Category Archives: Game Previews

Browns need to reset, focus on Week 2

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The Cleveland Browns were stuck in neutral in Week 1. They need to take this week to make adjustments and get ready for Week 2 against the New York Jets.

It is time to reset and get ready for Week 2. Week 1 was an absolute disaster for the Cleveland Browns. It was a penalty-fest which took a toll on the Browns. Cleveland definitely committed some stupid penalties but there were plenty of examples of lopsided officiating. 

Now it is time to focus on the New York Jets. Cleveland will face the Jets in Monday Night Football and will have the opportunity for redemption in front of a national audience. 

Many view this as a rematch of the Baker Mayfield coming out party on Thursday Night Football last year. While both teams and quarterbacks are the same, the roster construction is very different. Cleveland has a much improved roster as do the Jets. 

This is much easier said than done but Week 1’s outcome will need to be forgotten. There are two things that need to be worked on going into Week 2.

First is discipline. 

Do not commit stupid penalties and avoid anything that could remotely be called a penalty. All eyes are on the Browns and plenty will try to take them down a peg or two. Opponents will try and bait the Browns into doing something stupid. Remember, it is not who started a scuffle to be penalized but the last person to do something. They end up being caught every time and they are the one who gets the penalty whether it is fair or not. 

Second is protecting Baker Mayfield. 

There was a distinct difference in Cleveland and Tennessee’s protection schemes. Tennessee was missing key offensive lineman but were able to protect Marcus Mariota. Bunching receivers next to the line in an effort to slow down the Cleveland pass rush. Cleveland would be wise to take this strategy and copy it immediately. Considering that the Browns are taking many shots downfield, they need give Baker time in the pocket. Something that he did not have Sunday. If they opt to not do that the offense needs to adapt more of a quick strike philosophy rather than deep shot after deep shot.  

The Browns are definitely more than capable of bouncing back and defeating the Jets in New York next week. They just have to adjust to what they saw Sunday.  

Browns Players to Watch: Week 1 vs Titans

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The first week of every NFL Season is always high stress. Let’s take a look at five key players for the Cleveland Browns.

  • Baker Mayfield
    • The 2nd year quarterback has a lot of pressure on him, and he’s hoping to avoid the “sophomore slump”. Above all the key to his success is doing what he does best, buying time with his mobility. Considering the Browns shuffled the offensive line this may be counted on more this season than last.
  • Eric Kush
    • The projected starter at the right guard position will have many question marks for a position previously held by Kevin Zeitler, Zeitler was traded to the Giants this past offseason. Kush will need to pull his weight keep Baker upright.
  • Jarvis Landry
    • Everyone is talking about how explosive the Baker+OBJ connection is going to be. Meanwhile they forget that Jarvis Landry is going to be going up a lesser defensive back. Landry will certainly have plenty of chances to prove himself.
  • David Njoku
    • The talented pass catcher had struggles blocking last season. With the new and improved offense, David Njoku is expected to make a leap in his blocking ability in addition to improving his receiving numbers.
  • Denzel Ward
    • The 2nd year corner had tackling concerns last season. Resulting with Denzel Ward suffering concussions in his rookie campaign. We can expect him to make a jump under new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

Keys to a Browns victory in Week 1

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If the Cleveland Browns are going to come out victorious in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans, there are a few things they must focus on.

Stop Derrick Henry 

The Titans offense will feature Derrick Henry in their offense. Henry is what makes Tennessee’s offense go. If Henry If effective that makes everything else work for the Titans. Stopping Derrick Henry early will force the ball into the hands of Marcus Mariota and pay dividends for the Browns later in the game. 

Pressure Marcus Mariota 

This is a task that appears very attainable at this time. Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan will miss this game due to a suspension. This means the Browns defensive line could have a field day when rushing the passer. Cleveland’s defensive line is one of the best units in the NFL and is what will make the Browns defense work. Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon could put together quite a performance against an offensive line missing their best player.

Protect Baker Mayfield 

Sounds simple enough. Keep Baker Mayfield upright. The Browns offensive line is in a bit of a transition period after the trade of Kevin Zeitler this past offseason. The Browns offensive line minus their best pass protecter from last season will be tasked with protecting Cleveland’s franchise quarterback from Tennessee’s pass rush. Keep Mayfield off the ground and the offense should be humming. 

Get Jarvis Landry involved

This is one that may not be popular with a lot of people but here is the deal. Odell Beckham Jr. will get his touches. So will Nick Chubb. The Browns need Jarvis Landry to be the guy who lives 5-10 yards from the line of scrimmage. That trusty go-to guy when everyone downfield is covered. Eventually the defense will creep up and Beckham and Rashard Higgins will get their opportunities deep down the field. Wash, rinse, repeat and the offense will have plenty of scoring drives.

Execute on special teams 

This is something that is going to be a recurring theme for the Browns. Execute on special teams. It is one third of the game and often goes overlooked because it is not sexy. However special teams is often where games are won and lost. The new faces at punter and kicker need to pull their weight and the return game needs to show they can set the Browns offense up for success. Cleveland’s special teams unit was not great last season but with a new special teams coach that could change for the better this season.