Washington Redskins: Five Questions With Dawg Pound Daily's Steven Kubitza
Sep 25, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson looks on from the sideline during the first half against Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Redskins are playing the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Dawg Pound Daily’s Steven Kubitza is here to answer five Browns related questions to brief us on the matchup.
The Washington Redskins and the Cleveland Browns are going to be squaring off on Sunday in a highly important game. The two teams are in very different places heading into the game, but their records are pretty similar. The Browns have yet to win with a 0-3 record, but they have played well. Meanwhile, the Redskins are 1-2 but could be better than they are. They have been ravaged by mistakes and injuries.
The matchup between the two teams should be very fun to watch. To get a better knowledge of the Browns, we here at Riggo’s Rag teamed up with the enemy at Dawg Pound Daily. Browns writer Steven Kubitza helped to answer all of our questions. Here is what he had to say about the game.
Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
1. What do you think of Robert Griffin III’s future with the Browns?
It would be a surprise to see RG3 start another game in a Browns uniform, unless he is the only healthy quarterback left at the end of the season. From the start, he was Hue Jackson’s personal project. Jackson came in and wanted to turn around Griffin’s career instead of going with Josh McCown, the reliable option.
Now that Griffin is injured, which surprised no one, the team has seemingly already moved on. McCown is the favorite to start once he is healthy, but Cody Kessler can hold down the job if he has success. As for the offseason, a QB is going to be targeted in the draft as the Browns are going to have a pick in the top-5, meaning Griffin does not fit in anywhere in the team’s future plans.
Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Eric Berry (29) breaks up a pass intended for Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
2. Terrelle Pryor has stepped up for the Browns, but is there another receiver who could potentially have a big day for the team on Sunday? Who is it and why?
This is tough because the Browns are still without Corey Coleman and Josh Gordon. But when it comes to a breakout receiver, look not to the receiving corps, but to the tight ends.
Gary Barnidge, a Pro Bowler last season, is going to have a big day against the Redskins. He has been quiet to start the year, but now that Kessler has a start under his belt, Barnidge is going to be his favorite target all day. This becomes more true given the fact Pryor will garner much more attention from the secondary.
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
3. The Browns’ rushing game has been very strong to start the season. Which back do you think will perform best against the Redskins and how will they do?
Isaiah Crowell is going to have another big day on Sunday. He is already averaging just over 91 rushing yards per game, which is a bit of a surprise given the uncertainty of the offensive line heading into the season.
At the same time, look for Duke Johnson to have several big gains in the receiving game. The duo works well with Crowell dominating on the ground, while Johnson is more of a skill back, working out of the backfield in more than one way.
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens defeated the Browns 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
4. How do you think the Browns will matchup with the Redskins elite receiving corps? Will they have Joe Haden travel and if so, who will he cover?
Joe Haden is still a question for the game, but it looks like he will indeed be playing this Sunday. If he does not, the Redskins are going to have a big game through the air. Well, even if he does play, the receivers will still have a nice day, unless Kirk Cousins throws three interceptions and a coup takes place.
The Browns have a weak secondary, with the key being getting early takeaways that lead to points, which is what they did last week against the Dolphins. So the receivers having a big day depends on Cousins more than the play of the secondary, who is average at best.
Sep 25, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) walks off the field after losing to the Miami Dolphins 30-24 at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
5. What is your prediction for the outcome of this game?
I hate myself for doing this once again, but I have to go with the Browns. They can’t possibly start 0-4, right? I said the same thing last week, although they should have won, if not for three missed field goals.
The Browns are going to continuing using Pryor in all facets of the offense, and a comfortable Kessler will throw for two touchdowns, leading the Browns to a 24-20 win.
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