Here are three key matchups to consider when the Falcons (4-4) face the Browns (2-6-1) at 1 p.m. Sunday at First Energy Stadium in Cleveland.
Falcons LT Jake Matthews vs. Browns DE Myles Garrett: Matthews and Garrett's stays at Texas A&M didn't overlap. Matthew's younger brother Mike played with Garrett, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft in 2017. "I'm excited for the challenge," Matthews said of facing Garrett. "I think we can go out there and have success. It's going to take a lot of work this week." Garrett is 6-foot-4 and 272 pounds and has nine sacks and three forced fumbles this season. "One of the things that is really evident with him is that he's so big, but he moves so smoothly and well," Matthews said. "He can dip the edge or overpower you. He's good with his hands. He's got a lot of different tools that he can use, but we've got a lot of different plans set where we can attack their defense all over. I feel really good about going out there and winning." Browns interim coach Gregg Williams coached Matthew's dad, Bruce. "I think that's going to be a good battle between Jake and Myles," Williams said. "Hopefully, we can come out with some results on that. He's a great football player. He comes from a great family of football players. It will be a great matchup for a lot of different people to watch."
Falcons FS Damontae Kazee vs. Browns QB Baker Mayfield: Kazee is tied for the league lead with four interceptions while taking over for Ricardo Allen at free safety. Chicago's Kyle Fuller, Carolina's Donte Jackson and Washington's D.J. Swearinger also have four interceptions. Kazee will match wits with rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has 10 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Kazee has had big interceptions in wins over Washington and Tampa Bay. "I think his toughness really shows up," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said of Mayfield. "The next part of him I think he is an accurate passer. He throws a really good deep ball and he has the confidence to throw it into tight windows."
Browns LT Desmond Harrison/Greg Robinson vs. Falcons DE Takk McKinley: Mayfield has been sacked 20 times and was sacked five times in three different games. He's adjusting the speed of the game and holding the ball too long at times. "Each week he gets better and better and better with his response and instinctively being able to play the game at the level he desires to play," Williams said. "He's very accurate. He's very smart. He's very confident. He very, very seldom makes the same mistake twice."
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