VS.
The Seahawks find themselves travelling to Ohio on their magical mystery tour from the bottom of multiple power rankings to the quiet 20 somethings. The Browns and Mike Holmgren will host a Seattle team that has proven it's defensive worth by stopping the run and playing better as games wear on. The Offense has gotten a massive kick start from the no huddle's pace and the young pups in the Offensive Line have starting to protect and maul. The Browns are sniffing blood in the water, though, as the Seahawks come in with major injuries to Marcus Trufant and Tarvaris Jackson.
Injury update:
Seahawks-
QB Tarvaris Jackson is doubtful, C Max Unger is doubtful, TE Zach Miller is out with a neck injury, CB Marcus Trufant is out of the year with a back injury.
Browns
LB Scott Fujita head injury, RB HIllis has lingering knee issues
Things to Watch:
*based on the news that unger is out I'm adding a 1-A thing to watch: The center-QB exchange. Whitehurst has had some issues with this aspect and I expect a backup center could complicate things.
1-Charlie vs the Chocolate Factory
No more chanting... it's Charlie Time. Whitehurst came in cold and did some good things vs the Giants- this week will be best opportunity to make a statement for keeping a starting spot. He'll need to be tough and he'll need to avoid interceptions and strip sacks.
2-Doug Baldwin
By now we knows he's pretty dang good and tough as nails. I'll be watching this week at the adjustment teams will be making against him now that the secrets out.
3-Lynch
The best thing about the no huddle according to Tom Cable is that it forces the D to play Nickel reads. If the ankle is feeling good and he's matched up against nickelbacks, expect Lynch to drag some people for extra yardage. With Charlie in there it's likely we will see a few more run attempts, as well, so... 100+ yards finally?
4-Mike Williams/Golden Tate
Quietly Golden in reduced snaps has been much improved and a vicious blocker at times. BMW has not gone off yet this year. We know Charlie likes both of these guys, so this could equal more targets for them.
5- Okung
He has not had a very good year, not terrible, but nothing like his rookie year (when healthy). Pete made a point to say Russ looked hungry and healthy after the bye week rest. He must avoid penalties and currently is a league leader in that area.
6-CB
Take the bandaid off it's time for the hard hitting tandem of Browner and Thurmond. If a whipping boy comes out of this game, it's likely to be one of them, though.
Predictions-
Seattle 24 Browns 21
