It has been an interesting and eventful week for Cleveland Browns fans. First, the team traded away last years 3rd round pick, Terrance West, to Tennessee Titans. Then they cut fan favorite QB/WR Terrell Pryor and claimed injured running back Robert Turbin. Finally they traded away defensive line rotation man Billy Wynn to the Indianapolis Colts. All questionable moves but Mike Pettine and the front office (minus GM Ray Farmer as he serves his suspension) think they are good moves that are the best for the football team. Now that the roster for week one is set here is what to expect on Sunday afternoon:
Browns Offensive Outlook
This is probably one of the best secondaries the Browns will face this season. Adding Darrelle Revis, Antonio Cromartie, and former Brown Buster Skrine in the off-season to go along with safety Calvin Pryor has made the Jets, one of the most feared secondaries in football. With NFL journeymen Josh McCown behind center for Cleveland, we should expect a mild pass attack with few throws down field. The Browns will elect to get the run game going and hope that opens up play action. Not only are the Browns outmatched but their receivers are very small and won’t fair well against big, physical Jets cornerbacks. Although Mike Pettine has said to believe in “running back by committee” it looks like this week Isaiah Crowell will have to be the feature back. With West gone, Duke Johnson coming off a concussion, and Turbin not being ready for a few more weeks, we should expect to see The Crow get 20 carries. The Browns offense will probably struggle all season long and this week won’t be any different.
Browns Defensive Outlook
Now, to the brighter side of things. The Browns look like, on paper they could have one of the best defenses in the NFL. Easily one of the most talented secondaries, combined with good linebackers, and an improved run stuffing front 7, the Browns defense could cause trouble all season long. Particularly on Sunday against the Jets, they should have a good showing. Ryan Fitzpatrick is not an overwhelmingly good quarterback and although he has talented receivers, the Browns secondary should keep them in check. The Browns run defense will have to prove whether or not it has improved since last season and shut down Chris Ivory. A matchup to watch for when the Browns are on defense is rookie DT Danny Shelton lining up over all pro veteran center Nick Mangold. Week one should be a good test for the new Brown.
What they need to do to win
If the Browns are going to prevail in this game, it needs to be low scoring. Not only that but the defense will have force two or more turnovers. McCown and the Browns offense will have trouble moving the ball down the field, so, the Browns defense creating a turnover or two in Jets territory will give the offense opportunity to score. Crowell will have to run the ball well and tally over 75 yards.
Positional Matchup of the game
This game’s best matchup will be in the trenches. The Browns have one of the best offensive lines that will be going up against an injury depleted but tough Jets defensive line. Whoever wins the line of scrimmage has a good chance at winning this game.
Prediction
The Jets defense will be too much for the Browns to handle. McCown will struggle to move the ball down the field and will turn the ball over twice. Revis and Cromartie will shut down the Browns receivers and give the offense solid field position almost every time. The Browns defense will hold its ground, but will ultimately just be on the field too much
Score: Jets 23, Browns 13