Browns: 5 game altering depth chart shake-ups vs Giants
5 noticeable changes the Browns made on the depth chart vs. the Giants.
A win against the Giants is imperative is Cleveland is going to hold onto the AFC’s top Wild Card spot. Their task became more challenging with some shakeups around the depth chart.
1. At right guard, Chris Hubbard will fill in for Wyatt Teller, who was listed as week-to-week with ankle injury.
Ideally, Teller could come back next week against the Jets, but the week-to-week nature of the injury could also mean Teller’s out for the remainder of the season.
Hubbard should be a suitable replacement. As the Browns swing lineman, the veteran has done nice job filling in for his injured teammates throughout the season. According to Pro Football Focus, Hubbard hasn’t allowed a sack, while drawing a grade of 71.6, which is considered good.
The Browns wisely re-structured Hubbard’s contract at the end of the 2019 season and it’s paid off.
2. Andrew Sendejo suffered a concussions against the Ravens, paving the way for Sheldrick Redwine to get the start at free safety.
It’s unfortunate that it had to come by injury, as fans have wanted to see more of Redwine at the free safety spot. Really, the dream was to see Ronnie Harrison and Redwine together at the safety spot.
Sendejo has drawn the ire of Browns fans all season for allowing big plays, and it’s true. He has a grade of 41.0 on PFF–it’s hard to get much worse than that. Redwine’s grade (49.3) isn’t all that much better, but he’s played nowhere near the snaps Sendjo has.
If there’s one thing to watch from this switch, it’s the speed Redwine brings to the position. Senedjo just doesn’t have it–and it makes a difference.
3. Tedric Thompson joined the Browns just three weeks ago, but the former Seahawk now finds himself as the Browns third safety entering Sunday Night.
It may not be game altering now, but if Thompson gets into the game, how the Giants attack him will be a storyline worth watching.
4. The Giants don’t have a ton of talent, and their losing James Bradberry, who, was probably their best player heading into this game.
Bradberry owns an NFL best 17 deflected passes, but will miss the prime-time lights of Sunday night after going on the COVID-19/reserve list.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Julian Love, list as a safety on the depth cart, go back to corner.
5. Colt McCoy will start for Daniel Jones at quarterback, but since these are the “New Browns” of Kevin Stefanski, the Dawg Pound shouldn’t sweat ole’ No. 12.
McCoy is a sound passer, but the Giants would rely heavily on Daniel Jones’ legs to move the offense. McCoy, as we know, is not a runner. Losing Bradberry is a bigger issue for the Giants.