Bengals vs. Browns: 5 Bold predictions for NFL Week 2
4. Joe Burrow earns first 300-yard game with Bengals
Just looking at the box score, Joe Burrow’s NFL debut with the Bengals wasn’t necessarily the most jaw-dropping performance you’ve ever seen. He finished the 16-13 loss to the Chargers going 23-of-36 for 193 yards, no touchdowns and with an interception, though he did add eight rushes for 46 yards and a score.
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Playing against a Chargers defense that is stingy while also being matched up against a conservative offense, though, the young Cincinnati quarterback wasn’t asked to toss it all over the yard. Things could be different on Thursday night, however.
My expectation is that Cleveland gets out to an early lead with some explosive offensive plays, thus forcing Burrow to throw the ball quite often. The Browns defense has playmakers but is also far from perfect, which will allow the rookie signal-caller to find plenty of yardage and notch the first 300-yard game of his career.
3. Myles Garrett buoys Browns defense with multi-sack game
While Burrow is dropping back to throw the ball a ton in this game on Thursday Night Football, though, the Browns defense is going to get pressure on him. Not only does Cincinnati have one of the worst overall offensive lines in the league but Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett is an absolute game-wrecker capable of taking advantage of such a matchup.
Garrett was held without a sack against the Ravens in Week 1 but, against a superior offensive line, he still managed a tackle for loss and one QB hit. Now facing the Bengals, expect him to be a more consistent force in the backfield, harassing a young quarterback and making plays. Especially if Cincy has to throw a ton, the Defensive Player of the Year candidate should end up with a multi-sack game.