If the Browns proved anything in their upset win over the Packers, it was that this defense is legit. Through the first three weeks, no other defense in football is allowing fewer total yards per game or fewer yards in the ground game than Cleveland’s. On the flip side, few offenses in the National Football League have the capabilities of this week’s opponent, the Detroit Lions. This week’s matchup is one built to be won in the trenches. The Browns will be tasked with stopping the two-headed monster running-back duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The two have combined for 413 yards on the ground this season, more than any other running back duo in the league. The Lions have not lost an ounce of their offensive identity after former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s departure – they currently rank 4th in rushing and are the 2nd highest scoring team in the league. Not to mention they have a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback in Jared Goff with a multitude of aerial weapons. But if there’s any defense that is up for the task of containing the Lions’ offense, it’s these Cleveland Browns.
Having a strong defense is only going to get this team so far. Last week’s victory was great, but it became obvious that the offense is going to need to take it up a notch if there is any chance of Cleveland making a run this year. I, and many other Cleveland fans, have doubts about whether Joe Flacco can lead this team on another playoff campaign. He didn’t do anything last week to cast those doubts aside, either. Through the first three games, Flacco has thrown for just over 600 yards with a two to four touchdown touchdown-to-interception ratio. His performance begs the question – how long is his leash? I can’t imagine how long he puts up another outing like last week’s. But should I really be complaining after a Browns win?
While I do think Cleveland’s quarterback situation could derail the season, the run game looked promising last week against one of the league’s best defenses. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was the bell cow, garnering 18 carries for 94 yards and a touchdown. The only other rusher last week outside of Judkins was Dylan Sampson, who was given just one carry. Sampson has taken a clear backseat since Judkins’s arrival, but I would like to see Sampson utilized more as a pass catcher out of the backfield. If Cleveland has any hope this week, they’re going to have to throw it and Joe Flacco could use all the weapons at his disposal.
It’s going to be an old school slugfest this Sunday – just the type of game this Browns team is designed for. There’s reason to be hopeful for another win this week – let’s enjoy it!
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