Cleveland Browns vs Arizona Cardinals: 3 matchups to watch

Cardinals secondary vs Josh McCown

It is expected for Josh McCown to be under center Sunday. McCown has been questionable this week with a shoulder injury. McCown will have another tough test with a fearsome Arizona secondary. Arizona’s secondary is led by pro bowler Patrick Peterson and young ball hawking safety Tyrann Mathieu. The Arizona secondary leads the league in turnovers with 12 and has returned three interceptions returned for touchdowns. The defense will disguise coverages and try to force McCown into bad decisions. With missing practice time battling a sore shoulder McCown will have his work cut out for him against this tough secondary.

If the Browns can get McCown and the offense into an early grove in the short game, they will be able to compete. Last week, after back to back turnovers to start the game the Browns offense was never able to get into a solid offensive grove.

This is another defense that is very similar to the teams we have played the last two weeks where they can get home with four people, which allows those guys to be able to sit on routes and to be able to play two-high safeties to be able to sit on routes underneath.” -Offensive coordinator John DeFilippo

An area where the Browns need to get better in this week is the red zone. Offensive drives have stalled for the Browns and they haven’t been able to capitalize. Josh McCown needs to go to tight end Gary Barnidge in the red zone. Barnidge is creating mismatches and has been able to consistently win verses linebackers.

Even in zone coverages, Barnidge has found soft spots in the zone coverage and has been the Browns go to receiver. McCown and the offense needs to prioritize Barnidge in the red zone and make the Arizona defense adjust to the red zone looks they give them.