The Cleveland Browns enter Week 2 looking for their first win, and the way things have worked out, Kevin Stefanski’s group should get that victory against the Houston Texans in his team’s debut performance at their home stadium.
Players saw stocks go up and down, but the fourth-quarter collapse is still a tough one for Browns’ fans to endure.
At the very least, though, we’re reminded Cleveland is a legit contender. I’ve seen a few national power rankings with the Browns still in the top-5–as they should. Power rankings mean nothing, of course, but us Clevelanders hate being disrespected in these rankings.
In playing the Texans, though, the Browns are playing a game they’re not only supposed to win, but also dominate. Cleveland is heavily favorite in this one, with the spread set at 13, courtesy of WynnBET.
For the NFL, that’s huge. Remember when the Browns were losing regularly between 2015-2017. They were usually the two-touchdown underdogs in those.
Now, Browns fans of the expansion era will also remember the Browns playing in games they were supposed to win, only to play down to their opponent and lose.
Kevein Stefanski wasn’t coaching those games, though, so things feel a little different this time.
That said, the Browns have to be firing on all cylinders. Here’s three players who must show up and show out in order for the team to make good on that 13-point line.
1. Cleveland Browns WR Anthony Schwartz
The Browns ended any guessing about what Odell Beckham Jr.’s role would be by ruling him out for the Texans game.
This likely means rookie Anthony Schwartz will get more looks in the offense after a stellar debut against the Chiefs. Schwartz’s four touches for 86 yards is even more impressive considering that it was Beckham who was game planned into Kevin Stefanski’s scheme for the day.
It was only 90 minutes before the contest started that the Browns and OBJ decided to err on the said of caution, elevating Schwartz’s role in the offense.
Donovan Peoples-Jones is capable of stretching the field, but one in the wide receiving room, with the exception of Beckham, is capable of replicating the speed put on display by Schwartz.
To loosen up the defense every now and then, Mayfield will have to be able to look for Schwartz downfield. After watching last week, there’s no reason to believe Cleveland can’t have success against Houston’s Cover-2 scheme.
2. Cleveland Browns LT James Hudson
The rookie from Cincinnati drew rave reviews for where he was drafted, and while he showed considerable potential in the preseason, it was apparent James Hudson needed some time to develop.
Well, one week in, and the Browns will lean on the fourth-round pick should Jedrick Wills (ankle) and top back-up Chris Hubbard (biceps) are unable to play.
Considering the nature of both injures and factoring in that neither has practiced through Thursday, it looks more and more likely Hudson will get his first NFL start.
Michael Dunn, regarded as a guard, could’ve also been a possibility, but ESPN Cleveland’s Tony Grossi reported (subscription) that the Browns are preparing Hudson to play.
The situation just goes to show how quickly things can change. The offensive line was one of the strengths of the team, and after just one week, the coaching staff is being forced to bail water.
3.Cleveland Browns DE Jadeveon Clowney
The Texans come to town with their best player (Deshaun Watson) in limbo. It looks like he’ll never play for the Texans again, as a trade will likely be made once Watson’s legal matters are sorted through.
That means Tyrod Taylor is running the offense and while he made some uncharacteristic throws down field last week, the Texans remain a team dedicated to rushing the ball.
That’s where Jadeveon Clowney factors in. The former No. 1 overall pick has never recorded double-digit sack numbers, but he’s always been considered elite in defending the run.
Considering his track record, the defense will count on Clowney to show up and contribute in this department. If he can, the Texans game plan will fly off the rails.
Houston’s David Culley called 41 rushing plays during his team’s Week 1 victory over Jacksonville.
Houston is going to pound the ball and Clowney and the defensive front have the goods to make for a long day for the first-year coach.