Ward's Injury Clouds Playoff Picture
The Cleveland Browns face a tense wait as cornerback Denzel Ward's knee injury casts a shadow over his availability for the upcoming playoff clash with the Houston Texans. Ward, a cornerstone of the Browns' formidable defense and three-time Pro Bowl selectee, has already missed three games this season. The team held him out in Week 18, aiming to have him healthy for the playoffs, but his participation remains in doubt.
The uncertainty surrounding Ward's condition is a blow to the Browns, who are entering the postseason as a 2.5-point favorite against the Texans. The highly anticipated game is set for Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET in Houston, where both teams will vie for a chance to advance further into the playoff bracket.
Browns' Injury Report Grows
Adding to the Browns' concerns, rookie Pierre Strong Jr. is dealing with a back issue sustained in the final regular-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Strong's practice time has been limited, participating minimally on Wednesday after missing Tuesday's session entirely. His status adds another question mark to the Browns' roster ahead of the pivotal game.
Injury woes continue with a litany of players alongside Ward and Strong. Mike Ford, Deshaun Watson, Nick Chubb, Rodney McLeod, Grant Delpit, Dustin Hopkins, Maurice Hurst, Anthony Walker, and Jakeem Grant have all contended with injuries. Additionally, key contributors like Amari Cooper, Joel Bitonio, David Njoku, Greg Newsome, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Juan Thornhill, Ethan Pocic, Cedric Tillman, Kareem Hunt, Corey Bojorquez, Myles Garrett and others have made appearances on the injury report.
Despite these challenges, the Browns boast a strong 10-6-1 record against the spread (ATS) in 2023, reflecting their resilience and ability to overcome adversity throughout the season.
Browns' Defense Dominates
The Browns' defense has been the bedrock of their success, allowing the fewest yards per game in the league at an impressive 270.2. They also rank second in fewest yards allowed per play, with a stingy 4.8 average. This defensive prowess is exemplified by Myles Garrett, who leads the race for Defensive Player of the Year. Garrett's outstanding season includes 14 sacks and four forced fumbles, contributing significantly to the Browns' top-ranked defense that has surrendered only 164.7 yards per game.
Their defensive unit is not just about yardage; they are also tied for third in defensive interceptions, having picked off 18 passes. This balance between pass rush and coverage has been a nightmare for opposing offenses and could prove decisive in their playoff journey.
Flacco's Playoff Pedigree
While the Browns' defense garners much attention, it's worth noting the playoff pedigree of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. With a playoff record of 10-5, Flacco has consistently proven his ability to perform when it matters most. His record against the spread is even more impressive at 11-4, including covering seven consecutive games. The Super Bowl XLVII MVP has shown he can lead a team through the high stakes of playoff football, and his performance has seen an uptick since his return, leading the NFL in passing yards from Weeks 13-17.
Offensive Weapons Shine
On the offensive side of the ball, the Browns have their own set of weapons. Tight end David Njoku led his position in receiving yards during Weeks 13-17, while wide receiver Amari Cooper ranked third among all pass-catchers in the same span. Their contributions have been vital for the Browns' offense, providing reliable targets in critical moments.
The synergy between the Browns' stifling defense and dynamic offense has been the formula for their success this season. As they prepare to face the Texans, the Browns will hope that their injured stars can recover in time to maintain their competitive edge and continue their quest for postseason glory.
With kickoff approaching, all eyes will be on the Browns' final injury report and whether key players like Ward and Strong Jr. can suit up. The outcome of this game could hinge on the health and readiness of these crucial contributors.