The Cleveland Browns host the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday as both teams look to open the 2019 regular season with a win.
Ahead of the matchup, Browns Wire managing editor Jeff Risdon spoke with us on the Titans’ AFC North opponent. Be sure to follow Jeff and Browns Wire for analysis and news on Browns this year.
Here’s a look at five things to expect from the opener.
1. There’s a lot of hype surrounding the Browns this year. Does the team truly take the next step this season?
It’s hard to envision this team not continuing to ascend. They had a winning record in the post-Hue Jackson time last year and managed to do that without Odell Beckham Jr., Olivier Vernon, Sheldon Richardson, et al. Defining the step forward is the tricky part. This team has made the postseason exactly once since 1999 and lost 10 or more games 13 times in 15 seasons. The Browns haven’t won a division title since 1989, when the Titans were the Houston Oilers and playing in the old AFC Central.Will they win the AFC North? I think that’s a very realistic probability. They should win double-digit games and host a playoff game. Those steps are eminently attainable. Anything beyond that would be gravy.
2. Which player do you think is going to give the Titans the hardest time on Sunday?
Myles Garrett is an easy answer. He’s unleashed in 2019 in the new defense under Steve Wilks, leaner and quicker than he has been. Garrett is a legit Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and with the OL woes the Titans have heading into Week 1, he’s primed to explode. With Olivier Vernon healthy on the other side, he’s going to get a lot of favorable matchups.
3. Who is a player flying under the radar who may become more noticed in this matchup?
Cornerback Denzel Ward made the Pro Bowl as a rookie but he never gets mentioned nationally. He’s a natural in coverage and has great ball skills. Ward plays bigger than he looks and can lock down a side of the field.
4. Analysts have spoken a lot to Baker Mayfield’s strengths, but he’s got some weaknesses as well. What is the best way for the Titans to keep Mayfield from making plays?
Mayfield has shown he can be a little streaky with the accuracy. He certainly was in preseason. Taking advantage of when he’s slightly off the mark by snagging an INT or posting a couple of 3-and-out series is an imperative for the Titans. The Tennessee secondary is arguably the best one the Browns will see all year, so trusting the talent to handle its business and hope the pass rush gets some pressure against the iffy Cleveland pass protection (namely RT Chris Hubbard and LT Greg Robinson).
5. Which Browns player has his best game on Sunday?
It’s hard to pick anyone but Garrett, but keep an eye on WR Rashard Higgins. It’s Higgins, not Jarvis Landry or Beckham (who hasn’t played yet but will on Sunday), who Mayfield looks for when he’s under duress. Higgins plays in the slot but can also win outside. Most teams focus on the more dynamic weapons, but Higgins has quietly become a very useful receiver with solid all-around skills.
