Keys for the Browns in Week 3

The Cleveland Browns have another high profile game in Week 3. This time against the Rams at home on Sunday Night Football. This is their toughest test so far this season and will require excelling in a few areas in order to win. 

Block Aaron Donald by any means necessary. 

This might be the most difficult task on Sunday so let’s get to it first. Aaron Donald is one of the NFL’s best defenders. His ability to disrupt plays instantly sets him apart from the rest of the league. Donald has the upper hand coming into this game. It will be up to the Browns to do everything they can to slow him down because stopping him entirely is impossible. Double team him on every play. Chip him with tight ends and running backs. Bring in extra blockers in order to provide another line of protection for Baker Mayfield. If they are unable to slow him down it will be a long day for the Browns. 

Quick passes instead of shot plays 

This is something that has been discussed ad nauseam. As part of their new offense Cleveland has utilized a lot shot plays in their first two games and it has led to mixed results. Their lackluster offensive line makes these types of plays more difficult. As mentioned above, Aaron Donald will pose many problems for the Browns. In order to help neutralize the Rams pass rush and maximize the strengths of the Browns pass offense they will need to use more quick passes instead of deep shots. The occasional deep shot is fine but as we have seen through the first two games they are not working all that well at the moment. 

Give Nick Chubb more carries

Freddie Kitchens stated he wants to get Nick Chubb more involved. Well, no time like the present. Chubb needs to be involved if the offense is going to ascend anywhere remotely near the level that many expected them to this season. Chubb has 35 carries through the first two games this season. The amount of carries Chubb should have after Week 3 should be closer to 60 than 50 if they want their offense to be more productive. A combination of more carries and some more creative run concepts should get the job done Sunday night. 

Myles Garrett needs to cut down the penalties 

Myles Garrett is an elite pass rusher. Garrett can get to any quarterback with ease. The problem that came to light last week was the two roughing the passer penalties. Granted, they were weak penalties but they were called. Garrett will need to adjust to how refs are making that judgment when he is hitting the opposing quarterback.  Unlike the Jets, the Rams can take advantage of extra chances. Cleveland cannot allow Los Angeles to have additional shots at putting points up on the board. This could result in a deflating loss if this does occur.