Thursday Night Football comes to Cleveland this week as the Browns matchup with the New York Jets looking to clinch a playoff berth. On paper, the Browns should be able to win easily as quarterback Joe Flacco and wide receiver Amari Cooper look to continue their connection, but they can’t just expect to show up and win.
The Jets play hard and still have a solid defense. Last week, the offense was even able to put up a decent amount of points.
The pass rush for the Browns should be able to make it a long day for Jets quarterback Trevor Siemian behind an offensive line that has struggled. This week would be a great chance to figure out the run game against a Jets defense that often gets worn down in the second half because of the offensive struggles.
Kevin Stefanski’s team has refused to give up and truly embodies the “go 1-0 this week” mentality they keep preaching. In the end, I believe the Browns will finalize their playoff birth with a win over the Jets.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah will have an interception for the third straight game
What a season it has been for third-year linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in Jim Schwartz’s defense. He has made an impact as a run defender, in coverage, and as a pass rusher with 3.5 sacks on the season. In the last couple of weeks, he has found himself in the right place at the right time to grab a couple of interceptions.
Getting the green dot last week is a big step for the young linebacker and shows the confidence the coaching staff has in him. It will be another great day for the young linebacker as he helps the Browns get their 11th win.
Flacco to Cooper connection continues with another 100+ yards receiving for Cooper
The chemistry between Joe Flacco and Amari Cooper has been fun to watch, especially with the record-breaking performance against the Texans. Flacco is at his best when he is throwing the ball to a spot on the field where he expects his pass catcher to be. Timing routes are also Cooper’s specialty as the best route runner in the league he is always where he is supposed to be when he is supposed to be there.
This combination will continue to produce as Flacco looks for Cooper in high-pressure situations time after time. Cooper has already set a career-high in receiving yards a year after setting a career-high in touchdown catches last year.
The Browns defense will be dominant holding the Jets under 20 points
Outside of the games against the Commanders and the Texans the Jets offense hadn’t scored more than 13 points in a game since scoring 20 on October 15th. They haven’t been very consistent on the offensive side of the ball and the Browns defense at home has been dominant in all but one game.
Cleveland will be hungry to clinch their playoff birth and I think they will be playing as inspired as they have all season. Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith have turned it up lately, and they will cause the Jets issues this week.
