The Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles face off in a week one matchup on September 11th at 1:00 p.m. EDT. The two teams hope that 2016 brings excitement along with a entirely new and fresh atmosphere.
Let’s take a look at the starting defense for both teams heading into this week one matchup, and let’s discuss some key points and how the Browns can come away with a victory.
Browns Starting Defense
Defensive Ends: John Hughes III, Xavier Cooper, Stephen Paea, Carl Nassib, Tyrone Holmes
Defensive Tackles/NT: Danny Shelton, Jamie Meder
Linebackers: Emmanuel Ogbah, Corey Lemonier, Demario Davis, Christian Kirksey, Tank Carder, Dominique Alexander, Joe Schobert, Nate Orchard,
Cornerbacks: Joe Haden, Jamar Taylor, Tramon Williams, Tracy Howard, Briean Boddy-Calhoun, Marcus Burley, Scooby Wright III,
Safeties: Jordan Poyer, Ibraheim Capmbell, Don Jones, Derrick Kindred
Eagles Starting Defense
Defensive Ends: Brandon Graham, Connor Barwin, Vinny Curry, Steven Means, Marcus Smith,Bryan Braman
Defensive Tackles: Fletcher Cox, Bennie Logan, Beau Allen, Taylor Hart, Destiny Vaeao
Linebackers: Jordan Hicks, Nigel Bradham, Mychal Kendricks, Stephen Tulloch
Cornerbacks: Leodis McKelvin, Nolan Carroll, Ron Brooks, Jalen Mills, C.J. Smith
Safeties: Malcolm Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Jaylen Watkins, Chris Maragos
Which Defense Will Shine?
Eagles Take:
The Philadelphia Eagles run a 4-3 defensive front. They have athletes on their d-line that are extremely powerful and will make the Browns o-line look terrible. Will that be the case Sunday evening? I don’t think so. Normally in the first game of the season the dominant defensive players need a game or two to get back into the groove of things. Defensive Tackle Fletcher Cox signed a 6-year $103 million contract this offseason along with $63 million guaranteed.
This young defensive tackle would have struggled if center Alex Mack was still in a Browns uniform. Considering they have second-year offensive lineman Cameron Erving at center, it will be an interesting battle to watch. Erving, 24, was selected in the first-round of the 2015 NFL draft out of Florida State University. He was originally an offensive guard but after center Alex Mack left in free agency, the team decided Erving was suited for the position.
Connor Barwin is a defensive end and a dominant one at that. He is a veteran athlete who has gotten to quarterbacks his entire career. The 29 year old athlete has earned 45.5 sacks in this career so far. It will be a challenge for the Browns offensive line to keep these players under wraps.
In my honest opinion, quarterback Robert Griffin III will get sacked at least 3 times in this matchup. There is no need to worry though, he will get back up and continue to produce to try and make his team win.
Browns Take:
The Cleveland Browns head into the season with a rookie filled defensive roster. This team lost many key contributors this offseason such as:
Safeties: Tashaun Gipson, Donte Whitner
Cornerback: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu
Linebackers: Barkevious Mingo (Traded), Karlos Dansby, Scott Solomon, Paul Kruger
Defensive Tackle: Randy Starks
These athletes were veterans and could have had a solid season this year. Now that this team is filled with younger talent, it is Ray Horton’s job to really teach these younger athletes how to play in the National Football League.
In my honest opinion, I think there is no better test than going up against a first-round quarterback in Carson Wentz who only played in one preseason game. Wentz will see exotic blitzes by Horton and not even know what to do. It will be a very interesting game to watch and see how poised or uncomfortable Wentz will look in the pocket.
Winner?
I have the Cleveland Browns winning this defensive battle. Yes, the Browns offensive line is not that stellar and will struggle against the Eagles defensive line but just look at who is playing quarterback for the Eagles – a rookie. If Carson Wentz looks extremely poised in the pocket and is delivering his throws, it will be because of the extraordinary play of the Eagles offensive line. I believe the Browns will get to Wentz a few times in this game and will continue to keep him off balance and make him very uncomfortable.
Final Predictions:
Browns Defensive INTs: 2
Eagles Defensive INTs: 1
Score: 28-14 Browns
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