Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Matchups to watch

Sep 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) pick up wide receiver A.J. Green (18) to celebrate his touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals defeated Baltimore Ravens 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Green vs Browns secondary minus Joe Haden

A matchup the Browns were looking forward to was Joe Haden guarding A.J. Green. Haden has had the upper hand in recent battles between the two pro bowlers. In their two matchups in 2013, Haden held Green to a games of 7 catches for 51 yards and  2 catches for 7 yards.

Last season Haden again was able to successful shutdown Green. Green recorded a games of 3 catches for 23 yards and 5 catches for 49 yards. This year, Haden will be sidelined after suffering his second concussion this season. Along with Haden, Donte Whitner will also be sidelined in the concussion protocol. With a depleted secondary the Browns will have their hands full containing Green.

One strategy the Browns should try early in the game is to match-up Green with Tramon Williams and let safety Tashaun Gipson roam and shadow the side Green is on. The Browns cannot allow Green to explode and have a big game. Doing this would allow K’waun Williams and Pierre Desir to matchup with Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones.

The Browns need to eliminate Green as much as possible and force the rest of the receiver cast to beat them. The Browns will be playing heavy man coverage and they need to generate a pass rush on Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton. This will allow the Browns defensive backs to make plays on the ball. Last season, in the Browns’ Thursday night win over the Bengals, the defense did an excellent job forcing pressure on Dalton and forcing him to throw three interceptions.