When the Jets took on and defeated the 9-4 Los Angeles Rams last week, it was Adam Gase’s Super Bowl. The head coach, who was part of the Denver Broncos Super Bowl win with Peyton Manning, said his team’s locker room celebration was unlike anything he’d ever seen before. He also took the time to remind reporters of his genius in sticking with Frank Gore all season after the 37-year-old hauled in a six-yard reception. Gase stopped short of demanding an apology from those who questioned his wisdom, but never has a coach been so excited about a 1 win season.
Well if one win had Gase bloviating over his team’s success, just imagine the his reaction to a second straight victory which, believe it or not, became a good possibility over the past 24 hours. It was reported last night that the Browns lost multiple receivers due to COVID close contact cases. The Browns had to elevate two wide receivers from their practice squad to replace their top pass catchers. Where are the key matchups in today’s contest?
LT Mekhi Becton vs Edge Myles Garrett:
Garrett is arguably the NFL’s to defender this season and he’ll be the biggest test Becton has faced this season. Becton has had an incredibly impressive rookie season as we’ve seen him shut down both Nick Bosa and Aaron Donald when going head-to-head. If Becton shuts down Garrett, he should be in the conversation for offensive rookie of the year, but as an O-lineman it won’t happen.
WR Denzel Mims vs CB Denzel Ward:
Mims returns after missing last week due to COVID regulations and he’ll get to face one of the league’s top young cornerbacks in doing so. Mims has shown the ability to win one-on-one jump balls and Ward is a physical corner who will challenge Mims all day. This should be a good one.
DL John Franklin-Myers vs OG Joel Bitonio:
With Quinnen Williams on IR for the remainder of the season, Franklin-Myers becomes the Jets best chance to generate pressure up front and will likely be paired with Nathan Shepherd who had his best game of the season last week. The Browns are down several starting receivers so an absence of chemistry between Baker Mayfield and his targets could result in more time for the defense to get home and harass Mayfielf. Bitonio will be a big part of making sure that doesn’t happen.
ILB Neville Hewitt vs RB Nick Chubb:
Chubb is a bruising runner out of Cleveland’s backfield and figures to have a heavy workload today as the Browns will be without Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins and Donovan Peoples-Jones. With Harvey Langi on IR, Hewitt will be the most experienced inside linebacker on the field for the Jets today.
Prediction:
The Browns will be without three of their wide receivers but the Jets still have Adam Gase at head coach. Browns 27 Jets 13.