Special Preview- Week 15
Cleveland Browns at New York Giants
Browns: In a year filled with so much craziness, what I’m about to say can be added to the mix. The Cleveland Browns are in the middle of a division race. You read that correctly. They’ve been in the basement or close to the bottom for many years in the AFC North. The Browns are the AFC’s version of the Los Angeles Rams. Of course, I can explain what I mean. Their identity is running the football and when they get the box loaded, Baker Mayfield can use his play-action and run the bootleg to his advantage. The game against the Ravens on Monday night is a tough loss, but they shouldn’t keep their heads down for too long. These aren’t the same Browns. They don’t fold nor lay down anymore. They’re different and I’m here for it. They’ll be playing under the lights one again on Sunday night.
Giants: After Saquon Barkley went down, you’d think their season was basically over. In the last two years, Saquon has been the engine that’s ignited this offense. Under Joe Judge, I’ve seen the Giants show more effort for a head coach this year than I saw them show under Pat Shurmur and Ben McAdoo. They play hard and leave it all on the field. On Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, I didn’t like what I saw from the Giants. One, I felt they rushed Daniel Jones back too soon. When you watch the Giants’ offense, he’s at his best when he can run around and display mobility. I didn’t see that from him on Sunday. On the other side, the defense which had been playing well looked soft. It’s time to look ahead. They have a big game on Sunday night.
Browns X-Factor: Donovan Peoples-Jones– When your quarterback can trust you, you will get the football. Plain and simple. Outside of Jarvis Landry, he’s become that downfield threat for Baker. He can consistently take the top off the zone when necessary. He could see some more targets in this game.
Giants X-Factor: Wayne Gallman– If you watched the Browns’ last game against Baltimore, the Ravens running game was having a field day. I hope the Giants saw this and find ways to feed Wayne the football. Exploit what you can and when you can.
Final Thoughts: This was supposed to be the game where Odell Beckham Jr faced his former team. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in October. Both teams need a bounce back after losing in week 14. I’m watching the New York front four. Containing Baker and keeping him in the pocket will be a vital key for them. If I’m the Browns, I’m testing Daniel Jones. Make him run and then some. Test his hamstring. This could be another hard-hitting game.
Prediction: Browns 26 Giants 20
