Behind Enemy Lines: Breaking down the Browns' Week 2 game with Bengals Wire

 

Jeff Risdon 

September 17, 2020 8:48 am ET

 

The Browns get prime-time treatment in Week 2. What will Cleveland and the rest of the country see when the Cincinnati Bengals head into FirstEnergy Stadium on Thursday night?

To help get some answers, I turned to Bengals Wire managing editor and old friend Chris Roling for some intel on the visitors from the other end of I-71 in Ohio.

What is the perception of Joe Burrow’s performance in Week 1?

Burrow himself was too hard on his performance with the “D” grade. But there was certainly a gradual progression throughout his debut as he got adjusted to pro speed and realized his line wasn’t doing much to protect him. It’s generally accepted as an up-and-down performance.

He had a horrific shovel-pass interception that he lofted right into the arms of a defender. But he also audibled to his long touchdown run and orchestrated a brilliant drive with three minutes left before a tough flag led to the missed field goal attempt.

There have been some changes to the defense and some injuries too. Who has stepped up and who is looking vulnerable?

Cornerback Darius Phillips had a rougher Week 1 than the team would’ve liked to see with him playing in place of the injured Trae Waynes. But that’s comparing him to the elite showing from William Jackson. Right now the biggest concern is health, as Geno Atkins hasn’t been able to suit up yet and D.J. Reader suffered a minor injury last Sunday. Otherwise, the upgrades at linebacker have been a notable improvement, and Vonn Bell looks good as the new starter next to Jessie Bates.

Obviously the kicking situation is a big deal, but how are the rest of the Bengals special teams?

Coordinator Darrin Simmons remains one of the best in the business, but even this is pretty impressive. He had to wave goodbye to core pieces like Clayton Fejedelem and Stanley Morgan this offseason. But he’s put a name like Giovani Bernard in a key spot, and the turnover has yet to have much of an impact.

We’ll see how Randy Bullock nurses his calf injury on a short week, but everything else has managed to remain steady.

What is one area where the Browns look like they should have a big advantage, and also one where the Bengals should thrive?

The Browns are probably going to do whatever they want against this Bengals offensive line. Jonah Williams had some serious rookie moments last week, and Billy Price is already back in the starting lineup after an injury. The coaching staff inexplicably put Bobby Hart on an island with Joey Bosa multiple times, which is one of the least ideal things possible.

Funnily enough, the Bengals should thrive in the same areas, as edge players like Carl Lawson and Carlos Dunlap are still as disruptive as it gets.

Who wins and why?

This one probably goes to the Browns. Losing to Baltimore, even in blowout fashion, doesn’t seem like the worst thing in the world right now. Burrow’s first road game of his career — and in prime time — is asking a lot of the rookie, especially with this offensive line in front of him. Add in missing Geno Atkins and keeping A.J. Green on a pitch count, and the Browns should squeak past.

TROPHY CASE: Karl Klug, once a Warrior always a Warrior

 

Karl Klug was an All-State football player at Caledonia, an All-Big Ten selection at Iowa and had a seven-year career in the NFL. He coaches high school football in Tennessee these days, but his heart remains in Caledonia.

 

Written By: Isaac Trotter | Sep 20th 2020 - 11am.

Caledonia’s Karl Klug sheds two defenders and runs for a 33-yard touchdown during a Class AA state semifinal football game against Hawley at the Metrodome in Minneapolis on Nov. 19, 2005. (Post-Bulletin file photo)

 

Karl Klug dedicated his entire life to football.

That’s what mattered most above almost everything else. Klug's dedication certainly paid off.

The Caledonia High School graduate and All-State football player went on to have a standout, All-Big Ten career at Iowa and then scrapped his way to a seven-year career with the Tennessee Titans (2011-17).

In the seven years, Klug missed just three total games. He was a warrior and a lynchpin of the Titans’ defensive line.

But life for Klug looks a little different now that the veteran is three years removed from football. He’s still around the game, he's just giving the orders now instead of executing them. Currently, Klug is coaching the defensive line at Page High School in Franklin, Tennessee.

Tennessee Titans defensive end Karl Klug sacks Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles during a game in 2014. (File photo)

Klug is also coaching his kids in 8U baseball and 6U softball. He might be the biggest 6U softball coach around.

“The biggest thing about 6U is that you’re trying to get them to quit playing in the sand,” Klug said with a laugh.

It’s sort of a transition season for Klug.

He’s found a rewarding side job helping out in a special needs program.

“These are kids who have graduated and we’re trying to get them ready for the real world,” Klug said. “They go to stores and stock shelves. They need someone to care for them. What the heck am I going to do with my life? I’m dabbling with a few things and seeing what I liked. I enjoy working with them. They’re just big kids.”

Even though Klug is more than 700 miles away, he still keeps close tabs on Caledonia athletics.

He thought Owen King had the potential to be an NFL quarterback one day with the right development. Eli King’s jaw-dropping highlight reel has Klug thinking that he could do something special, too.

“I’ve seen Eli King’s film and holy Toledo,” Klug said. “Holy smokes. His athletic ability speaks for himself. I feel like I don’t really have to dress it (up) because he’s just so special. His work ethic is off the charts, based off what I’m told. The great thing I hear about those boys is that they’re always humble. The few times I’ve been around them, they seem like just great standup dudes.”

Klug knows how stressful the recruiting process can be, but he’s given King some space to make the tough choice on his own. But he certainly wouldn’t hate for King to pick the Hawkeyes –– a school that’s offered King for both basketball and football.

"I talked to his dad about a month ago and told him, ‘You’ve been through this process before, but if you have any questions, just holler,’” Klug said. “I just want to let him enjoy his recruiting process and stay out of it. I know he’ll make an educated, wise decision.”

Klug is healthy, rested and happy in Tennessee. But his heart remains in Caledonia.

Lions’ T.J. Hockenson Makes Incredible Catch and Run

 

T.J. Hockenson flexes after a catch.

 

The Detroit Lions should have won during Week 1 of their NFL season, but they’re wasting little time flexing their offensive muscle in Week 2.

Early on against the Green Bay Packers, the Lions got a huge catch and run by tight end T.J. Hockenson to help set them up and keep them on the move. Hockenson was initially bottled up on the play in the second level, but used his leg drive and strength to press forward and pick up extra yardage.

.@TheeHOCK8 💪💪

📺 FOX | 1pm pic.twitter.com/SyX3moXTYZ

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 20, 2020

A few plays later, the Lions paid things off by ramming Kerryon Johnson into the end zone for an early 7-0 lead. Detroit would yield a field goal on their next defensive drive, but manage to maintain the lead early on in the first quarter.

 

Hockenson put up 56 yards and a score last week, and has looked like one of the team’s top emerging weapons. If the Lions can keep feeding Hockenson, he will make their offense tough to stop.