The Cleveland Browns will look to get back in the win column following last Sunday's heartbreaking loss. The 1-7 Arizona Cardinals provide a great bounce-back opportunity for Kevin Stefanski's squad, who should win this game despite some key injuries impacting the roster.
Facing a team that's struggled mightily to begin the 2023 season means anything could happen in Week 9. With that in mind, here are three bold predictions for this contest.
Browns vs Cardinals Bold Predictions Week 9
1. Myles Garrett Sets a Season High in Sacks
Myles Garrett is off to a strong start to his Defensive Player of the Year campaign. So far, the superstar EDGE has racked up 8.5 sacks across 7 games, putting him on pace to outdo his personal best of 16.0, which he's reached twice.
Garrett's highlight performance of the year so far came in Week 3, when he dominated the Tennessee Titans' offensive line en route to 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble in the 27-3 rout.
With the Cardinals on tap and his team needing a win, I think Garrett steps up with at least 4.0 sacks on Sunday.
Arizona's O-line has been good at keeping the pressure off their QB this season, ranking just outside the top 10 in fewest sacks allowed at just 17 so far. They've certainly benefited from having veteran Joshua Dobbs under center, especially given his dual-threat abilities.
However, the Cardinals are turning to rookie Clayton Tune this week instead for his first-ever start in the NFL. Given how it often takes time for new players, especially quarterbacks at that, to settle in after making the jump to the pros, we should expect plenty of mistakes when it comes to decision-making from Tune.
Having a new QB under center should throw off Arizona's offensive line as well, possibly leading to easier sacks for Garrett and co.
2. Jerome Ford Goes Over 100 Rushing Yards
Browns running back Jerome Ford suffered a scary ankle injury in Week 7 that seemed to put his availability for the next couple of games in jeopardy. Instead, Ford made a shocking recovery to immediately suit up in the next contest.
Even more surprising was the fact that Ford was productive despite playing through an ailment. He turned just 9 carries into 37 yards, showing that his burst won't be dampened much.
Ford being another week removed from when he initially went down should put him in an even better place for this matchup. Plus, we've seen the RB garner 15 or more carries in three contests this season, so it's not like he got his full serving against the Seattle Seahawks.
That's why I like Ford's chances of going over 100 rushing yards for the second time this season. Arizona's run defense is especially susceptible to opposing ground attacks, surrendering the eighth-most rushing yards per game this season.
Yes, there are a lot of mouths to feed in this backfield with Kareem Hunt and the rising Pierre Strong Jr. Ford's injury presents an obstacle as well, but he's showcased his big-play potential numerous times this season, including a pair of 69-yard scampers already.
All it takes is one perfect opportunity for Ford to break loose against this leaky defense. Considering how poorly the Cards have defended the run, he should get multiple chances to rack up yards on Sunday.
3. Cardinals' Leading Rusher is Under 50 Yards
With Dobbs struggling as a passer this season, Arizona has leaned on its run game throughout the 2023 campaign. The Cardinals are averaging a sizable 27.3 rushing attempts per contest and the team has been effective with them, ranking No. 5 in YPG.
This production has stayed consistent even with top RB James Conner sidelined, as backup Emari Demercado has impressed in relief.
However, Demercado is now nursing a toe injury that puts his Week 9 availability in doubt. He didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, causing Arizona to promote practice squad running back Tony Jones Jr. to the active roster in the meantime.
That could spell some serious troubles on the ground Sunday, especially if the Browns jump out to an early lead and force Tune into obvious passing situations. As a result, I can see Cleveland holding the Cardinals' top rusher to under 50 yards, which has only happened once all season prior to Week 9.
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