Jets vs. Browns: No Dawg Pound letdown

The New York Jets will be facing a Cleveland Browns team that is beyond hungry to get a huge win on Thursday Night Football. Here’s to no Dawg Pound letdown for Gang Green.

Coming off an ugly week 2 loss in their home opener versus the hated Miami Dolphins, the New York Jets are heading into Cleveland Thursday night with the hope of getting back in the wins column. The Browns are also coming off a loss, and are looking to get their first win of the year. A win would give them their first .500 record since the second week of the 2015 season.

Costly penalties and untimely mistakes spoiled the Jets home opener. There were a few big third down stops that were called back due to penalty. Chris Herndon made some crucial mistakes at the end of the first half that caused them to come away with no points.

He followed up with a drive-killing drop in the second half. Sam Darnold became the youngest QB since the merger to throw for over 300 yards, however, he also threw two momentum-shifting interceptions.

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His first pick was a bad decision, but it looked like a poor route by Terrelle Pryor caused the second interception. Pryor came out later that day and admitted that one was on him. On a short week, the Jets will have much to correct to get back on track against Cleveland.

The Browns have played well in their first two games. In Week 1 they were a missed field goal away from a win against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime.

Week 2 was no less painful, as a fourth-quarter collapse in New Orleans cost them the game. Led by veteran signal caller Tyrod Taylor, this young Browns team is better than their record indicates.

There are playmakers on both sides of the ball, with the defense featuring three first-round picks within the last two drafts. The Jets will have a tough task ahead of them.

Here are my three points of emphasis if the Jets are to get a road win in Week 3:

Eliminate costly penalties – Buster Skrine was called for a hold on third down, on a receiver that was out of the play. This was one of several brutal penalties that kept the Jets behind the chains all day. The Jets need to stop with these costly penalties.

Rely on the run – The offense appeared out of sync at times, leading to costly turnovers, and drive killing penalties. With a rookie quarterback, the Jets cannot afford to shoot themselves in the foot on offense. They need to get back to their running ways. Isaiah Crowell has looked good with his limited opportunities, averaging over six yards per attempt on the season. A heavy dose of the run will open up play-action opportunities for the young gunslinger.

Bring the energy – The Jets came out with a ton of energy in their home opener, however, the momentum was quickly shifted after an early interception led to a touchdown. If the Jets are to stand a chance in Cleveland, they need start early and bring the fire for 60 minutes.

This one comes down to who wants it more. Likely a defensive struggle, I expect this one will be decided late. I predict the Jets to bounce back and do just enough to steal one on the road, with a final score of 20-14. There won’t be a Dawg Pound letdown for the Jets tonight on primetime football.