Browns Players ? I Should Care...Why?

Looking past their alleged upset over the Saints at home this week some might feel like the Browns are the cupcake in the AFC North. "The Saints play soft on the road," some may say or, "who cares it was their home opener!" Well I am here to tell you, that was the first time the Browns have won a home opener in 10 years. It's kind of a big deal.

They fought back against a subpar Steelers team at the big ketchup stain (Heinz Field, whatever) while the Ravens looked lackluster against the Bengals. Before surprisingly smacking around the Steelers last week. These Browns are going to give our squad a tight game. Here are 5 guys we need to worry about this week.

Joe Haden

Was he completely owned by Jimmy Graham? Absolutely. Who wouldn't be? Even self proclaimed greatest corner in the league Richard Sherman had safety help against the likes of Graham and Rob Gronkowski. Haden tied Sherman for second in the league last season with 24 passes defended. Haden has shutdown ability and more than likely will be working on Torrey Smith for most of the game. Considering how little Torrey has done so far his matchup could change. Either way Flacco has to be aware of where Haden is at anytime. He is one of, surprisingly, many Cleveland Pro Bowlers from a year ago. While he currently has only one defended pass and few tackles one thing is certain, Haden is a talented corner with above average tackling ability.

Joe Thomas

No not all of their worrisome players are named Joe. This isn't a flashy pick but let's think about this for a second. How often was Hoyer on his back Sunday? Once. Not a result of Thomas' outstanding play. His match-up from the left tackle position with Terrell Suggs will be a fun one to watch. Suggs managed to get to a Browns QB once in each game last season. Hopefully he should be able to do it again. Thomas is one of the top tackles in the league and has yet to miss a game in his career. Add to the fact that we haven't proven to be consistent with our pass rush and that entices this match-up even more. 

Terrance West

For years the Ravens have preached and survived off their ability to run and stop the run. Drafting this young man from nearby Towson University would have helped them immensely in replacing Ray Rice. West has gone on to be the Browns savior in the backfield so far this season. Drafted as an insurance policy for Ben "if I sneeze too hard I'm out 3 weeks" Tate, West shined against the Steelers rushing for 100 yards on 16 carries in week 1. Then followed that this past week in a starting role, rushing for 68 yards and a TD. West is currently averaging a decent 4.8 YPC meaning if he gets the ball twice, get ready to move those chains. The Ravens have yet to prove their ability to stop the run giving up 125.5 YPG. Placing them in the middle of the pack in the NFL. This could lead to a big day for West who will not only effect the running game. He also can play a role in the passing game making catches out of a backfield and his ability to pick up the blitz.

Paul Kruger

There is something about former players facing their former team that concerns me. Has Kruger been a nightmare since leaving Baltimore? Other than "never wearing his pads correctly" (seriously wifey let it go) not really. Kruger hasn't proven anything to Cleveland mustering only 4.5 sacks last season. However this season has been different. Kruger was a maniac against the Saints on Sunday, hurrying Brees several times and managing a sack. He currently has 2 on the season. He will be battling with Ricky "Is any Raven fan 100% confident in this guy yet?" Wagner. While our line has held up so far, including Wagner, Kruger could still raise some havoc. Hopefully we won't all need prescriptions for Hypnocil post Kruger's nightmare inception. A dream within a dream within a nightmare within a paradigm within a, let's just hope we stop him.

Karlos Dansby

So we go from a guy who was on the Ravens to someone that was rumored to possibly come to the team. Also is it really a surprise that the new leader of this defense is someone we should be worried about? Dansby was a menace with Arizona and Miami before jumping ship to the Browns this season. Effective in passing and rushing defense he is someone we need to be concerned with. Tackling anything in his path and knocking balls in the air to cause the occasional interception are just a few of the things this guy can do. He currently ranks 10th among linebackers in the league with 18 tackles.

I know what some of you might be thinking, what about Billy Cundiff? First of all screw that guy and second (long pause) screw that guy. Although if I have to give an honorable mention it has to go to Brian Hoyer. Without much talent receiver wise this kid is still finding a way to win. Nearly going undefeated in his 5 starts for the Browns. Clearly unaffected by pressure, this game is going to be closer than people think. Cleveland is not going to be a cake walk.