New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns staff predictions
The legend of Cade York grows.
York, a rookie kicker out of LSU with a big leg, delivered in a big moment with a 58-yard field goal that lifted the Browns to a 26-24 win over former quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.
That is significant in two ways. First, York's kick gave the Browns their first opening-game win in, well ... a long time. Second, York may written the first chapter in the book about who will ever make the Browns forget their last good kicker, Phil Dawson.
The Browns unleashed a relentless pass rush on Mayfield, including two sacks by Myles Garrett, and showed a willingness to use two-headed running back monsters Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt at the same time in the backfield.
Cleveland Browns:'If we get to the 40, he's going to handle it': Cade York calls shot on game-winner
Cleveland Browns football:Browns find validation, Panthers find hope in Baker Mayfield's Carolina debut
Chubb responded with 144 yards rushing and Hunt was effective as both a runner and pass catcher, scoring touchdowns both on the ground and through the air.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett had an uneven game, to be kind, but came away with a win in his first start with the Browns, and, in the NFL, that is only stat that matters. Can the Browns make it 2-0 with a win in their home opener against the New York Jets?
Here is how our Browns' panel of experts expect game two to play out:
Chris Easterling (1-0)
Score: Browns 24, Jets 10
Comment: Nostalgia for the 1990s is high, and that makes it the perfect time to flash back to 1993 when the Browns last started 2-0. The defense will stifles the Jets, who can't stifle the Browns' running game. It all sets up to help the Browns get off to a fast start.
By the numbers:Browns-Panthers snap counts: Ronnie Harrison Jr., Jesse James and Michael Dunn make three
Steve Doerschuk (0-1)
Score: Browns 27, Jets 17
Comment: I'm wondering if I ever saw a game in which a team threw 59 times, as Joe Flacco did against Baltimore, and scored only nine points. I don't recall any. I'm trying to think of a home opener that was a more gift-wrapped win than this one. I can't.
Marla Ridenour:'A sight to behold': Browns' Nick Chubb at his tackle-breaking best in opening victory
Marla Ridenour (1-0)
Score: Browns 23, Jets 17
Comment: Jacoby Brissett may have to pass more to win this week, but Amari Cooper, David Njoku, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Kareem Hunt are ready for more. Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods should unleash the Dawgs against Jets QB Joe Flacco, 37.
Panthers see leader in Mayfield:'Ultimate fighter': Ex-Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield's fire fits Panthers' style
Nate Ulrich (0-1)
Score: Browns 20, Jets 17
Comment: Cade York delivers again, this time in front of the home crowd. Why not?
Postgame video:WATCH: Post-game huddle: Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina - The Return of Baker Mayfield
George Thomas (1-0)
Score: Browns 21, Jets 17
Comment: It has the makings of a classic "Return of the Jed" moment: "It's a trap!" A game they're supposed to win with the Jets starting QB out. But here's the thing. His replacement is a wily ol' vet named Joe Flacco. He's not the Flacco of old, but he has a 17-3 record against the Browns from his days with the Ravens. Can he conjure the Ghosts of NFL Past? I don't actually believe he can given the Browns defensive ends Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney, so I'll go with the home team in its home opener.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: New York Jets vs. Cleveland Browns predictions NFL Week 2 home opener
