Cleveland Browns vs Bucs: Predictions vs the finger eating franchise
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Mike Lukas
Once again, I’m going to go with what I think will happen despite what I’m actually afraid will happen in Week 7, Browns-Buccaneers.
What I think will happen:
The Browns defense, 28th best in a league of 32 and slightly embarrassed that they allowed the Chargers to score 38 points in Week 6, will rise above their rank and shut down the Buccaneers’ 2nd ranked offense, allowing only a touchdown and a few field goals all game.
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What I’m afraid will happen:
Bucs’ quarterback Jameis Winston shows why he’s starting over Fitz-Magic and does the whole Humphries-Evans-Barber-Howard thing into the end zone a half a dozen times.
What I think will happen:
Since the Bucs defense is ranked 31st in a league of 32 for allowing opponents to score the most points every week in the NFL with 34.6, and since they’ve only made one total interception all year (worst in the league), Browns rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield will lead his offense into the end zone at least four or five times. Rookie kicker Greg Joseph will sweep up the leftovers.
What I’m afraid will happen:
Baker Mayfield, now officially in the NFL’s top-ten ‘most likely to throw to the other team’ list with 5 picks in 3 ½ games, climbs the ranks, doubles his picks and gives Case ‘The Cornerback’s Best Friend’ Keenum a run for his money. Kicker Joseph’s leg switches to permanent squib-mode.
What I think will happen:
Tampa Bay’s defense has only had 9 sacks all year, ranked 29th in a league of 32, so the Browns offensive line will have great success forming a protective passing pocket for Mayfield.
What I’m afraid will happen:
Mayfield, who’s been sacked an average of 3.7 times per game, will super glue the ball to his hand like he did last week and take his multi-sacks like a man.
What I think will happen:
Given that the Buc’s defense is ranked 5th against the run, only allowing opponents 84.2 rushing yards per game, and the Cleveland Browns are ranked 5th in rushing yards per game, averaging 137.7, a ground-and-pound battle worth watching will ensue.
What I’m afraid will happen:
The Browns bail on the run, depend too heavily on the pass, the Bucs defense adjusts, the Browns fail to convert on third downs.
What I think will happen:
The Bucs have the worst passing defense in the NFL, allowing opponents to throw for an average of 355.8 yards per game. Get ready Landry, Callaway, Njoku, Ratley and new guy Perriman.
What I’m afraid will happen:
The Browns receivers continue to soak their catching gloves in Anti-Ball and add to their 12 dropped passes, tied for fourth-most in the league. 9.8 percent of all Mayfield’s passes have been dropped, the highest rate in the league.
Boy, that Anti-Ball stuff must really work.
What I think will happen:
Though Cleveland Browns have had 44 penalties called, tied for 11th most, they buckle down and stay disciplined, the refs notice and reward them with a fairly called game.
What I’m afraid will happen:
The Browns.
What I think will happen:
Browns 38, Buccaneers 16
What I’m afraid will happen:
Browns 16, Buccaneers 38