Scouting report

Quarterback Derek Anderson's first significant action with the Browns went very much like Tim Rattay's first significant action with the Bucs last week in Chicago. In fact, considering the result, it went even better.

By STEVEN F. HOLDER
Published December 24, 2006

THE BASICS: Quarterback Derek Anderson's first significant action with the Browns went very much like Tim Rattay's first significant action with the Bucs last week in Chicago. In fact, considering the result, it went even better.

On Dec. 3, the second-year player replaced an injured Charlie Frye and rallied the Browns from a two-touchdown deficit in a 31-28 overtime victory over the Chiefs. Since then, it has been a bit rocky for Anderson, who has gone 0-2. But he hasn't played poorly, and with Frye still out with a wrist injury, Anderson gets the start again.

Though he hasn't gotten results, Anderson hasn't disappointed. He has played well enough to open a debate whether Frye should be given the reigns once he returns.

Last week against the Ravens' stout defense, Anderson hung tough. He completed 23 of 32 passes (71.9 percent) for 223 yards and two touchdowns while being sacked five times.

The hope is Anderson has another of those performances in him because the Browns have shown little ability to run the ball. They have rushed for more than 100 yards just once in their past seven games. Against Pittsburgh and Baltimore the past two weeks, the Browns rushed for 18 and 68 yards, respectively.

The problems have been exacerbated by injuries to Reuben Droughns, who last season be-came the Browns' first 1,000-yard rusher since 1985.

Anderson, however, has some formidable targets to throw to. Kellen Winslow leads all tight ends with 76 receptions, and Braylon Edwards leads the team with 831 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Cleveland is 31st in defense but has playmakers. Among them is linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, who has eight sacks in his first season out of Florida State.

Another player to watch is inside linebacker Andra Davis, if he plays. The former Florida standout leads the Browns in tackles but sustained a concussion last week.

Finally, just for the record, we can't ignore a fact that is quite relevant for today. The Bucs are 1-21 in games that kick off in temperatures of 40 or below. Forecasts call for the high in Cleveland to top out at 42 with a low of 35.

INJURIES

Bucs: Doubtful - Running back Cadillac Williams (foot); Questionable - Cornerback Ju-ran Bolden (quadriceps), linebacker Jamie Winborn (knee), cornerback Alan Zemaitis (shoulder).

Browns: Out - Defensive back Leigh Bodden (ankle); Doubtful - Davis (concussion); Questionable - Offensive lineman Joe Andruzzi (knee), offensive lineman Cosey Coleman (toe), tight end Nick Eason (foot), quarterback Charlie Frye (wrist), receiver Joe Jurevicius (concussion), linebacker Willie McGinest (pectoral), defensive lineman Alvin McKinley (shoulder), receiver Dennis Northcutt (shoulder), linebacker Mason Unck (groin), defensive lineman Ted Washington (knee), tight end Kellen Winslow (knee).

BUC BEATER: Outside linebacker Willie McGinest, as a member of the Patriots last season, posted two of his six sacks in a 28-0 win against the Bucs. McGinest also had six tackles and a fumble recovery.

SERIES: The Browns lead 5-1. The Bucs' only win came in 2002, 17-3 in Tampa. Before that meeting, the previous game came in 1995, the final season before the franchise moved to Baltimore.

KEEP IN MIND: Running back Michael Pittman is set to make his first start in more than a year for the Bucs. In three starts in 2005, he gained 5.6 yards per carry and ran for 178 yards, including 127 against Miami.

Key matchups

Kellen Winslow vs. Ryan Nece

The Bucs had done a sufficient job against standout tight ends this season. They held the Ravens' Todd Heap to five catches for 46 yards, Giants' Jeremy Shockey to three for 15 and the Falcons' Alge Crumpler to four for 52 in two games. None scored a touchdown. But last week against Chicago, Desmond Clark caught seven passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns. That performance - by far Clark's best of the season - doesn't bode well with Winslow on deck. Winslow, who will be matched up against the Bucs linebacker, has caught 76 passes for 755 yards and three touchdowns.

Daven Holly vs. Joey Galloway

With Rattay in the fold, the Bucs should feel confident about their ability to exploit one-on-one coverage against the cornerback The first time the Bears showed a one-on-one look last week, Galloway burned them for a 64-yard touchdown.

Kamerion Wimbley vs. Anthony Davis

Davis stood tall against the Bears' Alex Brown (one tackle) last week. And now the left tackle will have to do it against an equally athletic and dominant outside linebacker. Wimbley, the 13th overall pick in April, has eight sacks (second among rookies) and plenty of speed.

[Last modified December 23, 2006, 23:13:13]