Cleveland Browns: Storylines to watch vs. Miami Dolphins
What the Browns will get out of Cody Kessler remains to be a huge mystery heading into Sunday’s game. The first key to the game is establishing the run early in the ball game with Crowell and mixing in the versatile Duke Johnson. Establishing the run is key, but Kessler will need to make plays and convert on third downs for the team to have a chance in the game.
Despite what Coach Jackson may say in his press conferences, not even the coaching staff knows what to expect in Kessler’s play Sunday. However, if other rookie quarterbacks around the league are any indication, he will fare well. Dak Prescott and Jacoby Brissett, both drafted lower than Kessler, are a combined 2-1 and have played solid, managing the games for both their respective teams. If Kessler fails to live up to the bar these other rookie quarterbacks have already set, the media will grill the Browns for drafting Kessler and already label him as the wrong draft selection.
The key for Kessler is to not let the moment of getting his first NFL start so early in his career get to him. Kessler must remain poised, confident and become the leader of the offense. Kessler talked to reporters about the big moment Wednesday after practice:
"“For me, I have not looked at it as a dream come true. For me, I look at it as I want it to be positive. I want to go out and play my best and do everything I can possible to help this team get a win. Obviously, I have worked very hard to get here, but you have to perform now. That is what you have to do in this league. They want performance. You want to play your best and be at your best on Sunday. Repeating this process throughout the week to help me get there.”"
If Kessler can show these qualities it will be a positive day for the rookie despite the outcome on the scoreboard. For Kessler to succeed, he must rely heavily on the running game between Crowell and Johnson. In the passing game, Kessler must rely on tight end Gary Barnidge. Barnidge has had a quiet first two weeks of the season but will serve as a big target and safety blanket for his rookie signal caller.
It would be ideal for the Browns offense to call many early three-step drop passes, quick play-action fakes, and roll outs, where Barnidge is Kessler’s first read. The veteran Barnidge is the team’s most reliable and steady pass catching weapon. If Kessler finds himself in trouble he should look to check down to Barnidge and be protective with the football. Barnidge should receive a heavy volume of targets on Sunday.
The last key for Kessler to manage the game and be productive is to play turnover-free football. If Kessler is rattled and turns the ball over the Browns will have no chance to pull off the upset in Miami. Kessler must utilize his check downs and make smart accurate decisions. The second Kessler starts to force the ball into tight spaces is when the offense might be in trouble.