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5 Cleveland Browns to watch vs. the Texans

By Greg Newland

Oct 25, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrate the come from behind victory in the waning seconds against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2020; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) celebrate the come from behind victory in the waning seconds against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Jacob Phillips, Linebacker

Cleveland’s third-round pick linebacker from LSU, Jacob Phillips, has only been on the field three games this year as he continues to nurse a knee injury. Phillips was able to return to practice after the bye week and is expected to play on Sunday vs. the Texans.

The linebackers have been a problem spot all season as the group continues to be picked on in the run and passing game by each opponent. Mack Wilson has continued to look slow after the knee injury in training camp and B.J. Goodson and Sione Takitaki are just not ready to be every-down linebackers in the NFL. They will make a play here and there for you but give up more big plays than they make.

That puts a lot of pressure on Phillips, but he has the chance to be a shining star as a rookie. He is athletic enough to play side to side and is as sure of a tackler as anyone else on the team. Fans are tired of watching the six to eight-yard runs every handoff, followed by a pass over the middle for 12 yards on third and eight.

Fans should know quickly how healthy Phillips really is. The first thing to watch will be, does he get the start. With Wilson getting healthier and healthier, he may not. But let’s hope he will see the field on at least 30 snaps. If we only see Phillips for a limited number of snaps, the knee could be a lingering issue for the rest of the season.

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