5 Bold predictions for Cleveland Browns in Week 2 vs. Bengals

2. Takitaki records his first career pick

One of the few bright spots on the day for the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 was Sione Takitaki. As noted by our own Cory Kinnan, the starting strongside linebacker was excellent at setting the edge in the run game and helped contain Lamar Jackson — which is no easy task. Also no easy task will be keeping Joe Burrow in check.

Burrow won’t be confused with Jackson but he did play very well in his debut game both through the air and on the ground. Burrow finished with 193 yards passing on 23-of-36 attempts while adding 46 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

In Week 2, he’s going to bring that same improvisational skillset to the field and Takitaki will be relied heavily upon to slow the rookie down. Not only will he be up o the task in the run game, but look for him to take a step forward by recording his first career pick in this one.

For the Browns to be able to secure their first win of the season, they’re going to need their defense to rise to the occasion. While we know players such as Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward will do their part, getting a game-changing play from Takitaki could be the shot in the arm they need to get this side of the ball on track.