I would really like to think that last week's performance was something the Browns are capable of every week. Maybe it just took 12 games before everything clicked. I would like to believe that ... but I can't, at least not yet. If the Browns' 31st-ranked defense is going to be anything more than a speed bump for opposing offenses in these final three games, they need to have a superb game plan like they did against the Steelers. They need to execute it flawlessly. I have my fingers crossed that they will show up this Sunday.

 

Don't be surprised if the Browns come out an look like a team hitting on all cylinders. A huge win like the one they had against the Steelers is going to have a major impact the rest of the season. The interesting thing to see with this team will be what happens to them when the high of beating the Steelers wears off and they hit a rough patch in the game.

 

It is evident his contract is a huge weight on Cribbs' shoulders. I am torn on this matter, but if push came to shove, I would hate to see him go. Either way, he should be fun to watch the last three games trying to show owner Randy Lerner that he is going to be worth every penny.

 

Can Quinn continue to take care of the ball?
At this point we all want to see is progress. The biggest thing a rookie quarterback struggles with is interceptions. (I know he is technically not a rookie, but his previous experience to this year was slim to none. He's "rookie-esque.")

Quinn has gone four games — 131 pass attempts — without throwing a pick. To me that shows progress. If he can go another game without throwing an interception, it will go along way in how he is evaluated come next year.

KEY MATCHUPS

By Don Delco
NoLogoNeeded.com Staff Writer

Jamaal Charles vs. Browns defense
The Cleveland Browns have not allowed a 100-yard rusher the last two weeks in games against San Diego and Pittsburgh. Who would have predicted that? This week, instead of an aging superstar (LaDanian Tomlinson) or an effective running game coupled with an inept offensive coordinator (Bruce Arians), the Browns get an emerging playmaker.

Not only can Charles hurt the Browns running the ball, but also catching passes out of the backfield. Since Charles took over for Larry Johnson last month, Charles has rushed for 605 yards on 116 carries and scored four touchdowns and leads the team in receptions with 34 for 256 yards and one score.

Slow down Charles, slow down the Chiefs offense.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Eric Wright
Bowe ended his four-game suspension violating the league's performance-enhancing drugs policy last Monday. He is Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel's top target. Despite only playing in eight games, Bowe has 33 catches for 466 yards and four touchdowns. Wright looks as if he is molding into a solid cornerback and Mangini took notice this week in his Thursday press conference.

"He’s very good in pass coverage," Mangini said. "He’s got excellent feet. He’s very fluid. He’s got really good instincts and ball skills.  The one area that he can continue to improve is run support and tackling.

"From a coverage aspect, he does an excellent job. Eric’s a very smart person ... He has the ability to really understand the scheme, really understand the player that he’s playing against and apply those things, as well as being gifted athletically and physically.”

Bowe is going to look to have a big game especially if the Chiefs are effective with Charles on the ground. Wright needs to shut down Bowe to make Kansas City's offense one-dimensional.

Joe Thomas vs. Tamba Hali
Mangini didn't save all his praise for Eric Wright. When asked about the season Joe Thomas is having, Mangini gushed about his Pro Bowl left tackle.

"I don’t think it’s hard to evaluate him," Mangini said. "I think he’s been outstanding. I think that every week he faces somebody that’s pretty impressive as a pass rusher and very rarely do you hear that person’s name."

This week, Chiefs Tamba Hali has the potential to be the forgotten defender. Hali, a 6-foot-3, 275-pound outside linebacker in his fourth year out of Penn State, leads the Chiefs with four sacks.

Thomas needs to give Browns quarterback Brady Quinn as much time as needed and limiting Hali's effectiveness will aid in that effort.