Browns Preview 9/22/17: Cleveland Browns @ Indianapolis Colts

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

In week three of the NFL season the (0-2) Cleveland Browns travel to Indianapolis to take on the
(0-2) Colts. Last week the Browns lost 24-10 to the Ravens. The Colts lost to the Cardinals 16-13 in overtime. The Colts are without Andrew Luck and will be starting Jacoby Brissett, who they acquired from the Patriots in the preseason.


Browns Offense vs Colts Defense

The Browns offense has struggled in the first two weeks. The Browns running game isn't were it should be and it might struggle again this week. The Browns are 25th in the league in rushing and the Colts defense is ranked seventh stopping the run. Isaiah Crowell needs to improve going forward or his carries will likely decrease going forward. The Browns need some type of a running game to get going in order to project Kizer and the lack of weapons in the passing game.

Just like the previous two weeks, Kizer needs to get the ball out a lot quicker and make better decisions. Last week Kizer threw three picks and had a fumble. Fortunately for him this week, the Colts defense gave up over 300 yards passing in the first two weeks. So this might be a great time for Kizer to have a breakout game and notch his for career victory.

But it's not just on Kizer. The receivers have struggled in the first two weeks also. And with Corey Coleman out for the next eight weeks, the Browns need someone to step up like Rashard Higgins did last week. Kenny Britt is the elder-statesman of the group and has to prove he's worth his contract. Ricardo Lewis has played well at times but has his issues like any young receiver. And guys that were brought in to make an impact, Sammie Coates and Kasen Williams need to play more of a role. Hopefully with more reps with Kizer and knowing the playbook they can see an increase of a role on offense. And let's not forget that the Browns signed Jordan Leslie to the practice squad this week, and he could potentially be brought up to the active roster before Sunday's game.



Browns Defense vs Colts Offense

The Colts and Browns offense vs defense are basically identical. The Colts are going with a young quarterback in Jacoby Brissett who is basically their long-term backup going forward when Andrew Luck gets healthy. The Colts passing game hasn't been good to start the year. Heck, the Colts are already on their second quarterback to start the young season, Scott Tolzien started for them week one against the Rams. Last week Brissett only averaged 5.8 yards per attempt going 20/37 from the field for 216 yards and an interception.

Don't sleep on the weapons Brissett has at his disposal. T.Y. Hilton is a top receiver in the league. Jack Doyle is a solid tight end, and in the slot a combination of Donte Moncrief and Kamar Aiken could give the Browns defense some fits. There is also some speculation that number one overall pick Myles Garrett could make his season debut this week. He is out of a walking boot and riding the stationary bike during practice. The Browns could be without linebacker Jamie Collins who is in the NFL's concussion protocol.

The running game for the Colts is non-existent. Frank Gore is their leading back at 34 year old and has 88 yards in two games. The Colts also use former Brown Robert Turbin out of the backfield and rookie Marlon Mack to spell Gore at times.



Five Guys to Watch

DeShone Kizer: Kizer had a terrible game last week. It's just that simple. This week is another week for him to prove himself again. To show everyone he can rebound after a terrible start and play well against a team that is beatable.

Duke Johnson: Johnson returned to the backfield last week after spending week one in the slot as a receiver. With a lot of talk of Crowell wanting carries to prove himself, don't sleep on Duke Johnson. If Crowell can't get the job done, it might be time for the Browns to give Johnson more carries going forward.

James Burgess Sr: This one is pretty simple. If Jamie Collins can't go this week, Burgress is inline to start in place of him. Burgess has played fairly well in the first two week and maybe this an opportunity to show the Browns who he is.

I don't really have five specific players to watch this week, so I am combining number four and five and just saying the wide receivers in general. Someone needs to step up. Whether its Kenny Britt, Sammie Coates, or one of the young guys. The Browns lack of receivers aren't helping Kizer at all.


Weather Report: It doesn't matter...The Colts play inside...

Injury Report: 

Betting Line (As of 9/21/17): Browns -1.5


Final Prediction: Browns 17 Colts 14

Yes, I'm picking the Browns again this week. I think Kizer will do just enough to keep the Browns ahead but it is going to be the defense making a big play and either scoring points or setting up the Offense with a short field. Also I think Hue Jackson's playcalling will be improved this week because the Browns won't have to play from behind as much, if at all, this week.