Cleveland Browns vs Arizona Cardinals: 3 matchups to watch
Cardinals passing attack vs Browns secondary
The Cardinals passing attack is one of the most complete and versatile attacks in the league. Led by veteran quarterback Carson Palmer, the Cardinals offense is 6th in the league in passing yards averaging 281.3 yards a game.
Palmer is equipped with a variety of weapons including pro bowler Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald is still playing at a consistently high level at age 32. Fitzgerald is on pace for an 1,000 yard season and ten touchdowns. Fitzgerald runs great routes and presents a huge red zone threat.
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His compliment is the small and shifty John Brown. In his second year out of Pittsburg State, Brown is developing into a constant problem for opposing secondaries. Two weeks ago against Pittsburg, Brown caught ten passes for 196 yards. If the Browns don’t key on Brown he will explode. Brown is the vertical threat of the Cardinals offense and they will take multiple deep shots throughout the game.
The Cardinals go deep as much as any other team in the league and chances are they are trying to find Brown deep down the field. The Browns secondary must be ready for deep passes off play action and must keep Brown and Fitzgerald in front of them all game.
“Getting ready for that group is going to be a challenge for us but I am happy to be back.” – Joe Haden
Luckily for the Browns, it is expected for cornerback Joe Haden and safety Tashaun Gipson to return to action Sunday.Haden and Gipson will be returning at a time where the defense can really use their services against an explosive Arizona offense. Haden will likely matchup on Fitzgerald. Haden will be playing a lot of man to man on Fitzgerald and if Haden can shut him down the Browns defense will be able to prioritize on John Brown and stopping the run.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Slot Corner K’waun Williams will have his hands full if John Brown lines up in the slot. Brown will lineup inside and out in a variety of ways of creating playmaking opportunities.The Browns will need to keep a safety over the top on Browns side to minimize the deep threat. The secondary has a big test on their hands but it comes at a good time with the return of pro bowl secondary tandem of Joe Haden and Tashuan Gipson.