The Cleveland Browns received more hype than any other team in the NFL this offseason. The team added multiple Pro Bowl players, including Odell Beckham and Olivier Vernon. Despite going 7-8-1 last season, some people picked Cleveland to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
However, the hype looked overblown in Week 1 when the Tennessee Titans rolled over the Browns in a 43-13 win. Baker Mayfield threw three interceptions and none of Cleveland's offensive stars turned in dominant performances.
Despite the loss, the Browns still have one of the most exciting teams in the league. The offense just needs time to get used to one another, and the New York Jets will give them that opportunity in Week 2. This is the chance for Cleveland to turn their season and franchise around.
4. Mayfield and Beckham are building chemistry
In Week 1, seven of Mayfield's 25 completions were to Beckham, who gained 71 yards. His 10.1 yards per catch average is perplexing considering he's averaged 14 yards per catch during his career. Maybe it has to do with the routes the two are connecting on, but I expect Mayfield will feel more comfortable hitting Beckham are deeper routes soon.
We also have to consider that Beckham didn't play in the preseason at all. So, Week 1 was the first time he and Mayfield played together in a real game. While it would be nice to throw great players together and have them mesh instantly, that's not how it works most of the time.
During Mayfield's first three starts in 2018, Jarvis Landry averaged just 38 yards per game. Connections take time to build and adjust. No one should go bailing on the Browns just yet.
3. The Jets secondary will struggle
Jamal Adams is a beast, but the Jets don't have another formidable player in their secondary. Even Trumaine Johnson isn't threatening when compared to some of the players the Titans have. Mayfield should have a much easier time picking apart the Jets than he did against the Titans.
While Adams is one of the best safeties in the game, Kevin Byard is arguably even better. Byard was a First Team All-Pro back in 2017 when he led the NFL with eight interceptions. Last season, he picked off four more passes.
In comparison, Adams has just one career interception. His style of play won't threaten Mayfield and the air attack as much. Tennessee also boasted Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan, who both picked off Mayfield on Sunday.
The Jets, who have Johnson and Darryl Roberts as their starting cornerbacks, won't be able to keep up with Beckham and Landry like Tennessee's secondary did.
2. You can't hide from Myles Garrett
There are reasons why Garrett was involved in Defensive Player of the Year discussions this preseason. In his second season last year, Garrett made the Pro Bowl and was selected as a Second Team All-Pro. He finished the season with 13.5 sacks, which was the sixth-most in the NFL. Now, in his third season, Garrett has already shown signs of a big year in the making.
Garrett, who sacked Marcus Mariota twice in Week 1, looked like he was in mid-season form. If he continues to play well, he should be able to pressure Sam Darnold regularly in Week 2.
While the Titans don't have a great offensive line, even without Taylor Lewan their unit has more anchors than New York's. Darnold was sacked four total times on Sunday by the likes of Lorenzo Alexander, Jerry Hughes, Shaw Lawson, and Jordan Poyer. Garrett should feast in the Jets' backfield.
1. The running game will gain traction
The Browns were able to rush for a total of 102 yards against the Titans, but that's not something to get excited about. Last year, 24 NFL teams averaged more than 102 rushing yards per game. Cleveland has to do a better job of establishing the run game, especially with Nick Chubb. If Mayfield starts struggling to throw the ball, Cleveland needs to be able to rely on the ground game to win.
If the Browns are worried about their secondary being torched, then they should slow the game down by running the football. While passing is the bread and butter of many offenses, running effectively allows teams to control the flow of the game.
Chubb is prepared to have a monster season. Cleveland just needs to hand him the ball when they need a boost. Also, getting Chubb going will do wonders for opening up the passing game. If the Browns can run the ball against the Jets, Cleveland should easily win the game.
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