The Cleveland Browns shared some unwelcome news on Saturday, October 6 announcing wide receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Travis Benjamin would be out on Sunday due to hamstring injuries. With the position already lacking depth, Greg Little and Josh Gordon will likely get the start with Jordan Norwood assuming the slot receiver role.
While the New York Giants have the benefit of playing at home against a statistically weaker opponent, they are not taking the Browns lightly. Despite their 0-4 record, they have not lost by more than 10 points and stood their ground against a tough Baltimore Ravens team last week. Meanwhile, the Giants looked to have improved after losing in Week 1 to the Dallas Cowboys with victories over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers before losing a heartbreaker to the Philadelphia Eagles last week.
Cleveland has not won a football game since November 20, 2011. To put an end to that Brandon Weeden will need to play error free football while Trent Richardson will need play the best game of the season. New York certainly has holes in their defense; the Browns will simply need to exploit them.
On defense Cleveland will need to keep pressure on Eli Manning, contain Victor Cruz, and stop Ahmad Bradshaw from running all over them. It will not be easy but Cleveland is talented enough to pull off an upset if they want it bad enough.
The matchup:
The Cleveland Browns will take on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium located in East Rutherford, N.J. on Sunday, October 7, 2012 at 1 p.m. EDT.
The standings:
Cleveland enters the contest with a 0-4 record and in fourth place in the AFC North. They are 0-2 when playing on the road and are 0-1 against NFC teams this season.
New York enters the contest with a 2-2 record and in fourth place in the NFC East. They are 1-1 when playing at home and are 2-2 against AFC teams this season.
The series:
The regular season all-time series record stands at 26-19-2 in favor of the Browns.
Where to watch:
The game will be televised on the CBS Network. Check your local television listings for broadcasts in your area.
Medical Watch: (PUP-physically unable to perform, IR-injured reserve, O-out, D-doubtful, Q-questionable, P-probable)
Cleveland: Phil Taylor (chest, PUP), Marcus Benard (elbow, IR), Eddie Williams (undisclosed, IR), Austin English (undisclosed, IR), Emmanuel Acho (undisclosed, IR), Chris Gocong (Achilles, IR), Tashaun Gipson (knee, O), Alex Smith (concussion, O), Travis Benjamin (hamstring, O), Mohamed Massaquoi (hamstring, O), T.J. Ward (hand, Q), Frostee Rucker (shoulder, P), Raymond Ventrone (hand/calf, P), Usama Young (knee, P), Josh Cribbs (head, P).
New York: Travis Beckum (knee, PUP), Chris L. Canty (knee, PUP), Bruce Johnson (shoulder, IR), Shaun Rogers (calf, IR), Terrell Thomas (knee, IR), Martin Parker (neck, IR), Brandon Mosley (ankle, IR), Justin Trattou (ankle, IR), Jayron Hosley (hamstring, O), Rocky Bernard (quadriceps, O), Ramses Barden (concussion, O), Hakeem Nicks (foot/knee, O), Kenny Phillips (knee, O), Keith Rivers (hamstring, D), David Diehl (knee, D), Antrel Rolle (knee, Q), Chris Snee (hip, Q), Corey Webster (hand, Q), Michael Boley (hip, Q), Michael Coe (hamstring, P), David Baas (hand, P).
More Cleveland Browns Commentary from Paul Rados:
Greg Little disappoints, but not yet a lost cause for the Cleveland Browns: Fan's take
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens, September 27, 2012: Fan Preview
Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns, September 23, 2012: Fan Preview
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals, September 16, 2012: Fan Preview
Josh Cribbs connects with Cleveland Browns' fans via extraordinary fan club
Sources:
All data provided by NFL.com
Paul Rados is an avid Cleveland Browns fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados.
