The Cleveland Browns take on the Washington Commanders Sunday. With the Browns season in jeopardy, they look to take a game away from the impressive looking Commanders. If the offensive line continues to play how it has this season, don’t expect much of an offense. Nick Chubb, James Hudson, and Jordan Hicks are out this week. In good news, Nick Chubb should be good to suit up next week against Philly. David Njoku, Jack Conklin, Jedrick Wills and Michael Dunn are questionable for this week.
The story, yet again, is for the offensive line to protect Deshaun Watson, who was not the biggest issue in the loss last week. Washington’s defense has given up 10 passing touchdowns this season, most in the NFL, while being last in defensive interceptions, tied with the Browns, Jaguars, and Titans. If Nick Chubb was back, it would be huge because the Commander’s defense is giving up the second most yards per carry at 5.2, right behind the Bills.
Onto the opponent’s offense, which put up 42 points last week against the Cardinals. They have many key players who have been dominant this season. A few of those names include rookie Jayden Daniels, Brian Robinson Jr., Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown, and Zach Ertz. Biggest key to victory: stop Jayden Daniels. He has been not only the best rookie QB this season, by far, but one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He has more scoring drives this season than incompletions. His best game of the season came almost two weeks ago when the Commanders played the Bengals. Daniels threw for 254 yards, two touchdowns, ran for 39 yards and a touchdown, and a crazy 91.3 completion percentage. The defensive line needs to contain him from scrambling and keep him in the pocket. The Browns road defense this year, as well as last, has not been good, and will need to create looks that can confuse the rookie.
The offense will need to attack through the air. The passing game is a key part not only to win, but for Deshaun Watson to get into a groove. His struggles start with the offensive line, which I have said numerous times. A healthy line changes this offense, but you can only do with what you have. Amari Cooper will need to wear super glue on his gloves this game to avoid any more drops this season, and Elijah Moore needs to see some passes his way. Jerry Jeudy was quiet last game, so look for him to have a solid game. Watson needs to continue to distribute the ball around, and the running game will need to at least be present enough to set up a successful passing game.
Browns @ Commanders Sunday @ 1pm on FOX
