The bad news for Browns fans is that this season is quickly spiraling out of control; the good news is this upcoming game might be the most winnable game this season for Cleveland. The Browns play host to the Miami Dolphins in this week six matchup. Given the struggles between Cleveland’s offense and Miami’s defense, this game will be a battle between an extremely resistible force and an easily moveable object.
The issues that lie with Miami’s offense revolve around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles. While still showing elite accuracy, the former Alabama signal caller has struggled with turnovers. In six games, Tagovailoa has thrown the third most interceptions in the league at seven, all while having one of the lowest yards per attempt average with 6.7. This points to them preferring short passes with quick releases as opposed to deep shots. RB De’Von Achane and WR Jaylen Waddle are both dangerous weapons in the pass game, combining for 58 receptions, 585 yards, and 6 touchdowns.
As bad as Miami’s offense has been, their defense has been even worse. Statistically speaking, this defense is probably the worst in the league. They rank in the bottom five in terms of total yards per game allowed, rushing yards per game allowed, yards per rush allowed, and opposing QB completion percentage. Outside of FS Minkah Fitzpatrick, EDGE Bradley Chubb, and LB Jordyn Brooks; this whole unit lacks the talent to consistently impact a game. While Brooks has been a tackling machine, the run defense as a while has been porous. This may be the best matchup for Cleveland RB Quinshon Judkins all year. He’ll look to bounce back from a rough game against Pittsburgh where he accounted for only 36 yards on 12 carries.
Strengths:
- Arguably Fastest Offensive Weapons In League
Weaknesses:
- Horrible Run Defense
- Inconsistent, Turnover Prone QB
- Lackluster Secondary Outside M.Fitzpatrick
Key Matchup:
- Cleveland Pass Catchers V. Miami Secondary
Saying that Miami’s run defense has been bad this season would be an understatement. They’ve given up a league-worst 168.5 yards per game. After giving up 100+ yards on the ground to Bills RB James Cook III, and a staggering 206 yards to Panthers RB Rico Dowdle, there’s a good chance Cleveland RB Quinshon Judkins is in for a big game.
For Cleveland, all eyes should be on Dillon Gabriel’s improvement or lack there of. For all intents and purposes, this is a tune-up game for Gabriel and the Cleveland receivers. Before the season started, the Miami’s had the fourth worse secondary according to Pro Football Focus, and honestly that rank might’ve been too high. The only reason they aren’t ranked lower, is because teams have been able to run for large gains pretty much at will. As for the Browns, the struggles with the passing game have been obvious. This outing should prove as a litmus test on whether or not the offense can be salvaged. If Gabriel can’t find his spark in this game, it should go without saying that his future as Cleveland’s starting quarterback will be in jeopardy.
With as bleak and hopeless as Cleveland’s situation seems, Miami’s is just as bad. The Miami Dolphins are not a good team, full stop. Combine that with the fact that the Sunday’s forecast calls for rain with a 35+ mph winds, Cleveland should come away with the win.
Score Prediction:
- CLE- 23
- MIA- 16
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