Matchup Preview
Can a Suddenly Potent Browns Offense Beat a Solid Jets D?
Cleveland, OH- In the preseason this was the first game on the schedule that we felt comfortable enough to predict a win. However, with the stellar play of rookie quarterback
Theodore Stills and the emergence of
Terrelle Pryor as a consistent number one option, the Browns are sitting at 2-0 and can very easily get another win today if they continue their fantastic play in front of a rejuvenated home crowd.
"I don't like when people pencil in a win." Head coach James Ashford said. "Every Sunday is different, the records mean nothing once you step on the field. These guys have fought hard the past couple weeks and I expect nothing less today."
It's too early in the season to get a good feel on where any team in the NFL is heading. The New York Jets are a good example of that. Led by well traveled veteran quarterback
Case Keenum, the Jets got blown away by the Seattle Seahawks at home 23-3 but then they traveled to San Francisco and put the smack down on the 49ers 30-13.
"Keenum is a good quarterback once he can get going." Defensive coordinator Thomas Williams said. "We need to make sure and keep the pressure on him and not let him get comfortable or he will do to us what he did to the 49ers last week."
Keenum tossed 3 touchdown passes in the win over San Francisco and will look to continue that trend against a Cleveland secondary that is very young and still learning how to play at this level. Statistically the Browns defense is one of the worst in the league. However, good leadership by veteran cornerback
Joe Haden and linebacker
Christian Kirksey in pressure packed moments have allowed the Browns to get the victory the last two weeks.
Haden, who leads the league in interceptions, wants to do more.
"These guys are doing well considering what has been tossed at them so far."
Haden said. "But as much as I like the guys on offense, I would much rather protect a lead then have to make a stop so that they can lead a comeback. We need some glory too man."
The Cleveland offense has thrived on 4th quarter comebacks so far this season and will be facing yet another solid defense. The Jets front seven includes defensive ends Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson, defensive tackle Leonard Williams, and middle linebacker Gerald Hodges. The Browns offensive line that features two rookies did a much better job at protecting the quarterback last week then they did against the Broncos, but they will need to be almost perfect if they want to have any success.
"We have a great group of guys up front." Veteran lineman
Joe Thomas said. "They are very smart and hard workers and its starting to pay off. I have confidence that they will hold their own today."
One aspect of the Browns offense that is struggling is the running game. Running back
Isaiah Crowell has had a hard time getting going and seems to hesitate before making a decision. He has yet to even reach the 60 yard mark in a game.
"We need to find a way to get him and Duke going." Offensive coordinator Porter Edwards said. "As talented as Theodore is, we can't keep asking him to throw it 40+ times a game. We need more balance."
Edwards said that they will mix up the packages a little bit to get
Crowell more involved and get his confidence up. With quarterback
Cody Kessler causing a distraction for the team because of his feelings toward being a back up instead of starting, Coach Ashford does not need another player causing tension in the locker room.
Kessler, who has vocally asked for a trade and walked off the field before the game was over last week, has been put on notice. The Browns brought in three veteran quarterbacks for a workout and decided to sign
Robert Griffin III. RGlll, who was with Cleveland last year, will be the third string backup for the game today.
"He was brought in for depth while Kevin (Hogan) is healing." Coach Ashford said. "And that is all I am saying about that subject."
Backup quarterback drama aside, this should be a fun game for Browns fans. If Cleveland can continue their offensive attack and the defense can shut down
Case Keenum, we will be looking at our first 3-0 start in a long while.
Last Week Game Results:
Cleveland Browns 31 Baltimore Ravens 30
New York Jets 30 San Francisco 49ers 13
Prediction: Cleveland Browns 28 New York Jets 20
Players to Watch
QB Case Keenum (78)
RE Sheldon Richardson (91)
DT Leonard Williams (94)
Matchup Preview *|* September 24, 2017 |
| @ | |
New York Jets (1-1, 1-0 Away) | | Cleveland Browns (2-0, 1-0 Home) |
Offensive Stats Comparison | 519 | Total Offensive Yards | 899 | 328 | Passing Yards | 786 | 191 | Rushing Yards | 113 | 16.5 | Points Per Game | 33.0 | 3 | Passing TD | 6 | 1 | Rushing TD | 1 |
Defensive Stats Comparison | 581 | Total Yards Allowed | 898 | 310 | Passing Yards Allowed | 609 | 271 | Rushing Yards Allowed | 289 | 36 | Points Allowed | 61 | 4 | Sacks | 7 | 6 | Fumble Recoveries | 4 | 0 | Interceptions | 8 |
Injury Report |
| | QB Kevin Hogan/Abdominal Tear 4 Weeks |
Game Notes | |
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