Jameis Winston, Ken Dorsey among the keys to the game
A lot of fans are checked out for this season (can’t blame them) but for those who aren’t, the Cleveland Browns are back at home this Sunday to host the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore is surging while Cleveland is looking for a spark in any form.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM. The Browns remain on CBS with Tom McCarthy, Ross Tucker and Jay Feely on the call.
It’s Jameis Winston time for Cleveland
With quarterback Deshaun Watson lost for the year, the attention now shifts to quarterback Jameis Winston. Winston, who the team acquired this past offseason, has been a starter in this league and has put up good numbers in his spots with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints.
What to expect when you watch Winston?
Similar to what the team got with quarterback Joe Flacco. The highs will be high and the lows will be low, Winston will not be afraid to sling the ball down the field and give his teammates a chance to come down with it.
Chief elevates for 6!#CINvsCLE on CBS and NFL+ pic.twitter.com/jz29Gk3eAO
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 20, 2024
As far as Winston’s thought process goes, he’s grateful for another chance to be starting again:
#Browns QB Jameis Winston says he’s “beyond grateful” to get chance to be starter. pic.twitter.com/fTjENZilCO
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) October 23, 2024
It will be curious to see how the former number-one overall pick looks with someone new calling the plays.
How will the Browns offense look with Ken Dorsey calling the plays?
In what was a bit of a shock to some, head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that he is giving up play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. Considering how many fans have begged for Stefanski to give up play-calling duties (even though their reasons were honestly laughable due to the context they gave) doing this now might have people wondering if Stefanski is on the hot seat.
The Browns offense this year has had its fair share of problems, whether it’s due to struggling quarterback play or offensive line/wide receiver underperforming, a play-caller change seems excessive to a degree.
Dorsey has had success as an offensive coordinator when he was with the Buffalo Bills. The Bills offensive efficiency dipped when the team fired him midway through the season and some viewed Dorsey as a scapegoat when Buffalo was struggling:
How did the Bills Offense perform after firing OC Ken Dorsey? They got worse!
with Dorsey (Week 1-10):
EPA/Play: 0.117 (3rd)
Success Rate: 51.5 % (1st)with Joe Brady (Week 11-17):
EPA/Play: 0.073 (6th)
Success Rate: 43.7 (9th)Some thoughts: pic.twitter.com/7PBX224YfS
— Oliver (@Oliver_Econ) January 4, 2024
Dorsey was brought in to incorporate some of his concepts with Watson, but Cleveland’s starting QB is out for the year. Will the offense look different with Dorsey calling plays? We shall see.
Stop #8, #27 and #4, will the Browns defense contain these three?
It seems obvious, but if the Browns want a chance to pull off the upset against the Ravens they have to contain these three players. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, and wide receiver Zay Flowers.
- Jackson? You can’t stop him but you can contain him to a degree. Quarterback spy, rush lane integrity and not letting him create explosives with his legs.
- Henry? Wrapping up in terms of tackling and making sure the linebackers fill their gaps and run fits.
- Flowers? Putting cornerback Denzel Ward on the speedy receiver as much as possible.
Many other factors can help Cleveland get a win but containing those three players is a start.
What do you think the Browns need to do to knock off the Ravens in Week 8? Share your thoughts below.