New York Jets: Can they beat the Cleveland Browns?

There has been a lot of built up anticipation leading into the first opponent for the New York Jets in Week 1 against the incoming Cleveland Browns at home. Based off the preseason performances on both offense and defense, Jets fan have been feeling rather uneasy. However, Jets Nation, have no fear, despite the Jets rather subpar performance during some of the preseason, these are the Browns we are talking about.

Don’t get me wrong, Cleveland is a tough, hard-hitting team that has begun the process of rebuilding last season with the hiring of head coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer.

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Their defense is tough with key players such as Karlos Dansby, Donte Whitner, Joe Haden, Tashaun Gipson and rookie Danny Shelton, but their offense doesn’t match the talent they have on defense.

Since last season, Cleveland has lost offensive players such as rookie Terrance West, Jordan Cameron, Brian Hoyer and they are still without wide out Josh Gordon.

Right now, Josh McCown and Johnny Manziel are the top two quarterbacks on the depth chart which doesn’t at all scare the Jets’ defense, or any defense in the NFL. McCown is coming off a season in Tampa where he finished with 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also finished the season with a 2-14 record. Manziel, who appeared in five games last season and started two, recorded two interceptions and zero passing touchdowns.

My prediction for the Week 1 home opener matchup is that the Jets’ defense will dominate at home. The Jets’ front seven should be too much for the Browns’ running game, which doesn’t scare any defense really. The only thing scary about the Browns is McCown, which scares Cleveland fans. Cleveland’s offense which consist of McCown, Dwayne Bowe, Brian Hartline, Travis Benjamin, Isaiah Crowell and Manziel will face its strongest test of the season as they go up against Todd Bowles‘ defense.

Aug 20, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) looks to pass during the second quarter of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Like I mentioned earlier, the Jets’ offense hasn’t left much to chatter about, I’m not expecting a jaw-dropping performance from their offense against the Browns’ defensive secondary, but at the same time I don’t believe the Browns will put up that many points on the board.

I’m limiting the Browns to posting about 13 points total in Sunday’s matchup, maybe even less than 13 to be honest. I’m also going off on a limb saying the Jets will score between 20-28 points. Despite some poor offensive performances during the preseason, once Fitzpatrick became comfortable with the players surrounding him, the chemistry developed and the offense developed a nice flow which I believe will carry on into the regular season.

I’m predicting Fitzpatrick to throw for about 220 yards for two touchdowns. Brandon Marshall will record six receptions for about 80 yards and a touchdown, Eric Decker will record Fitzpatrick’s second touchdown pass and Chris Ivory will rush for over 100 yards and score a touchdown. Nick Folk will have a pair of field goals as well.

Gang Green will start the season off at 1-0 with a strong victory over the Browns.

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