Written by DCist contributor Elisabeth Meinecke

Which side of the Redskins/Browns will show up to play Sunday?

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: The Redskins had no offensive turnovers and four consecutive wins before Sunday’s 19-17 loss to the Rams, which brought back nightmarish recollections of an awkward Week 1 performance. The Browns had an offense ranked 32nd in the NFL earlier this year and a quarterback with more interceptions than touchdowns before Cleveland clobbered the undefeated New York Giants 35-14 Monday night (Derek Anderson emerged with a 121.3 passer rating; he had posted a 22.9 earlier this season against Baltimore). Cleveland didn’t allow a sack in that game; the Redskins allowed four on Sunday. The Redskins committed three offensive turnovers, while Cleveland had none. Cleveland finally played up to its preseason hype with 454 total yards on offense, 154 of those belonging to wide receiver Braylon Edwards.

Changing Personnel, Not Just Personality: Not to be outdone by the high profile backup warming Cleveland’s bench, the Redskins signed one of their own this week – Pro Bowler and West Coast offense veteran Shaun Alexander, who will replace backup running back Ladell Betts (out with a sprained knee). The most carries Betts saw in a game this year was 11, against Dallas. The Redskins also signed punter Ryan Plackemeier, who we hope surpasses the relatively low bar of expectation set by his predecessor, Durant Brooks (not hard when punts over 26 yards are considered improvement). Brooks was officially “waived/injured,” which sounds appropriately diplomatic for D.C. Safety Reed Doughty went on injured reserve, and neither Chris Horton nor Clinton Portis participated in Wednesday’s practice, though both are in Sunday’s projected starting lineup. Meanwhile, Browns wide receiver Kellen Winslow was released from the hospital this week, and Coach Romeo Crennel puts Winslow’s odds of playing Sunday at 50/50.