The Cleveland Browns currently sit at 5-3 in the AFC North. They have the same record as both the Steelers and the Bangles and as of right now, every single AFC North team is in the playoff picture. One thing that has held this football team back is injuries. Starting with the injury to star RB Nick Chubb, then QB1 Deashuan Watson, and most recently RT Dawand Jones. Cleveland has their most important game so far this season on Sunday as they go to Baltimore to take on the division-leading Ravens. How will Dawand’s absence affect this outing? Hollywood News Daily is here to tell you.
Highest graded rookie OL in pass protection this season:
🔶 Dawand Jones, CLE pic.twitter.com/KDlV5xfxWg
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 2, 2023
Dawand Jones’ Injury
Dawand Jones has been fighting both a knee and a shoulder injury according to WKBN.com. They held him out of practice all week and that was not a good sign heading into the weekend. Jones is only a rookie, but he has already shown that he is one if not the best pass protectors that the Cleveland Browns have. Being able to protect the QB is always important, but in Cleveland’s case, it is extremely important. Deshaun Watson is coming back from a rotator cuff injury that held him out for about a month.
Watson had the best game of his Browns career last week against the Arizona Cardinals where he threw two touchdowns. Deshaun still looked a little rusty, especially on his short throws but his long ball was on point. He hit Amari Cooper a few times downfield for big gains. That is something that Cleveland will most definitely need if they want to beat this Ravens team. Will they be able to hit these big plays if Watson is under pressure every snap?
always each other's biggest cheerleaders@Flash_Garrett | #DawgPound pic.twitter.com/enSr8odkml
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 10, 2023
Cleveland’s Shot
The Cleveland Browns dropped their first matchup against these Ravens, but they played rookie QB DTR who was not ready for his first NFL start. Cleveland’s defense was also gassed from being on the field during the majority of that game. If Watson can get points on the board as well as keep Cleveland’s defense off the field as much as possible in order for them to stay energized Cleveland has a good chance. Cleveland’s new DC Jim Schwartz has gotten this defense to be one of the best in the NFL.
This is a huge game that could reshape the outlook of the AFC North. Neither the Ravens nor the Browns can afford to lose this game on Sunday. A Healthy Watson looks to lead his team to a big win as we all wait for kickoff.
Image Credits: YouTube.com/ClevelandBrowns.