I think the Steelers are playing well and will score points. But at this moment the Browns matchup pretty well. The Steelers defense is proving porous, and the Browns do have the skill position players to take advantage of it. The main question is whether the o-line can keep heat off of Frye long enough for him to throw accurately. On the other side of the ball, the Steelers air game is putting up a lot of numbers but also turning the ball over a lot. Despite all the injuries, the Browns secondary and pass defense has generally been playing well and Pool and Jones could have impact performances. The main worry is whether we can keep Willie Parker from breaking off long runs. I like Wimbley's ability to chase Parker on one side. But we could be vulnerable elsewhere. We'll see.
This Sunday will be my first and probably only in-person foray down to Browns Stadium this season. I used to go to almost all home games. Alas, no more. But this week I'll have saved up a lot of energy...
The Browns win over the Jets looks kind of nice this week. This is the part of the season where, despite the record, I always wonder just how far off we are from being a playoff contender. We're not light years. We're probably about 4 players away. That's a lot, but it's not so much that couldn't be done in one offseason. Unfortunately, 4-players-away is about the high-water mark for the new Browns except for 2001 when the roster was only arguably better and we snuck into a wildcard berth.
It's fun to day: The Browns and Steelers have the same record in week 11.
This won't be true come Sunday afternoon, however.
I'm perplexed by Frye. I like him better than I ever liked Couch, and the thing I like best is that his style of play makes sense. What I mean is that when he makes a dumb play it's an _understandable_ bad play. Don't get me wrong, Frye has made big mistakes and some very unwise throws. But at least you can see what he's thinking, however misguided. With Couch, there were always some completely inexplicable plays and gross miscommunications. At least Frye's head is in the game.
I can see Frye hanging on to the starter's position. He'll have to do a couple things to do it:
- Make the short throws on-target. This has to be like clockwork. He'd got to hit the screens, the short curls and outs and slants.
- Pick up yardage with his feet. For a lot of QB this is unwise. But for Frye to be successful he needs the defense to be threatened by his mobility. This is also one of his better skills. I'd encourage him to unexpectedly take off running a few times a game.
- Throw the ball away. Everyone knows that. It's frustrating to watch, but it can make a defense impatient.
- Attack the defense a couple times a game. I'm a huge believer in throwing deep balls on occasion even when a completion is unlikely. Frye doesn't have a great deep arm, but he's good at throwing 20-30 yards downfield while on the move. Do it with some frequency.
- Manage the game, which is the biggest test of all. Right now he doesn't seem to have much freedom to audible or freelance. But before the season is over he should get his chance here. If he does the above and looks good managing the offense at the line, then I'm willing to committ to 2007.
All are still open questions. But the tools are there. I really hope he can put it together.
Prediction for Sunday: Steelers win 27-23. Screw that, Browns win 24-19.