Browns Preview 10/6/17: New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE


The 0-4 Cleveland Browns host the 2-2 New York Jets in week five of the NFL season. The Browns are coming off of a terrible loss against the Bengals last week. The Jets on the other hand, are coming off of a overtime win against the Jaguars.


Browns Offense vs Jets Defense

This is going to be an interesting week for the Browns offense. The Browns running game is going up against one of the worst rush defenses in the league. Duke Johnson is going to play a big role this week. Johnson has been the only consistent playmaker on the Browns. Johnson is a weapon in both the running game and the passing game. Johnson is averaging 5.7 yards per carry in only 10 attempts and has two rushing touchdowns. Johnson is also the leading receiver for the Browns with 20 catches through four weeks.

DeShone Kizer has had his ups and downs in four weeks. He also hasn't had much help from his receivers. Kenny Britt has been horrible this season and might be out this week with multiple injuries. Kizer will have a new group of receivers to throw to this week. Ricardo Lewis, Sammie Coates, Kasen Williams, Rashard Higgins, and new Brown Bryce Treggs who was signed off of the Eagles practice squad.

This week its important to be a more balanced offense. Of course, that means the defense has to keep the game close in order to be able to run the ball which is easier said then done.



Browns Defense vs Jets Offense

The return of the Mc...Cown. Yes, Josh McCown will be starting for the Jets. This year McCown has basically been what he's always been. He won't light up the stats but he's a serviceable quarterback who won't win you games but won't necessarily lose them. His leading receiver is Jermaine Kearse and Jeremy Kerely.

The running game is the strength of the Jets and the strength of the Browns defense. The Jets will be running three backs at a time. Bilal Powell is their leader rusher and is spelled by vet Matt Forte and Elijah McGuire. The Jets are ranked eighth in rushing yards per game and the Browns are tied for eighth in the least amount of rushing yards given up per game.

The Browns should finally have Myles Garrett make his season debut this week and will hopefully have Danny Shelton back who missed last week with a calf injury. The Browns are still projected to be without Jamie Collins who is likely to miss his third straight game because of a concussion.







Five Guys To Watch


1. DeShone Kizer: Rookie quarterback will always be someone to watch. I've seen growth from week one, but it is getting a bit hard to grade him with the inconsistent receiver play.

2. Myles Garrett: FINALLY. The number one overall player will play. He will probably have some type of a snap count but its going to be good to see him on the field in Browns and Orange.

3. Joe Schobert: With the Jets strength being able to run the ball. Schobert's ability to stop the run will be extremely important this week. The Browns need to force McCown to beat them.

4. Ricardo Louis: Louis will likely get the start this week with Coleman out and Britt possibly being out because of poor play...Lewis will likely get most of the snaps at receiver and Kizer really needs someone on the outside to step up.

5. Trevon Coley: Coley is going to get most of the snaps at defensive tackle with Shelton coming back from injury. Coley is going to have to set the tone for the run defense to allow guys like Kirko and Schobert to come in and make the play.


Weather Report

Injury Report


Betting Line:  Cleveland -1


Prediction: Browns 24 Jets 23

I know they've burnt me the past couple weeks, but I think the Browns will sneak out a victory on Sunday. Myles Garrett's impact against Josh McCown, who is turnover prone, will be the force to put them over the edge.

Browns Recap 10.31.16: New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE


The Browns fall to 0-8 this year after losing 31-28 against the New York Jets. This game was a tale of two halves.The first where the Browns play really well and look to have the game in control somewhat. And the second half, where they play like a third strings in the preseason. But that's the story of the 2016 Cleveland Browns.

First Half

The Browns played an extremely well-rounded first half leading 20-7.

Offensively the Browns were really good in the passing game. Josh McCown was 16/27 for 228 yards and a touchdown. Terrelle Pryor had six catches for 101 yards and Andrew Hawkins had four catches and one of them was a touchdown. The only down side of the passing game in the first half was Ricardo Lewis who dropped two passes. The offensive line was solid, only allowing one sack and four QB hits. Surprisingly the Browns struggled in the run game. Isaiah Crowell has six carries for only nine yards but did run in a touchdown. Duke Johnson has been a real threat in all areas, he has three catches for 38 yards and three rushes for 29 yards while also returning punts.

Defensively they've had a few problems. Tackling was the main one. They allowed Jets running back Bilal Powell to score a 35 yard touchdown on third and long. Powell broke a few tackles to get into the endzone. Fitzpatrick and the passing game was terrible. He was 3/14 for only 30 yards. A combination of deflected passes by Carl Nassib, dropped passes by Jets wide-outs, and Fitzpatrick being Fitzpatrick is the reason for that. Again it wasn't because the Browns secondary was balling out it was because the Jets couldn't capitalize on the Browns' mistakes.


Second Half

The Browns showed why they are 0-7, getting completely out played in the second half.

Offensively the Browns could only mustard up a touchdown with 12 seconds left in the game. McCown was 9/22 for only 113 yards two interceptions and a touchdown.The first int was a deep shot to Terrelle Pryor where is seemed like they a communication problem. The second was a horrible check down to Duke Johnson, who got his bell rung and the ball popped up for an int inside the Jets 20. The Browns again, couldn't get a consistent running game and were forced to throw because of it and because they fell behind with only a quarter left.

The Browns Defense in the second half was straight trash. They gave up three straight touchdown drives, and 4/5 drives scored points. The first drive was a 12 play for 78 yard drive that ended in an 24 yard catch by Quincy Enunwa. The Second, eight plays for 84 yards that was capped off by a four yard run by Matt Forte on 4th and inches. And then then third was a 13 plays for 81 yards which was again capped off by a Matt Forte touchdown run. The Browns couldn't get pressure on Fitzpatrick so he basically sat in the pocket and picked the Browns secondary apart.


Other Stuff

Statistically, the Browns and Jets were almost identical. But the Jets won two key areas of the game...turnovers & time of possession. The Browns had the two picks and only had the ball for 26:19. The Browns also gave up a few first downs on third and 10+...an area where they've had success.

Team Stats

MV(Brown) of the Game: Terrelle Pryor

Its sad that the MVB of the game was a non-factor in the second half. Yes, he did catch the 2-point conversion. But he did ball out in the first half against Revis who is still a top cover corner in the league.

Browns Preview 10.28.16: New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

The (0-7) Cleveland Browns host the (2-5) New York Jets on this historical weekend. First, it will mark the first time the Cavaliers, Browns, and Indians all play on the same weekend. Second, the Browns will be celebrating the 1986 Browns team. The Jets won last week against the Ravens 24-16 in a game where Geno Smith started and tore his ACL. Which means the Jets will be starting Ryan Fitzpatrick once again. The Browns lost to the Bengals 31-17 and they lost another quarterback...Cody Kessler suffered a concussion and Kevin Hogan made his NFL debut. But this week it looks like Josh McCown will return from his non-throwing shoulder injury.


Browns Offense vs Jets Defense

The Browns game plan this week should be interesting. The Browns will need to keep running the ball. The Jets are ranked second in rush defense, only giving up 75 yards per game. But with McCown starting the Browns can not give up on running the ball, even if the Browns are struggling. Isaiah Crowell is prone to break off a big run and it keeps the defensive line at bay. Also it will be interesting if Hue Jackson spells Kevin Hogan at times to run the read option and throw a few passes.

McCown and the passing game has a chance to be successful, but only if McCown can get the ball out quickly. Gary Barnidge and Duke Johnson should get a ton of targets because McCown needs to get the ball out and not take many hits. Also the quick passes will help Terrelle Pryor get the ball in space and down field just to keep the defense honest.

The most important key for this week is to set up the pass with a consistent running game. They can't expect Josh McCown to win a game for them...heck they can't expect McCown to finish the game let alone win it. But running the ball will keep the our defense off the field and it will open up the passing game in certain spots.


Browns Defense vs Jets Offense

The Browns will need to get pressure on Fitzpatrick. This year he's been extremely turnover prone throwing 11 interceptions and even throwing six of them in one game against the Chiefs. Now its not like he doesn't have any weapons to throw to, Fitzpatrick has Brandon Marshall (who leads the team in targets), Quincy Enunwa (who is leading the team in catches), and Matt Forte out of the back field. The Browns should be able to bait Fitzpatrick into some throws which they will have to take advantage of. Just because Fitzpatrick lost his job last week doesn't mean he is going to stop playing his game, which is throwing the ball into tight spaces and forcing his receivers to make the big play.

The Browns rush defense needs to improve. Last week the Browns almost gave up 300 yards on the ground to Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard. This week they go up against Matt Forte who has been up and down this season, but is coming off of a 100 yard game last week. If the Browns can't stop the run on early downs the Jets will have a field day, because it will prevent the Browns from being aggressive on "passing downs" with the blitz.

On Defense the most important key is to stop the run and force Fitzpatrick to beat them. Fitzpatrick's confidence could be a bit low considering he did not "earn" the starting job back. This has the making of the Miami Dolphins game from earlier this year. The Browns have an unknown at quarterback and will have to rely on the running game. And the Defense will have to force the quarterback into mistake and hope the offense takes advantage of the short field.


Five Guys to Watch

Josh McCown: This choice is pretty obvious. McCown is coming off of an injury, which we don't know how it will affect his play. If McCown can limit the hits he takes the Browns have a solid shot at getting the "W" this week.

Gary Barnidge: Barnidge is McCown's favorite target so again this choice is obvious. Barnidge is a threat in all levels of the field, but I expect him to get a ton of targets but for minimal yards. And that's okay as long as McCown doesn't take unnecessary hits.

Corner Back matching up with Marshall: As of right now, who is starting at cornerback is an unknown. Joe Haden is still nursing an injury and Jamar Taylor was just put on the injury report with a hurt groin. So...who is matched up with B. Marshall is my guy to watch, because Marshall is the top target for the Jets.

Danny Shelton: Shelton is the head of the rush defense and needs to set the tone for this week. Like stated above if the Browns can't stop the run the Jets should have this game in control.

Joe Thomas: Rumors are going around saying Joe Thomas is on the trading block even though Hue Jackson said the Browns are not trading him. But this could be Joe Thomas' last game in a Browns uniform since the trading deadline is this upcoming week. But on the field he needs to anchor the pass protection to keep McCown upright and protect his blind side from taking any direct hits on his non-throwing shoulder.

Injury Report
Weather Report
Betting line: Jets -3



Prediction: Jets 31-21

The Browns will fall to (0-8)...Josh McCown will get hurt...and next week Kevin Hogan will become the 27th different starting QB since 1999. Its just one of those years for the Browns as they "Strive for Imperfection". Could they win this week? Sure but with McCown not 100%, Fitzpatrick playing "pissed off" the odds aren't in their favor. But hey "Any given Sunday...Right?" Go Tribe Go Cavs!!

On The Mark 9.14.15: #Browns v. #Jets Recap

Same Old Browns:  Sloppy, embarrassing Browns drop 11th season opener in a row 31-10 to the Jets
By @MarkW2112

Hello, Browns fans, and welcome to another year of On The Mark Browns recaps.  It was yet another season opening of embarrassing, unprepared Cleveland Browns football, leading to a 31-10 blow out that had a promising start but a horrific, if not utterly predicable, finish for the 11th loss in a row of a season opener.

The Browns first drive on offense had the makings of a surprising day.  Josh McCown was bringing the offense down the field, getting them to near the goal line.  What happened when they got there can only be described as something that only seems to happen to the Browns.  On third-and-goal from the 14 yard line, McCown ran the ball towards the end zone, only to dive about 2 yards too much and getting hit in the head, making him lose the football and spin around mid air.  The fumble was recovered by the Jets in the end zone for a touchback and McCown was literally knocked out of the game with a concussion.

Enter Johnny Manziel, who threw an incredible 54 touchdown pass to Travis Benjamin to make it 7-0.  After that, it was all Jets.  Manziel went on to throw for 182 yards, a touchdown and an interception but also fumbled the ball twice which led to Jets points.

The run game was non existent, as Manziel led all rushers with 35 yards on the ground.  Starter Isaiah Crowell carried 12 times for only 20 yards while rookie Duke Johnson rushed for 22 yards on 7 carries.  It was an ugly day for the receivers who dropped many well thrown balls to them.  The exception was an amazing one handed catch by Brian Hartline while on his back for a first down.  

The Browns defense, which was supposed to be better at stopping the run, did nothing to distance themselves from the awful run defenses of the past.  Chris Ivory had 91 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns while Bilal Powell rushed for 62 yards on 12 carries.  The secondary fared no better, with Joe Haden seeming to have issues with Brandon Marshall all day.  Marshall finished the day with 62 receiving yards and a touchdown.  Eric Decker also had a touchdown for Ryan Fitzpatrick, who seemed to coast along without even being touched by the Browns front line.  Fitzpatrick passed for 179 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception.

My thoughts:  The Browns, as usual, are a mess.  They've lost 11 season openers in a row. The run offense was MIA and the run defense couldn't hold anyone. Josh McCown's ill advised leap in to the end zone sealed the Browns doom.  While Manziel did OK in his absence, he still looks raw and unready to lead the team.  That said, it may be a better option for Mike Pettine to start Manziel for the rest of the season to see what the team has in him.  The Browns will more than likely finish last in the AFC Central so having Johnny start wouldn't really matter at this point.  The biggest disappointment was how unprepared and sloppy the Brown were from start to finish.  It was a disgusting display on both ends of the ball.  And there's still 15 more games to go.  

Player of the game: Ryan Fitzpatrick, who was able to control his mistakes and make the plays when he needed to.

Play of the day: Manziel's 54 yard touchdown pass to Benjamin, his first passing touchdown as a pro.

Play of the day 2: Hartline's amazing 1 handed catch to convert a first down.

Turning point:  McCown's fumble at the goal line which turned the momentum over to the Jets and knocked him out of the game.

Turning Point 2: Tashaun Gipson intercepted a ball from Fitzpatrick but was stripped by Brandon Marshall and recovered at the Browns 2 yard line.  The Jets were able to score and make it 7-7.  Gipson keeps that ball, it may have been a different story.

Next up:  the home opener against the Tennessee Titans at 1 PM next Sunday the 20th.

#Browns Preview 9.11.15: Cleveland Browns @ New York #Jets

Week 1 Is Finally Here
By @mrgroce

Sunday afternoon marks the beginning of another much anticipated season for the Cleveland Browns. After an offseason of constant turmoil, everyone's attention will finally be on football. Week One starts with the Browns traveling to New York to take on the Jets.

In my eyes, these two teams are very similar. You have a first and second year head coach. Both teams feature veteran journeyman starting quarterbacks. Both teams feature tough defenses with exceptional secondaries. The running game for both teams are average. The starting receiving corps of both teams, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker for the Jets, Brian Hartline and Dwayne Bowe for the Browns, feature veteran guys who have had good careers, but are past their primes. This is going to sound pretty obvious, but the winner of this game will be the team that does not turn the ball over and avoids penalties in bad situations. There are some teams that can get away with both, but the Browns and the Jets aren't those teams.

The Browns seem to enter this contest with the most questions. If McCown goes down, is Johnny healthy enough to take over? If Isaiah Crowell is unproductive, can Shaun Draughn, if brought up from the practice squad, help or can Duke Johnson stay on the field long enough to make an impact? Will the receivers help take the pressure off of the running game? Will the offense stay on the field long enough to give the defense a rest?

As you can see, all of my questions come at the expense of the offense. The Browns are 1-15 in season openers since returning in 1999 and I have a hard time seeing them pull this one out on the road. I hope I'm wrong.





Prediction: Jets 20 - Browns 16

What: Cleveland Browns at New York Jets
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Time: 1pm EST
TV/Radio: CBS, WKNR/Cleveland 850, WKRK/Cleveland 92.3 The Fan, WNCX 98.5

Leadoff with Lee 8.12.15 #GenoSmith #Jets #Browns

By @cleeverizon

- New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith will miss 6-10 weeks after suffering a broken jaw from the hand of IK Enemkpali.

Sources inside the locker room say the backup linebacker, Enemkpali, organized a youth football camp and charity in Texas last month. He invited Geno to attend and even put his face on the flyer. Enemkpali paid $600 for Smith's plane ticket. Problems arose when Smith did not show to the camp, which took place days after someone close to Smith died in a motorcycle accident in Miami. 

Smith told Enemkpali he would reimburse him the money, but he had not as of Tuesday morning. Enkempali confronted Smith about the money, and the confrontation ended in a punch and a broken jaw. Veteran cornerback Darrell Revis stated "I hold both players responsible, just how it all played out in the end”.

Enkempali was immediately released from the team and issued a apology:

Geno Smith will have surgery potentially in the next few days.The Jets have no imminent plan at this time to workout quarterbacks Rex Grossman or Matt Flynn, as they have been rumored. But there have been reports the Jets have reached out to veteran quarterback Tyler Thigpen who may workout Friday.

Although Geno Smith hasn't made a final decision, but the early indication is that he'll won't pursue a civil suit against IK Enemkpali.

-Browns HC Mike Pettine has acknowledged that the team has discussed signing troubled free agent running back Ray Rice in a interview with Sports Illustrated's Don Banks. Browns RB coach Wilbert Montgomery was the Ravens RB coach for six years.

“We’ve talked about it, but I don’t think we’re there at this point,” Pettine said.

In my opinion, if the injuries linger and no one steps their game up, you will see Ray Rice in a Browns uniform. And he won't cost them a lot of money since he has so much to prove after the horrific fight with his wife.

- Browns Training Camp Notes:

Johnny Manziel did not throw in practice yesterday. QB's coach Kevin O'Connell said "He had some stiffness and soreness in his elbow" Manziel is still expected to play Thursday against Washington.

Joe Thomas did not practice after Danny Shelton rolled up on his knee on Monday. Mike Pettine said it was Thomas' scheduled day off and probably will not play on Thursday vs. Washington. Pettine also said that no MRI was done on Thomas, but said he should be fine.

Those who did not practice yesterday and will not play Thursday against Washington include: Cornerbacks Pierre Desir and Robert Nelson, Wide Receivers Dwayne Bowe and Terrelle Pryor,and lastly Running Backs Duke Johnson and Shaun Draughn.

- Single-game tickets went on sale yesterday for four Browns home games:

Week 3 vs. Oakland
Week 12 vs. Baltimore
Week 14 vs. San Francisco
Week 17 vs. Pittsburgh

The other 4 home games, Week 2 vs. Tennessee, Week 6 vs. Denver, Week 8 vs. Arizona and Week 13 vs. Cincinnati, go on sale today at 10 am. Very limited supply.

FYI: The Browns-Steelers game in Week 17 has not sold out yet, but the cheapest available seats are in Section 508 (upper level) for $97.75 each.

- The 2016 NFL Draft, from April 28-30, will once again be held in Chicago.

- While LeBron James may not decide if he will play for Team USA until after this upcoming season, USA Basketball’s Jerry Colangelo says LeBron James has a spot on team if he decides to play. James has a chance of becoming the first player to represent the U.S. Olympic team on four different teams.

- Kevin Love says he'll be back on the court in 7-10 days. Not sure yet when he can face full contact but should be ready for camp. The three-time All-Star averaged 16.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game last season. 

TV Tonight 9.22.14

By @neveRWilliams

NFL
Monday Night Countdown (ESPN, 6 PM)
Bears @ Jets (ESPN, 8:15 PM)

MLB
Royals @ Indians (STO, 7 PM)

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WWE Raw (USA, 8 PM)
The Voice, SEASON PREMIERE (NBC, 8 PM)
Dancing With The Stars (ABC, 8 PM)
Gotham, SERIES PREMIETE (FOX, 8 PM)
The Big Bang Theory, SEASON PREMIERE (CBS, 8 & 8:30 PM)

Sleepy Hollow, SEASON PREMIERE (FOX, 9 PM)
Scorpion, SERIES PREMIERE (CBS, 9 PM)
America's Next Top Model (The CW, 9 PM)
Dallas, SEASON FINALE (TNT, 9 PM)

The Blacklist, SEASON PREMIERE (NBC, 10 PM)
Forever, SERIES PREMIERE (ABC, 10 PM)
Under The Dome, SEASON FINALE (CBS, 10 PM)