5 Bold predictions for Cleveland Browns in Week 5 vs. the Indianapolis Colts
By Greg Newland
3. A surprising rookie steps up big
Browns fans (myself included) expected huge things from second-year linebacker Mack Wilson this year. After a strong rookie year, and with new defensive coordinator Joe Woods, some predicted a pro-bowl appearance. Unfortunately, a training camp injury will have to keep those dreams for next season.
While Wilson has played minimal snaps in the last two weeks, he just doesn’t look to be ready for game action. However, that has opened the door for rookie linebacker Jacob Phillips. Now when you mention LSU linebackers from the national championship team, many just remember Patrick Queen. When in fact, Phillips led the team in tackles last season.
Phillips was hurt week one vs. Baltimore but returned for a fair amount of snaps last week vs. the Cowboys and showed a lot of promise. The biggest surprise was how strong he was in pass coverage, especially in zone coverage.
With another week to heal and develop, look for Phillips to be a big part of the defensive game plan on Sunday vs. the Colts. Rookie running back Jonathan Taylor has had a strong start to his NFL career, and the Browns will have to focus on stopping the run.
Look for Phillips to be flying around the field and making impactful plays to help the Browns defense get off the field on third down. With Phillips’s ability to cover running backs out of the backfield, look for Woods to really open up the blitz package as well to get after veteran quarterback Phillip Rivers.