BROWNS (0-2) VS. DOLPHINS (0-2)
SUNDAY, 1 P.M. ET, HARD ROCK STADIUM, MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. uTV: CBS, DIRECTV 707
Announcers: Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots
About the Browns: The Browns led 20-0 in the first quarter last week but didn’t score again. Making matters worse, they lost QB
C and DE to injuries. McCown played well, and he was on the field because QB
had to be placed on injured reserve after a Week 1 shoulder injury. That likely means the Browns will have to start rookie QB
a third-round pick who looked overmatched in the preseason. The Browns are already a young team that will get younger as the season goes along, and to compete they’ll need to see production from rookie WR
and RB both of whom played well last weekend. The Browns’ young defense has struggled to get off the field early in the season and will need to create turnovers and get pressure on opposing quarterbacks to have a chance to turn things around.
About the Dolphins: The offense couldn’t deliver in Week 1, and last weekend the Dolphins were down 24-0 and 31-3 to the New England Patriots before a rally fell short. The offense should take some confidence from the way it played in the second half, and QB
has shown signs in both games that he has made improvements. The Dolphins are struggling to run and RB is banged up, meaning the offense needs to see consistent play from WRs
and The Dolphins have been waiting for a chance to play with a lead and let DT DE and OLB It appears rookie Cody Kessler will be forced into action for the Browns.
get after opposing passers. They should get their chance this weekend.
The Ravens tested Haden often, and he made them pay with two interceptions. The two-time Pro Bowler is probably the most talented Browns defensive player, and his play and leadership are key in a young secondary. Landry is off to a solid start, and Haden knows the ball is coming his way.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
He had been productive in his first two seasons, and the Browns hope his 85-yard touchdown run last weekend will be a confidence-booster and a sign of things to come. The Browns need to run the ball, and Crowell is their clear No. 1 option. This is his chance to take the next step in his career.
Tannehill’s completion percentage of 65% is an encouraging sign for the Dolphins. Tannehill clearly trusts Landry, and while those two can move the chains, the next step is for Tannehill to make defenses pay down the field for devoting too much attention to Landry.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Move the sticks: The Dolphins haven’t converted enough third downs against two really good defenses to this point. They’ll have chances against a young Browns defense and will need to convert them to gain much-needed confidence.
2. Let it fly: The Browns had success last weekend with Coleman making plays down the field. The Dolphins want to do the same with Stills and Parker, and with the running game struggling, they’ll likely take some early shots.
3. Stout up front: The Browns have to shuffle an offensive line that already was a little shaky, and that could be bad news against an experienced Dolphins defensive front. Regardless of who’s playing quarterback, the Browns need to protect him and keep him out of third-and-long situations.
Zac Jackson