Browns vs. Redskins: DPD staff predictions

The Dawg Pound Daily staff got together to share their predictions for the matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Washington Redskins.

The Cleveland Browns are ready to take on the Washington Redskins in today’s Week 4 matchup. With the Browns still seeking their first win of 2016, let’s see what the staff thinks about their chances to win today.

Jonathan Goehring (2016 record: 1-2): Redskins 34, Browns 23

Week 4 presents a real problem to the Browns. Though the Redskins enter with just a 1-2 record, their strengths match up well with some of Cleveland’s weaknesses. The Browns enter with a weak and depleted secondary, and Washington comes in with a quarterback in Kirk Cousins with a lot of confidence.

They also have speed on offense, something Cleveland’s defense has proven to have a hard time containing. For the Browns’ offense, they will have the attention of many fans due to last week’s shared quarterback play. Kessler and Pryor will both see snaps once again, but will produce only a fraction of the explosive plays they did last week. Since Isaiah Crowell is still not 100 percent, and Cleveland is still missing Corey Coleman, the Browns will have troubles finding chunks of yardage. The offense will move the ball at times, but will not be consistent enough to score more than two touchdowns.

Beating the Redskins on the road is just too much of a daunting task for the Browns. They will show some promise in this game, and they won’t leave fans dejected as they have the last two weeks. But in the end, they will have dug themselves into too deep of an early hole and will fall short in their attempt to climb out of it. The final score will be 34-23, in favor of the Redskins.

Tom Moore (2016 record: 3-0): Redskins 24, Browns 10

To paraphrase the late, great Bum Phillips, the Browns have knocked on the door and they have banged on the door the past two weeks in search of their first win of 2016, but have still not figured out how to kick the damn door down.

For the second week in a row the Browns hit the road to face a bad team, this time in the Washington Redskins. Cleveland would have beaten a similarly weak team last week against the Miami Dolphins if not for a repeated breakdowns in the kicking game, but that doesn’t mean it is time to pencil the Browns in for a win.

Cleveland kept the game close against the Dolphins thanks to a pick-six from cornerback  Briean Boddy-Calhoun and a once-in-a-lifetime offensive performance from wide receiver Terrell Pryor – both of which are not the type of things that you can count on repeating themselves.

The Browns continue to struggle to consistently find the end zone on offense when anyone other than Josh McCown is at quarterback, and injuries have hit the secondary hard — especially at the cornerback position.

That elusive first win may still exceed Cleveland’s reach, but the gap is closing each week. Unfortunately, it will not close all the way against Washington.

Roger Cohen (2016 record: 2-1): Redskins 31, Browns 26

What if “The Sunday That All DC Had Circled All Year” came and went without anyone noticing?

That’s what it sure feels like around the Capital Beltway. After an off-season when I couldn’t walk out of my neighborhood without hearing derisive chants of “RG!3, RG3!”, the only coverage of the Browns-Skins game I can find talks about injuries on Washington’s offensive line. No mention of The Franchise Savior who once appeared full-page on the Washington Post with his arms outstretched.

This now afterthought game may turn out compelling, with Browns-killer Kirk Cousins likely torching a weak and wobbly Cleveland secondary for 400+ yards, several long catch-and-runs and at least 3 TD passes. But Cody Kessler hangs tough behind a make-shift offensive line, Isiah Crowell and Duke run for over 125 yards but lose a key fumble or two. Kessler leads a last-minute drive but throws an end-zone pick.

Another morale-building loss in advance of the NFL’s Biggest Upset Ever. Skins 31-26. Oh, and at least one missed PAT and one FG in Parkey’s last game wearing the Brown and Orange.

Eric Szczepinski (2016 record: 2-1): Redskins 20, Browns 13

The Browns play tough and have opportunities to win, but late game miscues lead to the Redskins’ victory. The defense steps up and forces two Kirk Cousins interceptions but the offense struggles and cant find consistency to win the ballgame.

Joel Cade (2016 record: 2-1): Redskins 31, Browns 28

The Browns come in hungry for a win off last week’s overtime loss to the Dolphins. The Redskins are poised to get their groove back after beating the Giants in New York. The Redskins front seven will be the easiest they have faced thus far this season. In addition, their secondary is banged up. It should be a good day for the Browns offense provided the offensive line situation is cleared up soon.

Defensively the Browns should be able to stop the run. But can they contain the league’s fourth best passing attack? Kirk Cousins plays his best ball at home. Unfortunately for the Browns, the Redskins passing attack will prove too much to overcome.

Matt Stevenson (2016 Record: 2-0): Redskins 31, Browns 20

The Cleveland Browns take on the Washington Redskins this Sunday after a slow 0-3 start. Kessler wasn’t terrible in his debut, however Terrelle Pryor stole the spotlight with a remarkable performance. The Redskins are coming off of a big win against division rival New York Giants and look to extend their winning streak. Kirk Cousins hasn’t done as well as many thought he would and the Browns have to make sure that continues. Joe Haden expects to play despite being ruled questionable for the game.

The Redskins will ensure Pryor doesn’t succeed as he did against Miami’s defense. The Browns currently rank No. 4 among NFL teams in rushing and that needs to be the focus heading into Sunday’s matchup. Isaiah Crowell has broken for large chunks of yardage the last few games but the Browns need to turn those field goal attempts into touchdowns. The Kessler project will see more flaws this week but Pryor will play a solid role again as the Browns lose.

Steven Kubitza (2016 record: 1-2): Browns 27, Redskins 24

Here we go again.

In typical homer fashion, I have to go with the Browns in this one. After three weeks of tough losses, the Browns will perfect last week’s game plan en route to a victory over the Redskins.

Cody Kessler had a solid game last week, ultimately being let down by the missed field goals. He was helped by the play of Terrelle Pryor, who should be used more in today’s game, which will make the difference.

Next: Browns vs. Redskins: How to watch, listen to today's game

The Browns are underdogs once again, but they will surprise fans and pick up their first win of 2016 today.