Game Preview
Mike Krueger
Predicted Score: Browns 20, Ravens 19
Baltimore: Afer a three game losing streak the Ravens have pulled the plug on Steve McNair and rightfully so. He's been painful to watch the last two weeks looking old, lethargic, and immobile. Billick's decision was made easier as McNair is suffering a subluxation of the shoulder (partial dislocation) but don't be surprised if this move isn't permanent. McNair has thrown two touchdown passes and committrd 11 turnovers (four interceptions, seven fumbles) in his six starts. Granted he has missed Mark Clayton (bothered by an ankle injury most of the season) and Todd Heap (hamstring) most of the year but McNair's skills are eroding before our eyes and Billick has 20/20 vision. With Boller, there's a better chance for big plays… did you notice the Mark Clayton sighting last week (8-107)… and while the switch at quarterback is the right move, there are many other holes on this team to plug.
- Start: RB Willis McGahee
- Consider: WR Derrick Mason, WR Mark Clayton
- Sit: QB Kyle Boller, WR Demetrius Williams, TE Todd Heap
Cleveland: The Browns put up a valiant effort against the Steelers last week but fell short as Phil Dawson's last second field goal hit the endzone in front of the uprights. The Brownies and Derek Anderson get a better matchup this week as they face the Ravens for the second time. Cleveland won the first matchup 27 -13 as Anderson threw for 200 yards and two scores against an average Ravens secondary. Look for similar numbers from Anderson but this game should be tight as Cleveland has trouble on the road (1-3) and the majority of Baltimore's modest success has come at home.
- Start: QB Derek Anderson, WR Braylon Edwards, TE Kellen Winslow
- Consider: RB Jamal Lewis
- Sit: WR Joe Jurevicius