The Cleveland Browns are in high spirits after defeating the Philadelphia Eagles and moving to 7-3 on the year.
They were able to get the win despite superstar pass rusher Myles Garrett being unavailable.
Garrett was placed on the COVID-19 list and will be unable to suit up versus the Jacksonville Jaguars this week.
#Browns Kevin Stefanski said they are ruling Myles Garrett out for Sunday's game against the Jaguars because "that's what the protocols call for."
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) November 23, 2020
The Browns will be shorthanded with Garrett sidelined and defensive back Denzel Ward banged up.
Luckily, the Jaguars are 1-9 on the year and have lost nine straight games.
This is a favorable matchup for the Browns, but the Jaguars fight every week and Cleveland does have some of their key players sidelined.
3. Olivier Vernon Two Sack Performance
Certainly, Browns fans were happy to see Olivier Vernon finally make an impact last week.
Coming into Week 11, Vernon had 16 tackles, four quarterback hits, and two sacks on the season.
Vernon was basically a non-factor all season, but that finally changed versus the Philadelphia Eagles.
🚨 SAFETY IN THE LAND 🚨
Olivier Vernon gets after Carson Wentz in his own endzone
(via @Browns) pic.twitter.com/qxeZcNjZuH
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 22, 2020
Vernon was able to finish with four tackles, one pass defended, and three sacks in the win over Philly.
It was a much-needed performance by Vernon with Garrett unable to suit up.
To be fair, the Eagles offensive line is horrendous, but the Jaguars line isn’t much better.
Vernon finally has momentum on his side and a favorable matchup ahead of him.
Hopefully, Vernon will continue wreaking havoc on Sunday against the mediocre Jaguars offensive line.
No Garrett means, this is a prime time for Vernon to step it up to the next level.
2. Baker Mayfield Tosses 3 Touchdowns
Browns fans haven’t seen quarterback Baker Mayfield throw a touchdown pass since Week 7.
Mayfield has played three straight games without throwing a touchdown, but the team won two of the games.
However, Mayfield has an excellent matchup against the Jaguars secondary that cannot stop anyone.
They’ve allowed 21 scores through the air, which is the second-most in the NFL.
To make it worse for Jacksonville, they will also be without young stud defensive back C.J. Henderson.
Yesterday, the Jaguars put starting CB C.J. Henderson on IR. Today, they ruled starting WR Laviska Shenault (hamstring) and starting TE James O'Shaughnessy (knee) out of Sunday's game vs. the #Steelers.
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) November 20, 2020
Mayfield should be able to easily air it out against this secondary on Sunday.
A three-touchdown performance from Mayfield is rare, but this is a perfect spot for it to happen.
1. Nick Chubb Sets Season High In Yards
If it wasn’t already obvious, Browns running back Nick Chubb has proven to be one of the best in the league.
He has already put together four games of 100 rushing yards or more in the six games he’s played in this season.
It’s unbelievable that Chubb is truly this good, but it might get better this week.
He’s facing a Jaguars defense that has allowed 97.3 yards on the ground per game.
Chubb is coming off two straight 100-yard performances and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him continue that streak.
In Week 10, Chubb set his season-high in rushing yards with 126 against the Houston Texans.
Chubb has a chance of surpassing that number against one of the worst defenses on Sunday.
He has looked fantastic since returning from injury a few weeks ago.
Best of luck to the Jaguars defense on trying to stop Chubb this weekend.
NEXT: Cody Parkey Proving To Be A Good Move For Browns
