In preparation for this week’s Tennessee Titans/Cleveland Browns matchup, we had the privilege of getting some questions answered by Nick Shook of Bloguin’s Browns Beat blog.
As the two surprising 2-1 teams prepare to face-off this weekend, Nick and I touched on a variety of subjects, ranging from whether the Browns will focus more on stopping the struggling Chris Johnson or the effective passing attack led by veteran Matt Hasselbeck, to his prediction for this Sunday’s contest.
The Total Titans/Browns Beat Question/Answer exchange…after the jump.
Total Titans
With Kenny Britt out and Chris Johnson stumbling, will the Browns defense focus more on stopping Johnson or preventing Matt Hasselbeck from beating them with his throwing arm?
Browns Beat
The Browns will focus on stopping a running back that amassed over 2,000 yards rushing just two seasons ago. While Hasselbeck definitely still has the arm to move the Titans down the field, the loss of Kenny Britt will undoubtedly hurt the passing game for Tennessee. Johnson will be the focal point of the Titans’ offense in the absence of a true deep threat.
Total Titans
Speaking of Cleveland’s defense, they’re currently ranked #29th against the run through three games. What’s behind the D’s struggles against opposing ball-carriers?
Browns Beat
The Browns are playing a relatively inexperienced defensive line. Rookies Jabaal Sheard and Phil Taylor start and have tried to anchor the line. Underrated veteran Ahtyba Rubin plugs holes in the middle, but this defensive line is simply young and lacks necessary experience to stop a strong running game.
Total Titans
What are your impressions on Colt McCoy? Have the Browns finally found a franchise QB or is the jury still out?
Browns Beat
While I’d love to christen McCoy as the next Brian Sipe or Bernie Kosar, the jury is indeed still out on him. With less than a full season of action under his belt, his performance thus far can only be evaluated to a point. The Browns have made it a point to let everyone know that 2011 is McCoy’s season of evaluation, in which they will determine whether or not he is “the guy”. I hope he turns out to be the franchise quarterback the Browns have lacked since their return in 1999.
Total Titans
Peyton Hillis or Montario Hardesty: Which RB should the Titans fear the most on Sunday?
Browns Beat
The Madden NFL 12 coverboy. Why, you ask? The man trains in the offseason by pulling a dump truck tied to his waist around his hometown. Simply put, he is a monster. Hardesty’s performance last week was encouraging and adds depth to the Browns backfield, but the number one back in Cleveland’s offense is undoubtedly Hillis.
Total Titans
Prediction Time: Who will win the Titans/Browns battle and why?
Browns Beat
Browns. It will be very, very close. People can knock on the Browns’ opponents’ record of 1-8 overall, but NFL teams are made of professionals. If you are on an NFL team, you’re a pro. You’re expected to play at the highest level of football in the world.
The Titans are definitely the best team the Browns have faced all season, and won’t hurt themselves with stupid mistakes like Miami did last week. Cleveland must find its groove offensively early and make a statement with multiple successful offensive drives. If they don’t accomplish that, they will find themselves down by two possessions at halftime. The first half will dictate the result of the game.
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