Crennel, Droughns give Browns new hope

By Magoo
In their past 10 meetings against the Cleveland Browns the Steelers have a 9-1 record. It's easy to see why so many fans in this town are already chalking another one up in the W column. Plus, in Cleveland, the media describes the team as a work in progress. After the Browns recent loss to the previously winless Houston Texans, first year head coach Romeo Crennel's post game comments read:

"I would like for our guys to catch the ball. I would like for us not to fumble. I would like for us to make the plays we need to make, but we didn't do any of that."

The week before things weren't much better as Browns QB Trent Dilfer completed only 10 of 19 passes for 73 yards and 3 interceptions plus a fumble. And you thought Charlie Batch had a bad game...  To make matters worse, the Browns 3-4 defense is having a tough time stopping their opponents rushing attack. After 8 games they have given up 1,035 yards and are 28th in the NFL against the run. What's more, they have allowed 11 runs that have gone for 20 yards or better.

But there is some hope and a bit of optimism in Cleveland for the team... In their win over the Tennessee Titans last week running back Ruben Droughns,on a third-and-16 play, broke off a 23 yard run that set up touchdown. The play was described by Titan's coach Jeff Fisher as "a backbreaker for us." 

Droughns is somewhat of an intriguing story. His rise to the top has been a long and winding one. He was the Detroit Lions 3rd round pick in 2000, but was waived in September of 2001. Immediately, the Miami Dolphins signed him to their practice squad, but a month later he found himself back on the Lions active roster again. 

In 2002 the Denver Broncos signed him as a free agent. Over the next 2 years Droughns saw limited action carrying the ball only 10 times. In 2004 he began the season as the Broncos starting fullback, but ultimately became their feature back and made the most of his first real opportunity. During that season he compiled six 100+ yard games, en-route to amassing 1240 yards and 6 TDs. In the off-season the Browns felt a need to bolster their running attack so they traded 2 defensive linemen for the services of Droughns, and they're delighted they did.  

He is described as a catalyst for the Browns offense, especially when they win. It's no wonder! In the Titan game he ran for 116 yards on 20 carries, and caught four passes for another 73 yards. So far Droughns has gained 646 yards on 145 carries and averages 4.5 yards per carry. As a receiver you can add 184 additional yards on 21 catches to his offensive totals. 

This year, the knock on the 3-5 Browns has been their lack of intensity and enthusiasm to play all 60 minutes. It is almost as if they have become accustomed to losing... a fact that has not been overlooked by Crennel.

Another reason the Browns can point to for them to not give up on this season is their consistency on defense, and in the most important category, points allowed. Thus far the Browns have give up only 136 points, or 17 points per game. Additionally, Steeler coach Bill Cowher has not ruled the Browns out of the wild card race. In his Tuesday press conference he said.

"They are a team that has become more efficient each week. They’re right in the middle of this thing sitting there at 3-5. I think it’s a big football game for us to keep pace with Cincinnati and we’re looking forward to the challenge Sunday night."

The Browns, it seems, will be playing this game with newfound hope and enthusiasm. Will it be enough for them? It remains to be seen. Surly the key to this game will come down to how the Steeler defense deals with Droughns and the Browns running game. It says here it won't be easy... but the Steelers will be up to the task.