The Browns head to New York for a Week 5 matchup with the Jets, and the view from the other side isn’t exactly glowing. In a five-question exchange with Gang Green Nation’s MacGregor Wells, the Jets’ early-season picture came into focus: Geno Smith has been uneven, the run defense has been leaky, and Cleveland is drawing some support as the underdog that might not deserve the label.
Smith’s return to the Jets has produced the kind of mixed results you’d expect from a quarterback who can still throw it but doesn’t always process things quickly enough. Wells said Smith “has been a mixed bag,” adding that while his arm remains “reasonably strong and accurate,” the issues have always been his decisions and how fast he reacts when things get messy.
“Keep him well protected for long enough and he can do well. Pressure him or force him into quick decisions and Geno will struggle.”
Jets fans, according to Wells, were mostly fine with the move back to Smith because of how rough the quarterback situation was a year ago. But there wasn’t any real illusion that they were getting a top-tier answer.
“He is what he is - a decent stopgap until the Jets can draft or trade for a better option.”
The defense has been more of a split screen. Wells said the secondary has been a pleasant surprise after entering the season with questions, but the front has not held up nearly as well.
The Jets’ run defense, especially up front, has underperformed despite offseason moves aimed at improving exactly that area. On top of that, the line hasn’t generated enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
“It’s been a rough start to the season for the Jets defensive line.”
If the Jets are looking for a Week 5 spark, Wells pointed to rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq, the No. 16 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. With several receivers currently injured, Sadiq has quickly moved into a prominent role behind Garrett Wilson.
“He is an insanely athletic dude at tight end, and the Jets have a bunch of receivers currently injured, leaving Sadiq as the second priority target in the Jets passing game behind Garrett Wilson. If the Jets can protect Geno Smith against the Browns pass rush Sadiq has the potential to have a big game.”
Wells also highlighted a name Browns fans may not know yet: safety Dane Belton. Signed from the Giants this offseason, Belton spent much of his time in New York as a special teams player, but he’s now starting for the Jets and has made an impression, especially against the run.
“Belton’s not a star in pass defense, but he is outstanding in run support. He is a very sound tackler, always wraps up, and always seems to be around the ball.
He’s no superstar, but he’s just fundamentally sound and he hustles like crazy. A fun guy to watch.”
As for the game itself, Wells said he was surprised to see Cleveland listed as a slight underdog. With the Browns having won three straight and the Jets having dropped three in a row, he sees the recent form lines clearly pointing in opposite directions.
“I am a bit shocked that the Browns are underdogs here. The Browns have won three straight and the Jets have lost three straight. The Jets have looked progressively worse with each game played.”
He acknowledged the home-field edge but didn’t put much stock in it, and he ultimately leaned toward Cleveland.
“I hate to say it, but I’d pick the Browns to win this game.”
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