Daily Dawg Tags: Browns facing another top wide receiver
By Thomas Moore
The Cleveland Browns need to find a way to deal with Cincinnati wide receiver A.J. Green or it could be another long afternoon on Sunday.
The Cleveland Browns have had problems this season when it comes to matching up with the league’s top wide receivers.
In Week 1 it was Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown, who finished with 11 receptions for 182 yards. Last Sunday, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton burned the Browns for seven receptions, 153 yards and a touchdown.
On Sunday, it will be Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green’s turn. Green has played against the Browns 11 times and had 52 receptions for 824 yards and six touchdowns to show for it.
The Bengals pose a lot of problems on offense, and the Browns need to pay particular attention to Green, head coach Hue Jackson told clevelandbrowns.com:
"“We have to slow them down. t’s just that simple. We’re learning things about our guys. They’re learning things about how we do things. We have to do it better and they will be the first to tell you that.”"
The Browns may be catching a break as Cincinnati tight end Tyler Eifert is dealing with a back injury that may force him to miss the game. The Browns have struggled with tight ends as much as anything, so not having to deal with Eifert is a plus.
But if they can’t find a way to keep Green in check, it may not matter.
Let’s roll along with today’s edition of the Daily Dawg Tags.
Cleveland Browns:
Browns need to solve their issues on third down
The Cleveland Browns need to figure out an answer for their struggles on third down if they have any chance of getting the offense on track.
Browns release first injury report for Week 4
The Cleveland Browns released their first injury report of the week on Wednesday and there are several starters who did not practice today.
Browns bottom out in Week 4 power rankings
The Cleveland Browns remain winless on the season and have now dropped to a familiar position in the weekly power rankings.
Jabrill Peppers determined to rebound (ohio.com)
"Counting sheep didn’t work for Jabrill Peppers because he couldn’t stop thinking about Colts. The Browns rookie free safety revealed Wednesday he couldn’t sleep for about two days because he missed a couple of plays in Sunday’s 31-28 loss to the Indianapolis Colts that could have changed the outcome of the game. He hopes to rebound Sunday when the Browns (0-3) host the Cincinnati Bengals (0-3)."
NFL news:
Trevor Siemian knows he has to take care of the football (ESPN)
"Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian knows he has to turn the page on turnovers — because the team’s current pace will likely keep them out of the postseason."
One player every team should bench (Bleacher Report)
"The NFL is considered the ultimate meritocracy. This is the league’s great lie. Individuals often maintain significant roles without the requisite performance to warrant such a position. Contractual obligations or draft status can overrule on-field achievements. Even three weeks into the 2017 NFL season, trends have started to develop. Coaches often discuss putting the best players on the field. They needed to follow through with that approach instead of spouting platitudes."
NFL quarterback overview from Week 3 (Pro Football Focus)
"Every week at PFF we will give you a grade and statistical update on all NFL quarterbacks. Each image contains a number of traditional and advanced stats, including, of course, overall PFF grade. Early in the season, sample sizes are small and numbers can vary greatly, so for that reason, the quarterbacks are organized by division for the first few weeks."
Lacking dynamic passing attack, Bears content adjusting to defenses (Chicago Tribune)
"Dowell Loggains and Mike Glennon were happy to accept the Steelers’ dare on Sunday: Win by running the ball and checking down with short passes. Two things the Bears offense can do well? An approach that fits their personnel? Sure. Thank you very much."