Behind enemy lines: Cardinals-Browns preview with Browns Wire
The Arizona Cardinals and Cleveland Browns are set to take the field Sunday afternoon at FirstEnergy Stadium and face one another for the second time in three years, which happens rarely with inter-conference teams.
The Cardinals are going for their fifth straight win over Cleveland and their sixth straight win this season to start the year.
To find out more about a talented Cleveland team, Browns Wire managing editor Jared Mueller answers some questions as we go behind enemy lines.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
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Expectations vs. reality
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Browns came in with real expectations for 2021. How do they look so far?
So far so good for the Browns’ look on the field, despite two losses. Cleveland controlled both of those games, against Kansas City and the Los Angeles Chargers, but wasn’t able to pull them out. All in all, they look like a very talented team that still has some kinks to work out and needs to learn how to win a big game.
Reasons for wins and losses
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
At 3-2, what have been the biggest reasons for their wins and the biggest reasons for their losses?
The Browns have been interesting in that they have won primarily against bad or average teams by playing great defense and lost primarily play against good teams and playing bad defense but having great offensive production. Cleveland hasn’t had a great game on both sides of the ball.
Injuries
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
With as many players as appeared on the injury report this week, which players are most likely going to miss the game and how will the Browns adjust?
That is a very long list of players. Right now, it seems like Jack Conklin could be the most likely to miss the game at right tackle. Jedrick Wills has been limited for weeks, before missing Week 5, but is hoping to give it a go. Wills was replaced by Blake Hance but it is possible that Conklin will be replaced by rookie James Hudson III so Hance is available if Wills ankle causes problems again. Neither Hance or Hudson are stellar players by any means but the offensive line held up last week with both in there.
Matchups
Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Which matchups do you like best? Which ones do you like least for the Browns?
Against almost any team, the Browns run game is the best matchup. The combination of great play-calling, a great offensive line coach, good to great offensive linemen and the two-headed monster of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt is capable of carrying the entire offense. Cleveland versus a mobile quarterback has been a problem since I have been alive so Kyler Murray’s ability to get outside the pocket and make plays with his feet or his great arm is not a matchup that I love. The Browns added length and speed on defense but Murray is a unique weapon.
Prediction
Who wins, what will the score be and how does it go down?
Weather off Lake Erie can always play a huge role in fall games especially as the season starts to cool. If the wind is whipping, the score could drop severely. Otherwise, I expect a track meet between the two teams similar to the Browns Week 5 game but a little lower scoring. The Cleveland defense will be a little healthier and the run game will control just enough to keep everything in check on Arizona’s side. Murray’s limited shoulder, along with a little wind, forces two turnovers on the day. Browns 35 Cardinals 32
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