There are some areas the Browns need to focus on in Week 2 as they head to New York to take on the Jets on Monday Night Football.
Week 1 did not go the Browns way. They find themselves in a spot many did not expect, 0-1. There are a few things they need to work on in Week 2 if they are going to come out victorious.
Protect Baker Mayfield
Last week was an absolute disaster in this department. First there was the fact that Greg Robinson got ejected after kicking Kenny Vaccaro in the head. Robinson will not be suspended which will help the Browns, but work still needs to be done here. Baker Mayfield did not have a lot of time to throw and he was under pressure constantly. Freddie Kitchens and Todd Monken need to come together and put together an offensive gameplan in order to protect Baker and give the offense a chance to look like what everyone thought they could be before the season.
Keep Nick Chubb involved
Nick Chubb carried 17 times for 75 yards. The problem is that later in the game the score was so lopsided that they really could not use him. Cleveland will need to everything they can so they can continue to keep Nick Chubb involved in the offensive gameplan. If not things may trend towards a similar outcome.
Take less big shots
A recurring theme throughout Week 1’s loss to the Titans was the amount of shots downfield. A lot of deep passes were called but were unsuccessful. This was in part due to the struggles of the offensive line. A way to take some pressure off of Baker Mayfield along with figuring out their rushing attack is more quick strike plays. It is a lot of fun to think about the potential of throwing it deep to OBJ, but the shorter passing routes cannot be ignored. It is possible that everyone got a little bit too excited about the deep passing game and forgot about working the ball downfield methodically. A more methodical approach would certainly help the Browns be more efficient and consistent on offense. Big plays are fun but let’s not ignore the short passes that are not as sexy.
Pressure Sam Darnold
The Browns pressured Marcus Mariota last week quite well but was able to escape enough to make a few plays. Sam Darnold does not have the same ability as Mariota in that regard and getting home could be a bit easier. Pressuring Sam Darnold early could have a lasting impact on the game. If Darnold has too much time in the pocket without experiencing pressure he could have a productive game. This cannot be allowed to happen.
UPDATE
Sam Darnold is now out per reports.
Trevor Siemian will start in his place. Siemian last through a pass in 2017 while he was with the Denver Broncos. The loss of Darnold for the Jets could mean a shift in offensive philosophy. New York could lean on Le’Veon Bell to lead the team offensively and reduce the impact that Siemian could have on the game. If that is the case Cleveland will need to contain someone who has previously given them many headaches while he was in Pittsburgh.
Although Bell’s status is uncertain.
If Bell is not able to go that is just another piece for the Jets offense that they will be without. Facing New York without Darnold and Bell should make things a bit easier for the Browns on Monday.
