NASHVILLE- The 1-2 Cleveland Browns are looking to be one of the biggest surprises in the NFL in 2014. They are only a touchdown and a field goal away from being undefeated and being one of teams likely to head to the playoffs. Any talk of the Browns in the playoffs is usually considered insanity by most NFL fans. However insane the concept seems, it is true considering the results so far.
2014 results:
@ Pittsburgh L 30-27
Vs. New Orleans W 26-24
Vs. Baltimore L 23-21
The Browns will face off against the 1-3 Tennessee Titans tomorrow in Nashville. After a much needed bye week, the Browns will no doubt be more focused and ready to rumble with one major advantage, the running game. Starting running back Ben Tate should be healthy and fans should look for a rare possibility. The Browns could conceivably use three running backs in one game.Tate is listed as probable and could start.
Yes, Brian Hoyer (716 passing yards, 64.2 completion percentage, three touchdowns and a 97.5 quarterback rating) loves to throw to Andrew Hawkins, Miles Austin, and Jordan Cameron. The Browns can spread the field with Hoyer’s deadeye accurate passing ability. However, the Browns came into the season expected to be a run heavy offense. The Browns loyal fan base can expect a huge ground attack that will likely tame the Greek legends defense. Even without Tate, the Browns have had one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL under Terrance West (204 rushing yards and two touchdowns) and Isaiah Crowell (141 rushing yards and three touchdowns). The Browns rushing offense averages 132.7 yards per game which ranks 9th in the NFL.
Cleveland has one of most prolific offenses despite the loss of Josh Gordon. Expect the Browns to score early and often.
The Browns defense is a matter of concern. The Browns give up 153.7 rushing yards per game which is 29th in the NFL. They are also getting shredded by the passing attack, giving up 272.0 yards per game which ranks 27th overall.
Will Hawkins not play due to injury?
Andrew Hawkins is recovering from a shoulder injury. It is not known if he will play against the Titans.
Titans- Not a stellar team statistically
For the most part, the Titans will not blow away their fans or any NFL fans with their statistics. Tennessee has one of the worst offenses in the NFL. They are 17th in rushing offense averaging 119.5 rushing yards a game and 27th in passing with 207.0 yards per game). The Titans have been pummeled by the ground game giving up 127 yards per game which ranks 22nd in the league.
Tennessee owns the sky
Despite all these shortcomings, the Titans are very good in one of the most important aspects of the game, shutting down passing attacks. They rank 10th in the NFL giving up just 225.8 passing yards per game.
Browns should prepare to face Jake Locker
Titans starting quarterback Jake Locker is listed as probable. Locker is recovering from a wrist injury.
Prediction
The Browns will pull away late with a 34-24 win.