NFL Week 15 Picks: Will Your Team Win?
By Joe Wedra
Dec 7, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Colts beat the Browns 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cincinnati Bengals (8-4-1) vs. Cleveland Browns (7-5), 1:00 Sunday
Our guest for this game is Jared Mueller of Dawg Pound Daily.
Can Manziel get the win? Why or why not?
Jared: Johnny Manziel can surely lead the Cleveland Browns to a victory on Sunday. The Browns talent base is far stronger than many believe and the offense is likely to be energized by his insertion. The Kyle Shanahan offense is predicated on a strong rushing attack. Having the threat of Manziel can only help that.
The vital things to watch, things that will be decisive for the game, is how he comes off his progressions, accuracy, and how quickly he pulls the ball down to run. If he goes through his progressions, keeps the ball out of the Bengals hands and runs only as a last measure he will do fine. The offense is setup for it and the defense can be next level.
What’s the biggest storyline in this one aside from Johnny Football?
Jared: Aside from Manziel, watch Joe Haden on A.J. Green. For some reason Haden has had Green’s number for most of their careers. Not only does he play well against him but Haden seems to really get in Green’s head causing him to break off routes, give up on balls and not stay focused. This has caused issues between Green and Andy Dalton in every game against the Browns. You will likely see them motioning at each other distraught at least once or twice this Sunday.
Final score prediction and why?
Jared: I think the Browns win but it will be a far closer game than it was in Cincinnati on Thursday Night Football. The Bengals will be far more healthy and won’t be taking the Browns so lightly. I expect the defense to still come out strong and make life difficult on Dalton. The Bengals will hit a long play for a score on the aggressive Browns defense.
On offense Manziel is going to make a play or two, specifically a long bomb to Josh Gordon, that makes the fans go crazy. He likely turns the ball over twice as well, one INT and one fumble. The Browns run game is strong and the passing game picks it up just a bit leading the Browns to a 24-20 victory.