Cleveland Browns: Top 5 opposing receivers in 2016
The Cincinnati Bengals have given the Browns all sorts of trouble the past few seasons, as the Bengals have been a force to reckon with. The leader of the defending AFC North champions’ offense is one of the most talented playmakers in the game, and his name is A.J. Green. Another 28-year-old considered to be just past his prime if not still in it, Green presents a unique challenge to secondaries that is nearly impossible to combat successfully.
The 6-foot-4, 205 pound former Georgia Bulldog has exceptional hands, and a height advantage over just about every cornerback and safety in football. On one play, the Bengals will draw up a bubble screen, getting Green an easy reception for several yards underneath. But then, Green will make an incredible play downfield on a post pattern or a back shoulder fade in the red zone. Bump and run coverage will never work against a receiver with the size and athletic ability of Green, and multiple defenders are often needed to limit his receptions.
Not only is his size and ability daunting, Green’s assets go beyond raw talent. Some of the greatest contributions Green makes to Cincinnati’s offense comes when he is blocking, opening up lanes for other receivers or running backs, such as Brandon Tate or Jeremy Hill. Both of these players have astounding career statistics against Cleveland, partially due to Green’s hidden skill of blocking.
Green’s ability to gain extra yards after the catch is another way he can help the Bengals offense, specifically against a Browns defense who do not tackle very well, somewhat due to their size. In each of Green’s previous five seasons, he has recorded at least 1,000 yards of receiving.
Additionally, as a big red zone threat who has scored 45 career touchdowns, Green can inflict damage on the Browns in a variety of ways, making him the most well-rounded receiver the Browns will face in 2016.
Fortunately, the Browns can gain an edge against Green and Cincinnati’s offense through the knowledge of their head coach. Hue Jackson served on the Bengals’ staff as Offensive Coordinator in 2014 and 2015. Whether this has a noticeable impact in their Week 7 and Week 14 matchups is yet to be seen.
What is inevitable however, is that these two games will be two of the toughest for the Browns to emerge victorious in. If one or two wins are to be achieved, stopping A.J. Green would go a long way, as he is deserving of being one of the top three most challenging receivers the Browns will defend this season.
Next: Odell Beckham Jr.