Even though the Cleveland Browns are 1-4 going into their matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6, they still have a chance to win in the very competitive AFC North. The Pittsburgh Steelers are too injured to continue their current level of success, while the Cincinnati Bengals are 1-4 under Joe Burrow’s leadership. The Baltimore Ravens appear to be the clear favorite club in the division.
Having said all of that, Deshaun Watson is the key to the Browns’ success. He had multiple chances to get Cleveland going last week, including clear pockets and open receivers, but he was unable to make easy readings or decisions. After making a couple stops that prevented the Browns from scoring, the defense appeared to run out of steam in the second half.
Although the Eagles are a strong team, their defense has been lacking, giving up 128.8 running yards and a poor 237.0 passing yards per game. Against this Philadelphia defense, Watson might be able to surpass 200 passing yards, something he hasn’t done yet this season.
This brings us to our three audacious Browns predictions for Week 6 of the NFL.
1. Watson makes two touchdown passes to Amari Cooper.
Given that Watson is now the NFL’s worst starting quarterback statistically, it may be a long shot to expect him to put it together this season. However, Watson can actually get going against an Eagles defense that gave up 347 passing yards to former Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and 241 passing yards to Kirk Cousins. This would be the best course of action if the organization is also attempting to raise Amari Cooper’s trade worth as the deadline approaches.
2. Two of the Browns’ points will come from turnovers.
This season, the Browns have forced five turnovers with one pick and four fumbles, while the Eagles have committed eight: four interceptions and four fumbles. Saquon Barkley will make it difficult to force fumbles, but at least the defense can force some errors out of Jalen Hurts. The team’s offense hasn’t been very good thus far, and he hasn’t been as quick with the ball as he was in past seasons. Myles Garrett is likely to attempt to pressure Hurts into making rash choices.
3. Cleveland will gain more yards from rushes than passes.
Finding success with their run game has been a major problem for Cleveland this season while they wait for Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines to return. Despite their best efforts, Jerome Ford and D’Onta Foreman have not been able to consistently find running openings in this O-line. Cleveland is now the seventh-worst team in the NFL in terms of total rushing yards as a result.
But the Browns have only averaged 96.6 rushing yards per game this season, while this Philadelphia D-line has given up 128 rushing yards a game. If Ford and Foreman are healthy, I would want to see them receive a lot of carries to wear out the Eagles’ defense and establish a running game that can relieve some of the strain on the passing game. The Browns should have a little over 200 rushing yards, in my opinion.
Final Decision on Nick Chubb’s Status for Eagles Match Made by the Browns.
Nick Chubb’s return to the starting lineup will have to wait another week for the Cleveland Browns.
Chubb is not expected to play in the Browns’ Week 6 game against the Philadelphia Eagles as he continues to acclimate to life back to practice.
On Friday, October 11, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated, “I’m not going to get into how close, those type of things, other than to say he’s getting better every single day.” “And Nick has the mindset, which we definitely support, so we’ll just go day-to-day and concentrate on his goals out there. Additionally, it takes place in places like the weight room, conference room, and practice field. He is still very much living in the present.
On October 2, Chubb’s window of 21 days to be added to the active roster began. Next week, he will get the chance to play against the Cincinnati Bengals. For the Browns, it will be a must-win divisional game; but, given their 1-4 start, every game after that may be considered a “must-win”
Stefanski remarked, “I think he’s just getting better every single day.” “I believe he’s performing admirably on the scout team and when he gets some reps with the offense. He therefore just keeps improving every day.
Browns’ Offense Needs Improvement After a Poor Start
The Browns will still look on Pierre Strong Jr., D’Onta Foreman, and Jerome Ford to lead the way now that Chubb is out of the picture. Even though he recently resumed practicing, veteran Nyheim Hines won’t be fit for the game.
To ignite the Browns’ offense on the offensive end of the ball. Cleveland is scoring just 15.8 points per game through five weeks, and they rank last in yards per game (239.4).
Ken Dorsey, the offensive coordinator for the Browns, stated this week, “I think that the players are focused on one thing and that is going out and being successful this week.” “And I believe that succeeding this week in our endeavors is what matters most to us. And I believe that our guys have bought into it. That is the building’s buy-in, and that is what we are concentrating on at this moment, regardless of whether it is today, tomorrow, Saturday, or Sunday. We have this week as our primary objective, and that is to win this football game.
Browns Continue to Support Deshaun Watson in the Face of Adversity
Another move that many have called for Cleveland to make is starting Jameis Winston instead of quarterback Deshaun Watson, which would serve as a spark for the Browns. However, the Browns are not giving up and do not currently have any plans to sit Watson.
“I think it’s clear that we have a lot of faith in Deshaun. We need everyone to improve on the offensive end of the ball, in my opinion. It goes beyond just “pointing the finger at one person,” according to Dorsey. “All of us, coaches and players, need to improve.”
This season, Watson has passed for 852 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions. He has had an NFL-high 26 sacks.
Watson will try to improve the situation when playing the Eagles. According to ESPN BET, Cleveland is a 9.5-point underdog in this game.
