Browns-Jets weather forecast puts even more pressure on Quinshon Judkins to perform

With three consecutive wins under their belts, we’re about to see how the Cleveland Browns handle adversity — weather adversity, that is.

According to Bet MGM, it’s been over 300 days since the New York Jets have played a home game at MetLife Stadium with it raining. 

The forecast for East Rutherford, New Jersey, during the daytime hours on Sunday? Rain. And a lot of it.

The Browns have had extra time to prepare for the Jets after playing on Thursday Night Football last week, but all of that prep could be null and void by the time this game kicks off. According to weather.com, there’s a 100 percent chance of rain for the area, courtesy of Hurricane Isaias, with periods of heavy rain and a half-inch of rainfall possible.

The 3-1 Browns are somewhat surprising road underdogs for this matchup against the one-win Jets, and the home-field advantage on that soggy MetLife turf might be part of the reason.

Todd Monken has every reason to finally lean on the Browns' struggling run game

As of Friday afternoon, BetMGM had the Browns listed as a 2-point underdog against the Jets. The total for Sunday’s game was set at an even 40.

If we get the forecasted rain-soaked conditions, ball security and the ability to run the football could be the deciding factor in the Browns extending their winning streak.

Cleveland’s rushing attack has left much to be desired entering Week 5. The Browns rank 28th in the NFL in EPA (expected points added) per rush, according to SumerSports, and are 25th in the league with a 3.7 yards-per-carry average — a stat that’s been propped up by Deshaun Watson’s scrambles and a 28-yard touchdown rush from Jaleel McLaughlin on his lone snap of the Steelers game.

Judkins is barely averaging 3.0 yards per carry on the season (177 yards on 59 attempts), but this Jets game offers an opportunity for a breakout.

The Jets have been efficient against the rush, ranking ninth in EPA, but they’re still giving up the eighth-most yards per game on average. In wet conditions where footing could become an issue, especially for defensive linemen and linebackers looking to get off blocks, the Browns should be able to find some success on the ground in this game. 

If Monken can’t get the running game going in this one, it might be time to start panicking.

The Browns have been using one of the highest shotgun rates in football — 72.1%, per Sharp Football Analysis — to help mitigate some of their struggles in the run game. Watson has done a fine job running the quick passing game, extending plays, and scrambling when given an opening. 

Heavy rainfall doesn’t feel like an ideal spot to keep the ball in the quarterback’s hands, though. This should be a big — and telling — Judkins game as Cleveland looks to establish itself as the more physical team on Sunday.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow