Skip to main content
Advertising
Presented by

6 Thing To Know About The Seahawks' Week 8 Opponent, The Cleveland Browns

Six points to take note of ahead of Seattle’s Week 8 home matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

things-to-know-seahawks-browns

The 4-2 Seahawks and 4-2 Cleveland Browns will square off Sunday at Lumen Field, the 20th all-time matchup between the two teams, with Seattle leading the series 13-6. Here are six things to know about Seattle's AFC opponent ahead of their Week 8 matchup.

Myles Garrett: Mr. Unstoppable

Through six games played, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett has 7.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and a blocked field goal attempt, and is coming off a AFC Defensive Player of the Week performance in Week 7. The two-time First Team All-Pro selection (2020, 2021) has reeled off consecutive 16-sack seasons, while making 35 tackles for loss in that span. Seattle will look to slow down the Pro Football Focus 2023 First-Quarter All-Pro selection on Sunday.

Deshaun Watson: Out; P.J. Walker Starts at QB

The Browns will be without sixth-year quarterback Deshaun Watson on Sunday due to a shoulder injury. Watson has played in just four games this season, as the nagging injury continues to be a problem. On Wednesday, Coach Kevin Stefanski discussed giving Watson a chance to recover.

"I just feel like with what happened in the game landing on his shoulder," said Stefanski. "There's residual swelling that's affecting his throwing. I think it's the best thing for him to rest this week and focus on rehab. I will always make what I think is the best decision for our football team, for Deshaun, and I feel like this is the best decision for this week."

On the season, Watson has completed 66 of 107 passes for 683 yards and four touchdowns, while throwing three interceptions. Fourth-year Temple alum P.J. Walker will get the start for Watson on Sunday, his third contest of 2023.

Running Back Committee: Overcoming Injury

The Browns have climbed to 4-2 despite losing running back Nick Chubb in September for the season due to a knee injury. Cleveland currently ranks second league-wide in rushing yards per game (147.5), but they’ll be without leading rusher Jerome Ford for Week 8 due to a high-ankle sprain. The injury came during Cleveland's 39-38 win over the Colts, further depleting Cleveland's backfield.

Seventh-year running back Kareem Hunt returned to practice Thursday, after missing Wednesday's practice with a thigh injury. The Toledo alum looks to lead Cleveland's backfield in Sunday's contest.

Amari Cooper: Veteran Leadership

Despite several offensive injuries, wideout Amari Cooper continues to be a consistent playmaker in Year 10. Currently, the Alabama alum leads Cleveland in receiving yardage (389), along with 24 receptions and a touchdown. Through six games, Cooper also leads the Browns with 47 targets. In 2022, Cooper recorded the fifth 1,000-yard (1,160) season of his career. With two 100-yard games under his belt in 2023, Seattle's secondary will look to prevent Cooper from making his presence felt.

No Entry Allowed: Dawg Pound Defense

Coming into Week 8, Cleveland's defense ranks No.1 (243 yards per game) in total defense. Through the air, the Browns are allowing just 149.2 yards per game (1st), remaining the only team league-wide to not surrender 1,000 passing yards. Cleveland's run defense (93.8 ypg) sits at seventh-best league-wide, one spot behind Seattle (87.2). But in Week 7's 39-38 win over the Colts, Cleveland allowed 456 yards and 38 points, both season highs. At 24 points-per-game, Seattle is currently tied for No. 11 in scoring. Seattle's offense will look to make a difference in Sunday's contest.

Turnover Concerns?

The Browns have done a lot of things well on their way to a 4-2 start, but one concern early in the season has been a lack of ball-security. Cleveland has turned the ball over 14 times, tied for second most in the league despite having an early bye, and their minus-6 turnover differential ranks 29th in the NFL.

A red-hot Seahawks defense would love to help the Browns continue that turnover trend on Sunday.

The Seahawks and Browns face off on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023. Kickoff is set for 1:05 p.m. PT. Take a look back through history at the Seahawks' matchups against the Browns.

Related Content

Advertising
;