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When the Cleveland Browns take on the Houston Texans in Week 2 of the 2021 NFL season, both teams have a chance to defy offseason expectations. The Texans were to be a disastrous failure while the Browns were to compete for the AFC’s top spot.
Both teams could still live up to their expectations during the offseason, but Week 2 could do a lot to prepare for the future. If Houston wins and Cleveland loses, those expectations will need to be reassessed.
In order for the Browns not to allow this to happen, they need to be able to protect quarterback Baker Mayfield and get the running game started. In their Week 1 win, the Texans knocked out Trevor Lawrence four times, sacking him once. They also stopped Jacksonville from starting their running game, allowing just 76 rushing yards.
As with most games, this shines the spotlight directly on the line of scrimmage. For the Browns, four-fifths of their offensive line is good to excellent. Normally all five are scored as such, but with questionable Jedrick Wills and his replacement, Chris Hubbard, absent, Cleveland has a concern against Houston.
For Texans, Whitney Mercilus is the big name. He had the team’s lone sack last week as well as a tackle for loss. For his career, Mercilus has 113 quarterback hits, 69 tackles for a loss and 55 sacks. His ability to impact the game from the edge has been consistent.
If Wills is significantly limited or the Browns need to start their left third-string tackle James Hudson III is the wait, Houston might be able to disrupt the home team’s game plan by rushing and passing.
Whitney Mercilus vs. Whoever Starts on Left Tackle could be the Browns’ game against Texans in Week 2.
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