Who will be the Browns breakout star in Week 4?

The Cleveland Browns suffered injuries at two key linebacker positions in Week 3. Someone needs to fill the void, but who will answer the call? 

The Cleveland Browns caught the injury bug on Thursday Night Football.

Significant players on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball went down during their win over Pittsburgh. The defense was hit particularly hard with injuries to both Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Anthony Walker. It’s clear the defense needs someone to step up this week.

Jacob Phillips poised to shine for Browns in Week 4

If the Browns want to be successful this week against the Atlanta Falcons, their backups will have to step into the void. But Jacob Phillips is poised to fill the void left by Walker. Maybe not in terms of leadership, but Phillips can make plays that Walker could not.

Phillips is exactly the type of player the Andrew Berry-led front office likes. He is fast, athletic, and has a history of making plays in college. He fits exactly what this defense wants to accomplish. But he has yet to do it at the NFL level.

In the past two seasons, Phillips has shown the potential to be a starter in the NFL. He has the right skill set to succeed but injuries have held him back. Phillips now has an opportunity to step into the starting role and prove he belongs.

This week, the Browns will face an Atlanta Falcons team with a top-10 offensive line. With the recent incident with Myles Garrett and injuries to others on the defensive line, it will be on the linebackers this week to get off blocks and make plays. If the Browns are going to be able to shut down the Falcons’ offense, they will need a good performance from Phillips who is poised to break out.

The mantra of the NFL is “Next man up”. Phillips is the next man up at middle linebacker. Now it is his time to shine.