The Dolphins are set to kick Week 12 off this afternoon against the Cleveland Browns — their 11th game of the 2019 season. We check in with Jeff Risdon, the managing editor of Browns Wire. to get the scoop on the opposition.

The Browns are one of the more disappointing teams in the NFL so far this season. What has been the primary root of their struggles?

The easiest place to point the finger of blame is at head coach Freddie Kitchens. He’s very much looked like a guy who has never even been a coordinator before, let alone in charge of everything. With all the high-profile personalities, the high expectations and the complete scheme change on defense, it’s been a rough go for Kitchens. I’d be remiss to not mention the offensive tackles. Greg Robinson but especially Chris Hubbard have been dreadful and are the biggest reason why the offense has sputtered. If you’re doing a mock draft for Cleveland and don’t have an offensive tackle in the first round, your mock is wrong.

Cleveland has several prominent former Dolphins on their roster. How have expectations been met for guys like Jarvis Landry and Olivier Vernon?

Landry has played well both seasons in Cleveland. He has stepped up as more of a leadership presence this year and it’s helped. He’s still basically the same player he was in Miami. There are Browns fans who are frustrated a bit that he doesn’t produce more based on his contract, and that’s a fair critique. But he’s been the Browns’ most consistent receiving weapon. Vernon is hurt and will miss this game. Like Landry, he gets dogged because of his contract and because he’s not the No. 1 player at his position on the Browns. Vernon started a little slow but he was fantastic in Weeks 3-9, when he got hurt. He had more QB pressures and hits than Myles Garrett during that timespan, and he is easily the Browns’ best run defender up front.

How can Freddie Kitchens get ahold of his troops and keep them from self inflicting damage each week?

Up until the brawl at the end of the Steelers game, the Browns had been more disciplined since their bye week. But then everything went out the window. They haven’t turned the ball over in three weeks and are reducing the pre-snap penalties (2 in 4 weeks), so it is getting better. Kitchens seems to be letting his assistants do more in-game coaching and that has helped.

What is one thing about the Dolphins that scares you as a Browns fan?

Talent-wise, there’s not a lot to be honest. But Coach Flores seems to have the team playing unified and to the best of their ability. That’s not always true of the Browns, and the Dolphins are definitely the mentally tougher squad in this matchup. If the Dolphins hang around, their resilience and a little FitzMagic could prove deadly for a Browns team that is forever living on the edge.

Who wins and why?

The Browns offense has too much talent and has really thrived since Kareem Hunt returned two weeks ago. I do think the Browns missing three regular starters on the defensive line will be an issue, especially if Miami can get the perimeter run game working. But Baker Mayfield and the balanced offense will prove too much. Browns by 10.

The Miami Dolphins enter Week 12 of the NFL season looking to bounce back after a rough showing against the Buffalo Bills. Miami admirably moved the ball through the air against Buffalo, but couldn’t stop QB Josh Allen at any point — which proved to be the difference as Miami was constantly in chase mode. A loss? Not that unexpected. And a loss this week against the Cleveland Browns would hardly be a surprise either.

But there may be some surprises and big stories along the way. Here are three bold predictions for this Sunday’s contest in Cleveland.

WR Jarvis Landry finds the end zone

Is this really a bold prediction? Maybe not. You already know Jarvis Landry is going to come out hot for his first game against his former team. Landry has enjoyed a productive season for Cleveland and is averaging over 14 yards per reception this season — he’s on pace for 1,000 yards this season and has become one of the focal points of the offense.

Landry is going to get his looks. And Freddie Kitchens comes across as the kind of coach that will go out of his way to let his players stick it to the opposition. Look for a big day.

The Browns will not sack QB Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Browns still have the edge in talent, but they’ll be without three of their four starters on the defense line with Myles Garrett and Larry Ogunjobi suspended and Olivier Vernon injured. That adds up to ease the pressure on the Dolphins’ offensive line, especially against the pass. Fitzpatrick will still probably need to throw the ball a ton, but without their best threats off the edge, Cleveland should struggle to pressure Miami.

Miami wins the turnover battle but loses the war

As a result of Cleveland’s lack of rush, Fitzpatrick should be able to make crisp decisions with the football and ensure he’s going to the open man. Is ball security enough to protect the Dolphins in their contest against Cleveland? It’s doubtful — the Browns boast so much more talent than Miami at this point in the season and therefore Cleveland should wrap this thing up, even if they shoot themselves in the foot.

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