Philadelphia Eagles vs Cleveland Browns Picks and Predictions October 13th 2024

Nick Sirianni, Eagles Look to Continue Post-Bye Success Against Browns

The Philadelphia Eagles will look to maintain their winning ways after a bye week when they face off against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has a perfect 3-0 record coming off a bye week, and he’ll aim to extend that streak as the Eagles (2-2) attempt to steady their season after an inconsistent start. Meanwhile, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski faces mounting pressure to turn his team’s fortunes around as the Browns (1-4) are mired in a three-game losing streak.

Eagles Seek Stability After Inconsistent Start

Philadelphia has alternated wins and losses in their first four games, a trend they’ll look to break coming out of their early bye week. Since their NFC Championship victory in 2022, the Eagles have struggled to find consistent success, going 13-10 (including playoffs) under Sirianni. Their offense, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, has shown flashes of brilliance, but turnovers have been a persistent issue.

Hurts, who was pivotal to the Eagles’ success during their 2022 Super Bowl run, has turned the ball over 28 times in his last 23 games, including seven turnovers already this season (four interceptions and three fumbles). The team’s inconsistent play has raised questions about Sirianni’s job security, though the head coach remains focused on what he can control.

“Anything out of your control or anything that consumes your mind that’s not focused on not getting better is a waste of time,” Sirianni said. “It only clouds the process. … If you’re focused on things that you can’t control, that’s gonna cloud that hunger and drive to get better.”

Philadelphia’s last game, a 33-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, exposed several weaknesses. Without key players such as wide receivers A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion), and All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson (concussion), the Eagles quickly fell behind 24-0. They were outgained 445-227 by Tampa Bay, and Hurts struggled to get the offense moving.

However, the bye week provided the Eagles with time to recover. Brown, Smith, and Johnson were all full participants in Wednesday’s practice and are expected to return to action against the Browns. Their presence will be crucial as the Eagles aim to bounce back.

Browns Struggling Despite Big Investments

On the opposite side, the Cleveland Browns are confronting their own difficulties, especially at the quarterback position. Since marking Deshaun Watson to a monstrous $230 million agreement, Watson has battled to recover the structure that made him a Genius Bowler with the Houston Texans. Watson has tossed more captures (12) than he’s dominated matches (9) in a Browns uniform, and the team’s offensive battles have left them in a difficult situation.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who has dealt with rumors surrounding his own job security, is sticking with Watson despite his struggles.

“This is not a one-person type of deal,” Stefanski said. “When we’re playing how we’re playing on offense, we need everybody to do their job and do their job better. … But I believe in Deshaun, I believe in what he brings to this offense, and I believe he will play better.”

Watson has faced constant pressure this season, being sacked 26 times—the most of any quarterback in the league. Last weekend, the Washington Commanders sacked him seven times in a 34-13 loss, further compounding Cleveland’s offensive issues.

Despite the struggles, Stefanski is hoping that Watson and the Browns can take advantage of an Eagles defense that has been vulnerable against the pass. Philadelphia ranks 24th in pass defense, allowing 237.0 yards per game, and they’ve only intercepted one pass in their last 13 quarters. This could be a golden opportunity for Watson to get back on track.

Eagles’ Ground Game Could Thrive

Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense could make progress on the ground against a Cleveland guard that has battled against the run. The Browns rank 25th in the NFL in hurrying guard, permitting 141.6 yards per game and surrendering eight surging scores up until this point this season. Philadelphia, known for its dynamic hurrying assault drove by Hurts and running back Saquon Barkley, will probably hope to take advantage of these shortcomings.

With key hostile players getting back from injury, the Eagles will expect to lay out a decent assault and stay away from the turnovers that have hampered their advancement.

Injury Concerns for Both Teams

In addition to Adams, both teams are dealing with a slew of injuries that could affect Sunday’s matchup. For the Eagles, the only limited participant in Wednesday’s practice was linebacker Nakobe Dean, who is nursing an ankle injury. Otherwise, the team appears healthy coming out of their bye week, with key players like Brown, Smith, and Johnson back in action.

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The Browns, on the other hand, have a much longer injury list. Running back D’Onta Foreman (ankle), defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles), safeties Grant Delpit (concussion) and Ronnie Hickman Jr. (ankle), and tight end David Njoku (knee, ankle) were among those who did not practice Wednesday. Additionally, cornerback Denzel Ward (hamstring) and center Ethan Pocic (knee) were also out, and nine other players were limited in practice. The extent of these injuries could impact Cleveland’s ability to execute on both sides of the ball.

What’s at Stake

The two teams frantically need a success to turn their seasons around. For the Eagles, Sunday’s down gives a potential chance to gather speed as they hope to stand up for themselves in a serious NFC East. A success wouldn’t just get them back north of .500 yet additionally help restore the predominance they displayed in their 2022 NFC Championship run.

For the Browns, another misfortune would additionally extend the opening they’ve searched for themselves. Watson’s capacity to lead the team out of its ongoing rut is basic, and a solid exhibition against Philadelphia’s weak optional could be the flash Cleveland needs to right the boat.

With the two teams doing combating to rescue their seasons, this matchup could end up being a urgent second as they explore the center of the time. The Eagles will be hoping to proceed with their post-bye achievement, while the Browns will expect to defeat their new battles and get back in the success column.