Browns Vs. Redskins: 3 Match Ups to Watch

Aug 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon (12) during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Browns Wide Receivers Versus Redskins Defensive Backs

The Browns receivers have been the focus for most fans. With the expectation that Josh Gordon will be suspended for a significant amount of time, fans wanted the team to invest in the position more. Instead the Browns have dynamic slot guy Andrew Hawkins, injury prone Miles Austin and a bunch of unproven guys.

At different times during Training Camp different receivers have broken out. Charles Johnson is the exciting bigger receiver, Willie Snead is a Twitter favorite, Travis Benjamin is a small, straight ahead speedster and Taylor Gabriel has made a ton of catches. Will any of them breakout and lay claim to a big role in the Browns offense Monday night?

The Washington defensive backs, and their defense in general, has been a problem for the team over the last few years. They still are headlined by DeAngelo Hall. Hall is a big name but hasn’t played up to his name or contract over the past 2 to 3 seasons. As he ages he relies far more on being physical then on coverage skills. With the new rules expect Hall to be flagged a couple times for illegal contact.

The rest of the team’s backfield has much to prove. David Amerson was a safety prospect coming into the draft but is being used at corner, and not always doing so well. Tracy Porter and E.J. Biggers are both free agent acquisitions, from the Raiders and Bucs, that give the Redskins depth but, much like some of the Browns veteran receivers, aren’t exactly tearing up camp. Brandon Meriweather is a head hunting safety, who tends to get flagged often for hits on heads. Ryan Clark is familiar with the Browns from all his years with the rival Steelers.

This match up is one of two groups that have a ton to prove. Kyle Shanahan’s system should help get the receivers open. Yet could the Redskins physical play bother them on their timing routes? With the plan to rotate Johnny Manziel and Brian Hoyer the Browns receivers could struggle getting into rhythm.