What do the Falcons have to play for? The Falcons (4-6) and the Saints (4-6) are tied for first place in the NFC South. A victory and a loss by the Saints to the Baltimore Ravens, and the Falcons would open a one-game lead over the Saints. The Panthers (3-7-1) are off this week, and the Buccaneers (2-8) play at Chicago. The Falcons have won two consecutive after losing five in a row, but haven't beaten a team with a winning record.
How were the Browns able to get things turned around? They are doing it the old-fashioned way by winning with a running game and defense. In the five games before losing to the Texans 23-7, the Browns allowed only 13 points per game. They cut running back Ben Tate after he complained about his carries. They are going with rookies Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West. The Browns are averaging 115.8 yards per game (15th in the NFL) and are plus-8 in turnover differential, which is tied for fifth in the league.
A look at how former UGA standout Isaiah Crowell is doing for the Browns. Crowell, the former Georgia star who was kicked out of school and finished his career at Alabama State, is set to make his second start. "Crow is a really a big surprise for us," Browns coach Mike Pettine said. "We were very fortunate to be able to get him after the draft. I thought that (general manager) Ray Farmer identified him and did a heck of a job of getting him here." Crowell is averaging 4.6 yards per carry and has five touchdowns for the Browns. "We are real pleased with where he is, and we're looking for much more of the same," Pettine said.
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