The Cleveland Browns missed out on a golden opportunity to get a leg up in the division when they lost to Pittsburgh on Monday night. But the AFC is still wide open as Deshaun Watson and the offense (with the help of Kareem Hunt) will look to get on the same page Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. Watson talked on Thursday about how he believes it is just a matter of when not if they will figure it out.
They will face a Tennessee secondary that struggled in the first two weeks against the past and presents a good opportunity for Watson and the Browns. But the Titans’ defensive line is pretty good and the matchup of center Ethan Pocic and guard Wyatt Teller against Jeffery Simmons is going to be a scary one for Cleveland.
Buy Browns TicketsBut another week where the Browns’ defense should be able to win the battle in the trenches. Ryan Tannehill at times can hold onto the ball a little too long with a slower delivery. Here are three bold predictions that I believe will come true as the Browns look for win number two.
Kareem Hunt will score in his return to Cleveland
It’s impossible to replace Nick Chubb, he’s the best running back in the league, but Kareem Hunt is a great goal-line option. His power running style in the read zone as well as his ability to catch out of the backfield is a good combo.
The Browns will probably limit Hunt’s touches in his first game especially as they have said Jerome Ford will remain the starter. But in the red zone where he is most valuable Hunt could get an opportunity to power one into the endzone on the goal line.
The Browns defense will hold Derrick Henry under 100 yards
The difference in this year’s run defense from last year couldn’t be any bigger. The rebuilding of the defensive tackle room has worked out perfectly so far in the first two games as the Browns have shut down the run. Shelby Harris, a late signing during training camp, has been great for his new team.
The Titans offensive line is better at run blocking than pass protecting but they still are outmatched by the Browns. The linebacker room has been able to show how good they can be with the improved front keeping them clean so they can play fast and aggressively shutting the run down.
Deshaun Watson will not turn the ball over
It hasn’t been a good start to the season for the Browns’ franchise quarterback who hasn’t shown the magic he had when he was in Houston. Watson knows that he must play better and assures fans that he knows it will eventually click. He doesn’t have to be Superman with the way the defense is playing but he has to cut down the turnovers.
I think that Watson will be more cautious this week and rely on his leagues if he continues to struggle to see the field. Kevin Stefanski may put the training wheels back on and try to call a simpler and safer set of plays on Sunday.
