Can Cleveland be 1-0 in the AFC North?
This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Below, we analyze a few advantages, disadvantages, or general thoughts about the two teams before getting to our predictions for the game.
Game Analysis
Having the Bengals’ Number?
- The Browns have had Cincinnati’s number for a few years now, and it’s not just luck. I believe there are two teams in the AFC who play a style of offense that Cleveland’s defense thrives against: the Jaguars and the Bengals. Both teams can have some explosive offenses, but both teams also fail to do things that Cleveland is weak against: misdirection plays, getting to the edge, short, quick passes, and mobile quarterbacks. They like to drop back and pass, which is exactly what the Browns’ pass rushers and defensive backs want to go up against.
- All of that is to say that, despite the Bengals having some hot performances this year, they are coming off of a pretty lackluster performance, and it might be the type of game where a solid defensive performance from Cleveland can win it.
- On offense, we have no faith in Deshaun Watson. But for whatever negative stigma he carries that may be (in my opinion) affecting the rest of the team, this week, you have some factors that negate that. Everyone wants to get pumped up for Nick Chubb, and even if he has a pitch count, I think the style of offense will emphasize the ground game, playaction pass, and downfield blocking game.
- As for another motivating factor, even though I didn’t want the team to trade away their top receiver in Amari Cooper, it does open up the opportunity for the likes of Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, and whoever else to show what they are made of. David Njoku’s reps are supposed to go up a tick too.
Other Factors This Week
- I was also encouraged by Jack Conklin’s return last week. Even though Watson still couldn’t produce anything, I thought we saw the groundwork for more stable pass protection moving forward, and that should lead to better results for even Watson. Cincinnati’s defense is also among the bottom in the NFL.
- Defensively, the Browns have been getting great play from their linebackers, including Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Mohamoud Diabate, and Devin Bush. That gives them the flexibility to play with less defensive backs if they so choose to at times. Jordan Hicks also looks like he’ll be able to return to action this week.
- Cleveland is also getting a boost at safety, with Grant Delpit coming back from his concussion, and Juan Thornhill expected to return for the first time since Week 1. The biggest question mark is whether Denzel Ward will be ready to go, as he as limited in practice this week.
Quick Hitters
- Here is what offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey said about other receivers stepping up with **Amari...
Dawgs By Nature
