The Browns dropped to 0-2 following their 24-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. They became the latest victim of their division rivals’ defensive resurgence, as they got pressured into committing five turnovers on the day (four interceptions and one lost fumble).
DeShone Kizer had all but one of those errors under his name. He also had a rough day in the pocket, and even exited the field at one point due to a migraine. Along with only going 15-for-31 for 182 yards in his throws, he also received majority of the Ravens’ 13 quarterback hits. The backfield wasn’t much of a help to the passing game, as the running backs just combined for a modest 67 yards on 4.1 yards per carry.
Kizer and the offense should be able to do better on Week 3, since the Colts are ways behind the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers in defending the pass or the run.
The aggressive defense, meanwhile, as led by the blitz-happy defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, will look to punish Indy’s weak offensive line. The unit gave up 22.5 points and 313.5 total yards in their first two games.
Dating back to 2016, Cleveland is 1-17 its last 18 games (4-13-1 ATS).
A switch in the starting QB position showed some progress, but overall, the Colts are still looking like they are in deep trouble if Andrew Luck doesn’t come back. The 16-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday had the Colts scoring 10 in the first quarter, and only three in the next three frames.
Jacoby Brissett replaced Scott Tolzien under center, and went 20-for-37 for 216 yards and one interception. Indy’s issues on the offensive line was again exposed, as it allowed 12 QB hits (four were sacks) and only helped guide the running backs to 76 yards on 2.6 yards per carry.
True to the old football saying that “a young QB’s best friend is the tight end,” TE Jack Doyle became Brissett’s favorite target for the day (and probably moving forward), as the two connected on eight passes for 79 yards.
Three-time Pro Bowl receiver TY Hilton had quiet numbers for the second-straight week. He has seven catches for 106 yards on the season.
The Colts defense are in the bottom six in points (31) and total yards allowed (381) per game, so don’t expect them to efficiently disrupt the Browns’ attack.
Including games from the past season, Indy is 2-4 in its last six games at home (SU and ATS).
