
Cleveland quarterback Brandon Weeden celebrates with fans after the Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 34-24 in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, in Cleveland. Weeden got his first NFL win on his 29th birthday. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
BREAK UP THE BROWNS?
Cleveland (1-5) shares the NFL’s worst record, but the Browns finally might have a foundation for the future with three rookies. Quarterback Brandon Weeden has thrown for 1,519 yards, second-most in NFL history by a rookie through his team’s first six games. Running back Trent Richardson leads AFC rookies with 340 rushing yards. In the last two games, wide receiver Josh Gordan has five catches for 181 yards and three touchdowns. Cleveland’s defense has also an AFC-high 10 interceptions.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Ravens (5-1) at Texans (5-1). Baltimore is 6-0 all-time against Houston and beat the Texans 20-13 last year in the AFC playoffs. But the Ravens face some adversity this week with future Hall-of-Fame linebacker Ray Lewis (torn triceps) and top cornerback Lardarius Webb (ACL) out for the season. Texans defensive end J.J. Watt has sacks in five straight games and posted 2.5 last year in playoff against Ravens.
TACKLING MACHINE
Entering week seven action, former Iowa and current Minnesota Vikings linebacker Chad Greenway led the NFL in tackles with 61. Greenway, who starred at Iowa from 2002 through 2005, advanced to his first Pro Bowl after last season.
“He’s one of the best players we’ve ever had come through here,” Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said.
‘WHOA’ STAT OF THE WEEK
Pittsburgh’s Isaac Redman (105 yards) became the first Steelers running back with a 100-yard receiving game since John “Frenchy” Fuqua on Nov. 29, 1970. Fuqua is known more for a tipped pass (alleged if you’re a Raiders fan) on Dec. 23, 1972 that led to the ‘Immaculate Reception.’
IOWA-CENTRIC
ON THE TUBE
Brandon Weeden got his first NFL win on his 29th birthday.
His sell-by date is right around the corner.