5 Bold predictions for Cleveland Browns vs. the Jets

3. Nightmare tandem at defensive end

Star defensive end Myles Garrett has publicly admitted that he hasn’t fully recovered from having COVID-19. While he isn’t contagious and is over the virus, his breathing just hasn’t returned to normal. Because of that he has been limited on snaps and doesn’t always have the same burst. The good news for Browns fans, Garrett at 90 percent is better than most at 100 percent, and he has still been dominant.

The real welcomed surprise is the evolution of Olivier Vernon who has been a monster the last seven weeks. In fact, Vernon has seven sacks in his last seven games and has also done a tremendous job in helping set the edge vs. the run game. Vernon looks healthy and agile and has likely earned himself a major payday for next season when he becomes a free agent.

Don’t expect anything to be different this week vs. the Jets as they will likely be in a lot of passing situations if the Browns offense continues to dominate like it has the last three weeks. Vernon and Garrett will likely have an open season on Sam Darnold who can be known to hold the ball an extra second at times to try and make a play.

Look for Garrett and Vernon to combine for two and a half sacks, and one of those to be a strip-sack which will lead to a huge momentum swing. While the Jets will work to double team and chip, it’s nearly impossible to double each on the same play which will be trouble for Darnold and his crew.