Cleveland Browns @ Atlanta Falcons Week 4 2022 Preview
The Atlanta Falcons face their first AFC opponent of the season in the 2-1 Cleveland Browns. Kevin Stefanski's side have had a extra three days to prepare for this, after defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 3's Thursday night football. The Browns are playing without Deshaun Watson until week 11, due to suspension, so Jacoby Brissett is their quarterback following the offseason trade of Baker Mayfield to Carolina. Cleveland really should be 3-0, but a late collapse in week two against the Jets, where they allowed New York to recover an onside kick, saw them inexplicably lose after leading by 13 points with just 90 seconds left. This could be a high scoring game, as it is a meeting of two top 10 scoring offenses.
Head to Head
Browns D vs Falcons O
It'll be a match up of strength vs strength as the leagues 5th best rush attack in Atlanta goes up against Cleveland's 7th best rush defense which is allowing just 83.7 yards rushing per game. Only Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley have more rushing yards than Cordarelle Patterson total of 302. Patterson didn't practice on Tuesday, resting with a knee issue. Guard Elijah Wilkinson will return to the starting line up after missing the Seahawks game. After much debate on the usage of Kyle Pitts, Arthur Smith got him more involved last weekend and if it wasn't for some overthrows by Mariota, he easily would of had a 100 yard game. Ball security has been an issue for Arthur Smith's offense, they have committed 7 turnovers (3 interceptions and 4 fumbles) through three games. Mariota's turnovers and inability to connect with the deep ball, leave me itching to see Desmond Ridder start. Smith has done a remarkable job opening the season on offense, his play calling has utilized multiple personnel groupings and formations. An efficient run game, pre snap motions and play action passing constantly keeps the opposition defense on the back foot.
The big news out of Cleveland is that Myles Garrett's status for the game is uncertain, after he was involved in a car crash on Monday. Luckily, none of Garretts injuries are life threatening, but he is suffering with some shoulder and bicep strains. The Browns defense has sacked the quarterback 7 times already, Garrett and Clowney are an incredibly talented set of edge rushers, both can be unplayable on their day; Garrett is the 2nd best edge rusher (behind TJ Watt) in the NFL in my opinion, so his availability could go a huge way to deciding the game. Joe Wood's secondary has struggled against wide receivers this season, and if Garrett can't play, Mariota will have more time to dissect the secondary. Drake London has quickly become Marcus Mariota's favourite target, London has been targeted 25 times, 7 more than the next best Falcon. He is PFF's highest graded offensive rookie with an 82.5 grade. PFF have the Falcons offensive line graded as a top 10 unit, it was a huge problem for the team last season. Cleveland are allowing 24.0 points per game. The secondaries poor play has been reflected in them only tallying one interception through three weeks.
Browns O vs Falcons D
The Falcons will have to play an excellent game when defending the run, Nick Chubb is the NFL leader in rushing yards with 341. Cleveland's one-two punch at running back is arguably better than any teams duo at the position in the entire league. Their rushing attack is one of the most dynamic Atlanta will face all year. Kareem Hunt is great in the screen game. At their best, the Browns like to control the time of possession with a run heavy approach. Winning on early downs is essential, so Dean Pees defense can force the Browns away from the strength and into obvious passing situations. Anthony Rush will be crucial to this weeks gameplan, if the Atlanta Falcons are to come out victorious. Cleveland's offensive line is elite, they do a phenomenal job in creating running lanes for Chubb and Hunt. Brissett has completed 66% of his passes at 6.5 yards an attempt. The Falcons done a great job winning on first and second down last Sunday, they forced Seattle into 17 third down and 3 fourth down situations. Pees disguised blitzes and coverages are what he is renowned for, Jacoby Brissett has played well this season, but he isn't typically a quarterback who scares the opposition with his arm.
Amari Cooper is the star wide receiver for the Browns, he is averaging 73 yards receiving per game and has two touchdowns. Cleveland were savvy, acquiring the four time pro-bowler was for just a 5th round pick and a swap of 6th rounders. AJ Terrell looked at his best against DK Metcalf last weekend. Stefanksi would be wise to move Cooper around the field, creating match ups against everyone not named Terrell. David Njoku gives Brissett a reliable target over the middle, 9 of his 13 receptions have resulted in first downs. Despite them showing flashes of improvement, Atlanta rank 6th worst for points allowed per game at 27.0. As always, Grady Jarrett is the man to watch for the Falcons defensive line, his 3rd down sack last Sunday was a huge factor in them being victorious in Seattle. Richie Grant has been an interesting chess piece for Dean Pees this season. Compared to last seasons linebackers, Mykal Walker and Rashaan Evans performances been a big improvement.
Browns vs Falcons (Special Teams)
The Browns special teams had a day to forget in week two, a Cade York missed extra point and allowing the Jets to recover an onside kick played a part in them blowing a 13 point lead. Cade York has been successful with all 6 of his field goal attempts. Younghoe Koo has the most points amongst kickers in the league this season.
A Browns Fan View
I asked the @NFLBrowns instagram page, the Fantasy Football Network scout team Cleveland Browns correspondent, a few questions about his team.
What record will the Browns finish with this season?
"10-7."
How do the fans feel about the Deshaun Watson signing?
"I think the fans are excited to have a star QB in the locker room and that could possibly take this team to the Super Bowl, but they do not like the negativity that comes with it."
What's Cleveland's biggest strength?
"Our Running Backs."
What's Cleveland's biggest weakness?
"Probably Defensive Tackle."
An under the radar player to keep an eye on?
"Jerome Ford."
"Browns 27-24 Falcons."
Betting Odds
Spread: Browns -1.5
Moneyline: Browns -120 Falcons +102
Over/Under: 49.5 points
My Prediction
Browns 27 - 30 Falcons.
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I can be followed on Twitter @falcons_corner or on Instagram @falcons.corner. I provide fantasy coverage for the Fantasy Football Network, you can subscribe at Fantasyfootball.network or download their mobile app. During the season, I will be uploading weekly Youtube videos during the season on my channel here.
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