The Cleveland Browns are looking for their first 2-0 start since 1993, here are 5 reasons they will beat the New York Jets this Sunday.
In Week 1, the Cleveland Browns finally snapped their 18-year week one losing streak when they beat the Panthers on Cade York’s walk-off field goal. They may not be done snapping streaks when Sunday they could get their first 2-0 start since before the return in 1999.
No opponents should ever be taken lightly in the NFL but here are five reasons the Browns will beat the Jets to move to 2-0.
5 reasons the Browns will beat the New York Jets
No. 5: Talent at defensive back
One of the deepest positions on the Browns roster is their cornerback room led by the duo of Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome — one of the league’s best starting corps. This group faces Jets quarterback Joe Flacco who is well past his prime and isn’t playing great football at his current age. The Jets have talent at wide receivers, though Corey Davis has struggled since signing in New York, and with Flacco, at quarterback against these corners, it isn’t likely he will have success in this outing.
According to Pro Football Reference in Week 1 against the Panthers, Ward allowed one reception on five targets for 26 yards. Newsome had some communication issues that allowed a few big plays but will be ready to bounce back. Rookie Martin Emerson who has stepped into the third corner role showed he was ready for the NFL showing a ton of physicality and impressive coverage skills.
No. 4: Elite Offensive line play
Though the Browns were missing starting right tackle Jack Conklin and his backup Chris Hubbard, their offensive line still showed it was one of the best in the league. Second-year tackle James Hudson looked like a different player compared to what he showed as a rookie.
After being drafted in the fourth round as a developmental player, he was forced into playing time last year. After showing some improvements at the end of the season he took a big step forward in Week 1.
Wyatt Teller continues to show that he is one of the best guards in the entire NFL. He just mauls players in the pass game opening holes for the Browns’ great rushing attack. If they are to beat the Jets with their backup quarterback they will need this offensive line to continue to pave the way.
No. 3: Two top 10 running backs
How do you take advantage of having an elite-level offensive line? You pair that with one of the best backfields in the league. Nick Chubb continues to make it look easy his vision at the position is some of the best we have seen in Cleveland in a long time. If there is a hole to be exploited for a big gain Chubb will find it.
Kareem Hunt provides a different, more physical style to change it up when Chubb needs a break. Hunt could be a starter on a majority of teams in the league and his ability to lineup as a wide receiver as well makes this duo one of the best in the game.
No. 2: Myles Garrett vs. backup tackle
Myles Garrett looked like he took it to yet another level last week against the Panthers with his two sacks and a forced fumble he nearly recovered. There aren’t enough words to express just how good Garrett was as he looks like someone who really wants his impact to be felt.
Now he gets an aging Joe Flacco who isn’t very mobile and a left tackle that just go moved from the right side due to injury. This matchup has a similar feeling to the Week 3 game last year against the Bears when Garrett finished with 4.5 of the team’s 9 sacks. Those things considered Garrett has a chance to break the team’s all-time sack record if he records multiple sacks Sunday.
No. 1: More talent across the board
The Browns aren’t loaded at every position but when you compare group by group against the Jets they just have more talent. New York struggled to score last week and this week will likely be no different due to a lack of talent on the line and at the quarterback position.
They were unable to consistently move the ball and though they slowed Baltimore’s running attack they let up several explosive plays in the passing game.
The Browns can’t just show up and expect to win this game but if they come prepared and ready to play they will beat the Jets and move to 2-0.