Who let the Dawgs Out?

The Washington Commanders head into Sunday’s game vs Cleveland sitting atop of the NFC East.

With an offense that is humming under OC Kliff Kingsbury and outstanding rookie QB Jayden Daniels, the Commanders are actually the favourites to get the win on home turf.

However, this is a Browns roster that has some high-calibre NFL players and joining UKHTTC from a Dawg Pound point of view, we welcome back Browns Fan UK.

Asking the questions is UKHTTC founder, Christian Burt.

UKHTTC:

The Browns on paper have several NFL star names – Myles Garrett, Nick Chubb and Amari Cooper to name but a few. So far in 2024, Cleveland have not really hit the heights, and this includes x2 losses vs NFC East opponents.

What is not currently going right in Cleveland?

Browns Fan UK:

Where do I begin.

It hasn’t happened for us at all yet this season. We find ourselves 1-3 having played the Cowboys, Jags, Giants and Raiders. I would’ve expected much more from this roster before the season began.

The Week 2 win in Jacksonville was encouraging at the time, less so now they sit at 0-4. Our O-Line has been really weak (albeit banged up), which I think is a big reason.

The Offense as a whole hasn’t clicked, and the questions surrounding franchise QB Deshaun Watson remain as we’re into his third season as a Brown.

Needless to say we miss Nick Chubb (any team would) due to the devastating injury he suffered last season. Amari Cooper has uncharacteristically dropped too many balls, yet the ever-reliable Myles Garrett remains in unstoppable form.

What was your view of the Browns in FA?

Jordan Hicks looks like he’ll be a very good addition, and Devin Bush has surprised.

The biggest deal was the trade for WR Jerry Jeudy, who has looked good in spots - notably against the Jags and Raiders.

D’Onta Foreman was brought in to help fill the massive Nicky Chubb-shaped hole.

What should the Commanders fear on Sunday?

Although it hasn’t hit the heights of last year’s performance, the Browns have a strong group of players on Defense.

Denzel Ward has been playing really well thus far this season, along with (unsurprisingly) Myles Garrett.

Not too much to worry about on the other side of the ball as the Offense has been somewhat underwhelming this season.

And what makes you worried about Washington?

You’ve scored some points the last two games (thanks for the 38 against the Bengals!), and it looks like Jayden Daniels is getting into stride pretty quickly for a rookie.

I’ve only seen highlights, so I’ll be interested to get a proper look at Daniels on Sunday.

As always, Terry McLaurin is a danger - great player.

Any under the radar guy for the Commanders to look out for in a Browns jersey?

Your phrasing of ‘under the radar’ instantly made me think back to our last game against the Raiders when TE Blake Whiteheart scoring the first touchdown.

It left a lot of Browns fans asking, “Who’s Blake Whiteheart?”. If David Njoku is still out, I expect he’ll see more notable action.

In the struggling Offense, Watson may well look to his tight ends, and we really need to get our run game going. If we do, Jerome Ford will likely see the ball most.

Sunday score prediction?

Despite being a Cleveland fan, I am (often extremely naively) an optimist.

I think it’s going to be tight, but I’ll go for a stab at 20-17 Browns, whilst praying our Defense can have the sort of game, they’re capable of and handle a Washington Offense that looks as if it may have some power.