This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns take on the New York Jets. Below, we analyze a few advantages, disadvantages, or general thoughts about the two teams before getting to our predictions for the game.
Blind Confidence in Cleveland
As
a fan, for weeks, I’ve been looking at the upcoming game against the New York Jets and chalking it up as a win. Even as we are less than 24 hours away from kickoff, my brain can’t fathom an outcome in which the Browns lose this game. And yet, at the same time, I ask myself, “How is it possible to have that type of blind confidence?”
Coming out of their bye, the Browns are a 2-6 team that has featured one of the worst offenses I’ve ever seen. Somehow, Cleveland is actually averaging a little more points per game than three other teams in the NFL (Titans, Saints, Raiders). I think the season has been such a disappointment so far that I have to assure myself the Browns are certainly going to win this week, in order to stay invested in the season. Therefore, let’s take a look at all the positive spins:
- The Browns are coming off the bye, with their biggest change being that Kevin Stefanski gave up the playcalling duties. At this point, a change literally can’t make the offense work, so maybe there will be some plays that are more to the strengths of Dillon Gabriel.
- This week, Cedric Tillman returns to the wide receiver position. Not that he lights the world on fire, but it didn’t seem like the offense was getting better with Isaiah Bond out there. Even though I love the Browns’ tight ends, there absolutely has to be a concerted effort to get the ball in the hands of these receivers. There needs to be a threat of intermediate range passes to open up some of the shorter plays that are intended to gain yards after the catch. It’s up to Gabriel to rise to the challenge.
- I think the biggest reason I’m optimistic this week, though, is that I’m going back to the Miami Dolphins game and how the Browns’ defense created so much havoc that the offense couldn’t possibly screw up the short fields they were presented with. We’ve also seen Justin Fields struggle against the Browns before, and Myles Garrett could (no kidding) go back-to-back with five sack games — it could be that type of day for the defense.
- You also have the cherry on top that the Jets traded away their top two defenders during their bye week in CB Sauce Gardner and DT Quinnen Williams. Now, granted, the Browns’ offense hasn’t shown anything to even take advantage of a defense missing those types of players, but we’re trying to stay optimistic here.
- The Jets don’t throw the ball well, but they’re near the top of the NFL in rushing. They don’t throw interceptions, but they’re among the leaders in getting sacked.
- The Jets haven’t intercepted a pass on defense this season, and rank 28th in sacks per pass attempt.
Quick Hitters
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz talked about what they do if Carson Schwesinger can’t play:
“No, we have some experienced players there. Mohamoud (Diabate) got a lot of starting experience last year. Devin Bush has played in there. You know, Bake (Jerome Baker) has played in there, you know, so we have a lot of different ways that we can go with it and, you know, we’ll practice that way and just see where it lands. But yeah, Carson means a lot to us, not just from his play – but also his communication and, you know, things like that. And I think he’s also stepping in with some leadership things. We’ve said a lot of times it’s just a matter of time before the ball found him. And it did on that play. And, you know, I think, you know, we’ll get him back on the field. Whether it’s this week, next week after, whatever it is, I think you’ll continue to see a lot of those same positives from him.“
Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees was asked about getting the ball to a guy like Jerry Jeudy:
“Yeah, I think you got to be multiple in what you do, so that way you can’t just let them hone in and take something away. But that’s a good perspective, right? Like, there’s a balance between, ‘hey, feature these guys, get them easy touches’, also understand that that could happen in the rhythm of the game. But look, we’re better when our best players are playing well, we’re better when our best players are touching the ball. So, I think that’s an area of focus for every team, not just us. So, our job as coaches is to find ways to not allow them to take that away.”
Some other notes to look forward to:
- The Jets were on their way to 0-8, but are 1-7 after they beat the Bengals 39-38 before the bye week, exploding for over 500 yards of offense. That is an indictment of how bad the Bengals’ defense is (much like what the Bears did against them this past week). The Jets’ defense has allowed way too many points this year, in part because of them not playing complementary football. In the first five games, they allowed 34, 30, 29, 27, and 37 points. Then, before the win against Cincinnati, they oddly lost two straight low-scoring games 13-11 and 13-6.
- I guess you can say that the Jets have really only been blown out twice this season.
- WR Garrett Wilson is expected to return for the Jets, after being out since Week 6.
- Cleveland listed LB Carson Schwesinger and TE Harold Fannin as questionable.
Predictions
Here are predictions from multiple staff members at DBN:
Chris Pokorny: “I don’t anticipate a huge day from the offense, but to get a win here, the formula should be simple. We know Cleveland’s defense can dominate this game, and pressure the hell out of Justin Fields to force them behind the chains in bad situations, and good field position for Cleveland. The Jets aren’t an opportunistic defense, and are down two players. Cleveland’s offense won’t light the world on fire, but I think, even with the team’s 2-6 record, I just don’t see how the Browns lose this game.” Browns 23, Jets 6
Jared Mueller: “I’m not sure the Browns care that much about wins and losses, as much as that might pain fans, but the Jets are clearly all about the future. The concern in this game is if New York has one of those “come together” games after losing two of their top defenders while Cleveland is not prepared for them to put up much fight.
In the end, the Browns are more talented than the Jets and that should win out.” Browns 24, Jets 17
Barry Shuck: “Well, if the Browns can’t beat the Jets and the Dolphins, who can they beat? Already took care of one to the tune of 31-6. Maybe we will see some Shedeur action. I just think he needs to play, and then everyone in the NFL will stop talking about this. Jets #32 in passing, but have a terrific pass defense ranked #5. Oh wait, Sauce is now gone. Never mind. I predict Myles will get 5 sacks and then not be Defensive Player of the Week. Again.” Browns 38, Jets 10
Ezweav: “This has a chance of working out. We’ve not been good this year but our counterpoints seemed determined at trade deadline to really race to the bottom. With the week off you’d expect the team to look sharp, definitely expect to handle Justin Fields. Always a chance we can derp out of there with L (punt blocked in the end zone bounces off the goal post and caught by defender for a TD, or something) but this one seems pretty sealed up. Gabriel will look almost competent.” Browns 23, Jets 6
Who do you think will win, Browns fans? Let us know in the comments section below.
