That's a good time, correct? Normally that's a good thing, right?
In this instance as the Minnesota Vikings (5-5) not only host the Browns, they also do so looking as though they are reborn in season without their star quarterback. It is former Buccaneer and 37-year old Brad Johnson, who has enjoyed the 3 game winning streak at quarterback for the Vikings.
One thing that Johnson hasn't been able to do in those three starts since replacing the injured Culpepper is throw for more than 200 yards, but he hasn't had to. Between a rushing attack with Michael Bennett and Mewelde Moore, the Viking defense stepping up, things have been leveled to winning again.
The Browns, of course, have had a defensive issue with stopping the opposing running game, until a 22-0 win over the Miami Dolphins last week. The Browns defense performed much better against the Dolphins in holding Ricky Williams and rookie sensation Ronnie Brown to a total of 139 yards. The Browns passing defense all but eliminated the Dolphins passing attack in only allowing 28 attempts to go for a total of 67 yards.
As a result of the defensive performance, Browns linebacker Andra Davis was selected as AFC Defensive Player Of The Week.
Offensively, the Browns rookie sensation wide receiver Braylon Edwards grabbed six balls for 90 yards. The Browns hope that he can keep performing in what appears to be an on-field 2005 'missing persons' report with receiver Dennis Northcutt.
Browns running back Reuben Droughns also further exploded onto the Cleveland scene against Miami in toting the pill for 166 yards, which included a 75-yard touchdown run.
Droughns only needs 132 yards the rest of the way to become the first 1,000-yard rusher since the Browns historical days of Mack and Byner.
So, to beat the Minnesota Vikings, the Browns will need to continue on playing what are signs of improved 3-4 defense and relying upon a dependable offensive rushing attack. Performance in these two areas will give a needed shot-in-the-arm to a team that is still growing, but needing confidence that can be built on.
-Chuck-