The Brown BLog

Brown BLog Predicts

Missing Odell

 November 1, 2020:  Browns vs Raiders

The Cleveland Browns are going to miss Odell Beckham Jr.

There is a significant group of fans and even some pundits who actually believe that the loss of Odell Beckham Jr will end up "helping" the Browns.   I have news for you folks, any player who forces opposing defenses to adapt their game planning is not going to be easily replaced.

Defenses consistently dedicate a safety to keeping an eye on Odell deep.   That transforms any given play from 11 defenders against 11 offensive players to 10 vs 9.  That is a big deal even if Odell does not make a play.

What does this mean?

- It will often be more difficult for the Browns to run the ball

- It will be easier for the Raiders to mask coverages and confuse Baker Mayfield 

There are a lot of subplots to this game:

- Two good coaches

- Jon Gruden scheming to try to contain Myles Garrett

- The similarities of the Browns & Raiders:  Strong offenses, weak defenses

The Raiders are a good team, let's not forget they are the only team to defeat Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs this season and they hung that loss on the Chiefs in Kansas City.

The Browns are a good team too but the story today will be the Browns needing time to adjust their approach in a post Odell world.   I think in a high scoring battle, that will be the difference. 

Brown BLog Predicts

Raiders    34

Browns    24

The Brown BLog have a record of 3-3 this season picking Browns games.