Cleveland Browns vs. Houston Texans Playoff Final Thoughts 1/12/24: Player To Watch

Player to watch and one final thought

Tony – 

Someone to look out for is edge rusher Ogbo Okoronkwo in his first-ever return to his former team, as he missed our Week 16 game in Houston. As mentioned earlier, Houston will either have to pass protect very well or change how they play offense to deal with the Browns’ pass rush. While Laremy Tunsil is one of the league’s best, Houston is likely to send everything they have to ensure Myles Garrett doesn’t ruin their game plan alone. Other pass rushers should continue to get isolated opportunities, and I like Okoronkwo to have a big impact along with Za’Darius Smith in a crucial game.

Overall, enjoy the moment because this Browns team overcame everything to get here. To move on to the Divisional Round, the Browns need to protect the ball and give Flacco time in the pocket to make throws downfield. Defensively, they need to win at the line of scrimmage and play solid defense on the backend to limit yards after the catch. If the Browns can do that, they should be one game closer to the ultimate goal.

Andy – 

I am going to say a more obvious player, but he needs to be watched and that is quarterback Joe Flacco.  He has been an unbelievable run, and sometimes as fans we are unable to see what is going on in front of us, and what is going on is very unique and special. 

Also as Tony mentioned, keep your eye on the defensive line.  Finally, Jerome Ford staying healthy in the game is key, the running back depth is thin heading into this tilt in Houston.

On Thursday, it was mentioned that Denzel Ward is questionable with a knee injury.  The Ward injury is significant because of his talent, but the good news is that the Browns have depth at cornerback and should be ok even if Ward can’t go.

On paper, the Browns should win this game.  If they can stay away from turnovers or when turnovers happen, allow the damage to be minimal, they should win the game.  Finally, this is a big game for head coach Kevin Stefanski, who was not on the sideline for the Steelers playoff victory.  Being on the sideline for a playoff victory would mean a lot for Stefanski.