This Sunday’s matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is looking like a total nightmare for Cleveland fans. After their absolutely abysmal performance in Week 1, national media outlets are straight up refusing to give them *any* hope for a win in Week 2. We’re talking zero consideration.
Cleveland’s Week 1 Was a Disaster, And Everyone Noticed
Nobody is sugarcoating it. The Browns were a mess in Week 1, and the experts are calling it like they see it. NFL.com’s Brooke picked the Buccaneers, saying the “doctor ordered a nice prescription for the Buccaneers after last week’s turnover-fest in the form of the Browns, who were abysmal in the opener.” Yikes. Pete Prisco from CBS Sports didn’t mince words either, calling Cleveland’s showing “horrible” in Jacksonville. Vinnie Iyer at Sporting News doubled down, saying Cleveland doesn’t have “much of anything to be competitive” in another Florida game. It’s not just talk either; Cleveland comes into this game having gone 2-7 against the spread as a road underdog since last season. That’s a tough trend to buck when everyone’s already counting you out.
Baker Mayfield’s Ultimate Revenge Is Coming for Cleveland
Get ready, because this isn’t just another game for Baker Mayfield. John Breech at CBS Sports is calling it what might be “the greatest revenge game in NFL history,” even comparing Mayfield’s drive to Maximus in “Gladiator.” Mayfield was the No. 1 pick by Cleveland back in 2018, only to be sent packing after four seasons. Now, he’s facing them in the Buccaneers’ home opener, and the man is hungry. Sporting News’ Iyer thinks Mayfield has “the right opponent, his former team with a bad defense, to rip to shreds.” Mayfield had a “rough outing” himself in Week 1 with turnovers, but Prisco and Bender from CBS Sports and Sporting News both expect him to “bounce back.” Baker lost his only other start against the Browns in 2022, so you know he wants to even that score. This is personal.
Deshaun Watson’s Nightmare Matchup Is Already Here
As if facing a motivated Baker wasn’t enough, Deshaun Watson’s outlook isn’t exactly inspiring confidence either. In Week 1, Watson completed a dismal 2 of 5 passes for 20 yards and an interception, taking two sacks when blitzed. Guess who he’s facing this Sunday? Todd Bowles’ defense, which blitzed at the third-highest rate in Week 1 at 48.6 percent. That’s a recipe for disaster. NFL.com’s Brooke pointed out that this matchup against a blitz-heavy defense, combined with Watson’s Week 1 struggles against pressure, is setting up “another frustrating day for Browns fans.” The prognosticators aren’t holding back, with predictions ranging from Bucs winning by multiple touchdowns to scores like 30-10, 34-16, 27-10, and 31-21. Ouch.
So, this Sunday, it’s not just a game; it’s a test for Cleveland to “wake up” against a team led by a quarterback with a massive chip on his shoulder. Can Watson and the Browns find something, *anything*, to be competitive, or will Baker Mayfield deliver the revenge everyone expects in Tampa’s home opener? You just know Mayfield is bringing the heat.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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