3 Matchups to watch between the Browns and Bucs in Week 2
· Yahoo Sports
The Cleveland Browns are coming off a game that they would like to forget. Head coach Todd Monken says there were some "really good things" on film from folks like quarterback Deshaun Watson. While the coaching staff remains optimistic, fans are less so.
In Week 2, things are not going to get any easier as they get to be the home opener once again, this time for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Oh, and the quarterback of that team is none other than Baker Mayfield. While some Browns fans and media have discounted Mayfield, he remains an issue for opposing defenses.
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And on top of the Mayfield issue, this defense is loaded with playmakers once again. So if you're the Browns, you have a tall task ahead of you on Sunday. So ahead of that game, we have some things to look at, starting with three matchups to watch within the game.
Jared Verse vs. Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke
In Week 2, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their star-studded pairing of offensive tackles gave up just four pressures. Both Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke gave up two each, while Wirfs gave up a sack as well. The pair had allowed a pressure rate of 14% to Baker Mayfield, so what can Jared Verse achieve?
Verse registered no pressures, QB hits, or sacks in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Their tackle duo is good, but Wirfs and Goedeke are in another tier. For this Browns' defense to turn a corner, they need the pass rush to be there, and it starts and stops with Verse.
Quinshon Judkins vs. Bucs' front seven
Quinshon Judkins had a rough opening week, as did everyone on the Browns' offense. In Week 2, Judkins could be the reason they turn things around if they let him be the straw that stirs the drink. Quarterback play will dominate discussions, but the running game could be their way to secure a win.
In Week 1, Chase Brown had nearly 100 total yards and one touchdown. Judkins is just as talented as Brown and could have the same success against a defense that has so many new faces finding their place in the Bucs defense in 2026. Look for Judkins to have 20 or more touches if possible.
Browns' secondary vs. Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield told the media when he signed his massive extension before the season that he was grown up and not holding grudges anymore. I tend to think that there may be one more grudge that is going to need to be worked out for him, and it is happening on Sunday. The Browns' front office that moved on from him remains in place, they haven't won since he left, so why wouldn't he be motivated?
The Browns' secondary will be tested by the pieces in the Bucs' offense. They need to step up the way they couldn't in Week 1 against Trevor Lawrence and his receivers. The team's defense continues its 300-yard passing defense streak, but Mayfield will test it.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: 3 Matchups to watch between the Browns and Bucs in Week 2