The Cleveland Browns got another thrilling victory over the Indianapolis Colts last week when Kareem Hunt punched it in from the one-yard line for a 39-38 win. That win had much to do with a superhuman effort from defensive end Myles Garrett that got him tabbed as the AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Now the team heads out west into one of the toughest places to play to face the Seahawks in Seattle.
The team will again turn to backup P.J. Walker as Deshaun Watson continues to recover from his shoulder injury. Walker hasn’t been great but the offensive line and running game have gradually gotten better if he can limit turnovers they may be able to tread water in Seattle.
No matter what the team will need a strong showing from the defense if they want to extend the winning streak to three games. Myles Garrett had a phenomenal game last week if the defense can replicate what they did against the 49ers a couple of weeks ago they could find some success and extend the streak.
Here are this week’s bold predictions as the Browns look to conquer the 12th man in Seattle.
Myles Garrett builds his DPOY resume with 2 more sacks
Seattle’s offensive line has allowed 79 pressures this season but only nine sacks through their first six games. But the way Myles Garrett has been playing lately suggests he will be able to finish the deal on Geno Smith this week. Jim Schwartz continues to move him around and create mismatches and Garrett has capitalized on them.
With the rest of the defensive line playing really well it just feels like the team will continue to frustrate offensive lines and create negative plays. The defense knows they have to help the offense out to create short fields and with how Garrett is playing that shouldn’t be an issue on Sunday.
Pierre Strong Jr. will score two touchdowns in Ford's absence
I have been calling for the Browns to get Pierre Strong Jr. more carries for weeks and with Jerome Ford’s injury he may finally get his shot. In limited snaps so far he has shown the explosion and speed that make him a big play threat. He is a reliable receiver out of the backfield who can make something out of nothing in open space.
Kareem Hunt is battling injury as well so giving a bigger workload to Strong Jr. just makes sense. The offense needs a spark with P.J. Walker struggling outside of a few drives and I believe that Strong Jr. can give them that if the offensive line continues to play better like they have the last two games.
Dustin Hopkins will extend the record hitting another 50+ yard field goal
Dustin Hopkins set an NFL record last week by making a 50-yard field goal or longer in five straight games. It has been one of Andrew Berry’s best off-season moves bringing in Hopkins for a seventh-round pick. He takes so much pressure off of the offense knowing they have a reliable kicker to count on when they can’t get it in the endzone.
As I have already said the offense is struggling to sustain drives and will likely turn to Hopkins from deep again. Though he may not remain perfect from over 50, I do think he will make another big kick that could help the team extend the winning streak.
