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Cleveland Browns vs Bucs: Predictions vs the finger eating franchise

By Randy Gurzi

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 26: running back Duke Johnson #29 of the Cleveland Browns gets pressure from outside linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as during a carry in the the second quarter of an NFL game on August 26, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 26: running back Duke Johnson #29 of the Cleveland Browns gets pressure from outside linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as during a carry in the the second quarter of an NFL game on August 26, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 07: Head coach Hue Jackson of the Cleveland Browns exits the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns won 12 to 9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 07: Head coach Hue Jackson of the Cleveland Browns exits the field after defeating the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns won 12 to 9. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Writer: Matt McFatridge

Game: Cleveland Browns vs. Tampa Bay Buccanneers

After a disappointing performance a week ago where it seemed the players just quit on each other and their coach, namely Hue Jackson, Cleveland travels to Tampa Bay to take on a team that’s been on a roller coaster this season as well. After a quick 2-0 start behind the ageless wonder Ryan Fitzpatrick, things came crashing down for the team.

Cleveland has all the pieces necessary to beat this Buccaneers team. The quarterback they are facing is a turnover machine, having 60 turnovers in his career thus far. While Winston has a good arm, his personality and attitude has always been the weakness. While that seems to have improved this season, he still can be a hothead that forces throws. That’s great news for this Browns defense, who have been impressive in forcing turnovers. The big problem is they haven’t been able to capitalize on those turnovers.

The problem for Cleveland in that regard is with the wide receivers and offensive line. The lack of depth at wide receiver has been shown, with injuries to just about everyone not named Jarvis Landry. The offensive line has been leaky, allowing Baker Mayfield to get hit a ton in his starts. The line has also struggled to block for the running backs thus far, as much of the work has been because the running back makes something out of nothing.

With Carlos Hyde in Jacksonville now, the weight of the running game falls on Nick Chubb. He has to prove now that he can be the feature back. While it came much sooner than his head coach or offensive coordinator may have expected, they have to gameplan to put him in positions to succeed with the rest of this offense.

Next. Hyde trade keeps Hue honest. dark

Overall, I think Cleveland’s defense has an amazing day against this offense. Jameis Winston will throw multiple picks and struggle early and often with this athletic group of defenders. However, I think the offense continues to struggle to find their footing and has to settle for one too many field goals, and one too few touchdowns.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 20 Cleveland- 16

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