Written by: Jake Leicht
Preview
The New York Jets will come into Cleveland on Thursday night as one of the biggest surprises in the NFL. Many experts believed that the Jets would struggle this season due to a lack of experience and playmaking ability. Sam Darnold has surpassed all expectations thus far while leading an offense full of young talents to some early season success. Defensively, the Jets are led by defensive lineman Leonard Williams and safety Jamal Adams. The Browns could easily be 2-0 if a couple of breaks would have went their way. They recently dropped placekicker Zane Gonzalez, who missed several big kicks through two games. Cleveland is led by their opportunistic defense that has forced a league high seven turnovers in weeks 1 and 2. The question is whether or not Tyrod Taylor can move the ball against the Jets on Thursday night.
Players to watch
I am eager to see if Myles Garrett can get some pressure on Sam Darnold early on in the game. Garrett is one of the most physically gifted pass rushers in the NFL, and he will need to get Darnold off of his spot to force him to make plays down the field. If the Browns give Darnold time to find Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson in the Jets’ vertical passing game, that is a recipe for disaster. Offensively, I look for the Browns to attack the middle of the field with David Njoku and Duke Johnson. With safety Marcus Maye doubtful, the Browns have to make the Jets pay in the passing game. Njoku could have his first breakout game of the 2018 season.
Keys to the game
New York Jets
Stop the run
Force Tyrod to win it with his arm in the pocket
Get Darnold in rhythm early
Cleveland Browns
Get to Darnold with a 4-man rush
Win the turnover battle
Schematically create opportunities down the field
Injury list
New York Jets
Josh Martin, LB - Concussion (Out)
Marcus Maye, S- Foott (Doubtful)
Neal Sterling, TE - Concussion (Out)
Cleveland Browns
Seth DeValve, TE - Hamstring (Out)
Christian Kirksey, LB - Shoulder (Doubtful)
Jarvis Landry, WR- Knee (Questionable)
Emmanuel Ogbah, DE - Ankle (Out)
Damarious Randall, S- Heel (Questionable)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Jarvis Landry, WR (CLE)
Carlos Hyde, RB (CLE)
David Njoku, TE (CLE)
Quincy Enunwa, WR (NYJ)
Isaiah Crowell, RB (NYJ)
Prediction
This is the night for which the city of Cleveland has been waiting. The Browns will have all kinds of opportunities to get to Darnold, as their defensive line should overwhelm the Jets’ offensive line. Tyrod should be able to manipulate the pocket enough for his playmakers to get open against the Jets’ average secondary. If Cleveland can continue its ability to take the ball away from opposing offenses, Browns fans should finally be able to enjoy the free Bud Light coolers that will open as soon as the Browns win their first game of the season.
Final Score: Cleveland 27, New York 17