After one of the busiest off seasons in recent memory, the Mike Maccagnan/Todd Bowles era will begin Sunday at 1pm when the Jets host the Cleveland Browns. The new Jets duo have been very busy rebuilding the teams roster through free agency and the draft. Sunday, we get to see the unveiling of their progress to date.
Here is how the Jets stack up against the Browns..
At the QB position, the teams are each starting journeyman QB’s who are making their first start for their new teams. Josh McCown is facing what should be one of the better defenses in the league. The Browns WR core reminds me of the Jets WR’s last year. Not a lot of talent to work with in the passing game. Look for McCown to focus on play action and short timing routes with a good mixture of screen passes mixed in. Ryan Fitzpatrick on the other hand has a nice group of WR to work with but the Browns possess a very capable Secondary that could be one of the top units in the league. I think Fitzpatrick will spread the ball around and take a shot downfield every so often.
The ground game for the Browns got a little boost today as Rookie Duke Johnson has been cleared to play. Johnson and Isaiah Crowell will be a good compliment to each other. I look for the Browns to run the ball the majority of the time. However, they will be running into one of the Jets strength (D Line). The Jets run game has looked good in preseason. Chris Ivory should get the bulk of the carries with a healthy dose of Bilal Powell and Zac Stacy sprinkled in. I look for Ivory to have a big game and a big year!
Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker lead the way for the Jets WR group. Both will have their hands full taking on a very good Browns Secondary. I look for the Jets to try and spread the Browns out and try to create some mismatches for Jeremy Kerley, Chris Owusu and Quincy Enunwa. The Browns WR’s… not worth mentioning.. If any of them have 10 catches or 100 yards against the Jets Secondary, I will print this article and eat it.
Predictions for the game: The Jets are favored by 3 and rightfully so. I see them winning this game 24-10. Fitzpatrick will throw for just under 200 yards with a TD. Chris Ivory should get 20-25 carries for somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 yards. Eric Decker will be the Jets leading WR with 8 catches for 85 yards.
BOLD PREDICTION: Jets will force 2 turnovers, 3 sacks and a defensive TD..