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Wednesday, September 15
Updated: September 16, 1:59 PM ET
 
Baxter Bits: Browns vs. Titans

By Russell S. Baxter
Special to ESPN.com

The Browns head to Tennessee as they face the Titans (formerly the Oilers) for the first time since 1995.

They met at least twice a season from 1970-95 (with the exception of 1982, when the players' strike limited the teams to one meeting), the rivalry forced into limbo when the Browns ceased operations in Cleveland and the franchise relocated to Baltimore to become the Ravens.

As for this series (including playoffs), the Browns still own a 30-22 overall advantage in this setting, however, the Titans have prevailed in eight of the last 12 meetings dating back to 1990.

It is Worth noting that the Browns managed a 3-1 road mark in their last 4 visits to the Astrodome from 1992-95.

Numbers: The Browns were limited to 40 total yards and two first downs (minus-7 total yards and 0 first downs in the second half) in their 43-0 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 1, committing 4 turnovers, running 28 plays from scrimmage and holding the ball for just 12:11. The Browns rushed for just nine yards on nine attempts and allowed three sacks.

After giving up just five touchdown passes in their first seven games, the Titans have allowed 21 TD passes in their last 10 contests dating back to '98. Kevin Dyson's season got off to a good start. After catching just 21 passes for 263 yards and 2 touchdowns during his rookie year in 1998 (13 games), Dyson caught nine passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1.

Things To Look For: Even though these Browns are just an expansion team, Chris Palmer had to be disappointed by a team that couldn't maintain an offensive drive all evening, as well as stop the Steelers' ground attack. Jeff Fisher had to be a little shell-shocked as well as his club let a big lead get away, even though the Titans rallied for victory. We should see a much better effort from both teams this week.

Etc.: The Titans are 8-1 in their last nine games vs. divisional competition dating back to '98. Since'95, the Titans are 8-9 at home vs. AFC Central foes and 10-6 on the road in divisional contests. They are also 15-18 at home and 17-15 on the road since '95. Titans' PK Al Del Greco (1,370) needs 10 points to tie Jim Bakken (1,380) for 12th place on the NFL's all-time scoring list. Del Greco (301) needs 3 field goals to tie both Pat Leahy and Jim Turner (304) for 8th place on the NFL's all-time field goals list.




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