What to watch for in Jets-Browns on Thursday

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What to watch for in Jets-Browns on Thursday Published: Sep 19, 2018 at 11:15 AM Digital Content Editor 1. Drafter's remorse? In a perfect world, designed by and for the pleasures of 345 Park Avenue marketing executives, this mid-week clash would be a joint national coming-out party for the top two quarterbacks taken in the 2018 draft: and . For months leading up to the selection, Cleveland, owners of the No. 1 overall pick, seemed to waver publicly between Darnold and , only to, in the 11th hour, select the Heisman-winning Mayfield. The were then gifted Darnold when their cro s-stadium neighbors choose a running back with the second pick. While Darnold has started the first two games of the season under center for New York, Mayfield has stood idly by on the ' sideline, watching teammate complete a near-league worst 52.9 percent of his pa ses in Cleveland's first two games -- a heartbreaking tie and a tough lo s. On a short week, there was no real expectation that Cleveland would start Mayfield against the . But if Taylor struggles against New York's takeaway-happy defense, might the rookie get a chance to prove his draft position? It would be especially embarra sing and cosmically poetic for Darnold's to win in Cleveland's building while the nation watches on television Teppo Numminen Men Jersey and Mayfield watches powerle sly from the bench. Given the ' early-season proclivity for blowing very winnable games -- and the franchise's whole aura -- this is entirely plausible and po sible, if not probable. Is that what it would take for coach Hue Jackson to back off his insistence to have Mayfield sit the entire season behind Taylor? Would another poor result from Cleveland's much-improved roster force his hand? The drama around the didn't end with , folks. It's only just begun. 2. Playing takeaway You know what's hot in Cleveland? The Peanut punch. The have forced a league-leading eight turnovers, including five fumbles, through two games. Cleveland's turnover differential (plus-6) is double that of the next best teams -- the undefeated and . And yet, the remain winle s. Part of the problem is Cleveland has turned those eight turnovers into just 10 points. In the young Darnold, the defense has a perfect turnover-prone target to exploit for points. Darnold's first pa s attempt in the pros was memorably taken back for six, and his two interceptions against the in Week 2 e sentially ripped 14 points off the board and swung the result in Miami's favor. Not to be outdone in the turnover department are the , who are second in the league with seven takeaways -- five interceptions courtesy of Detroit and two fumbles courtesy of Miami. But unlike the relatively careful , New York has four giveaways on offense -- Darnold's three picks and a fumble. In what should be a close, low-scoring affair, whichever team wins the turnover battle will be situated to win the war. Bonus: Don't be surprised if special teams plays a factor in deciding this outcome as well. Cleveland showed kicker , his fickle groin and his 40-percent field-goal percentage the door this week in favor of someone named . 3. What's the rush? Give up? It's ! A defensive tackle with just three career starts under his belt. The key to Cleveland's dynamite start on defense begins up front with young guys Ogunjobi, Garrett, and -- average age: 24 years old. The have forced three interceptions and tallied three sacks when rushing four guys or fewer. Thanks to Ogunjobi's interior pre sure, plus lockdown cornerback coverage and well Derek Stepan Jersey -timed blitzes from outside linebackers, Cleveland's defense is shaping up to be one of the most feared in the league. That spells trouble for and New York's offensive line, which let Miami's front seven walk all over Darnold last week to the tune of four sacks for 46 yards. 4. New Jack City vs. the 'best receiving corps in the league' It was only three months ago during minicamp that and glowingly told reporters that Marcus Kruger Kids Jersey the . At the time, it was Landry, Gordon, , , and others. Now only Landry, Higgins and Callaway remain, with Gordon in New England and Coleman and his sneakers on the Pats practice squad. Landry is far and away Taylor's top target so far (22 receptions for 175 yards), but the rookie Callaway looks to seize Gordon's leftover snaps and contend for attention. It won't be easy for anyone in Cleveland's wide receiver room to break out Thursday night with the self-titled New Jack City on the green side of the line of the scrimmage. Thanks to that remade, swaggered-out secondary, the are sixth in pa sing yards allowed per attempt (6.2) and third in opposing pa ser rating (64.7). The addition of lockdown corner has so far kept opposing No. 1 receivers at bay. Second-year safety resembles a freight train in both run and pa s defense. However, New York can be exploited in the slot, where is prone to penalties. How Skrine's matchups with Landry and tight end play out there could be the difference. 5. If the lose Thursday evening they will become only the fourth club to go at least 20 games straight sans victory and the first since the 1976-77 . That's right. The first since an expansion team! The are no longer a laughingstock in regard to how they play football; Cleveland should arguably be 2-0 and atop the AFC North at this very moment. But until this franchise earns a digit other than "0" in the wins column, the will be a symbol of hopele s futility. C'mon, Cleveland, it's been too damn long. It's time to let and the good times roll! Right? Right?! This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be mi sing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an i sue.
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