like Odom, someone needs to step up and be a leader on a defense desperate for one. Without a leader to turn to, the defense will continue to struggle to get off the field, and the scoreboard will continue to get lit up for the bad guys.

This game will all come down to whichever team can limit their mistakes and execute in the red zone. Neither team has been effective at either this season, but this week should be a change since both teams are not very good. I see it being another high scoring affair with the Bengals coming out on top for their first win of the season. Of course with Marvin Lewis nothing is certain, but I will take my chances with him over Romeo Crennel who inspires zero confidence on the other sideline. BENGALS 34-27.