Cleveland Browns: 5 Opposing players the Browns must account for
By Tyler Hise
2. Julio Jones, Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons (Week 10)
Julio Jones has been widely regarded as a top-five wide receiver since he joined the league in 2011 out of Alabama. His combination of size and physicality are hard to match, but the Browns need their young secondary to be up for the challenge.
Jones had 5 receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown in his only prior meeting with Cleveland. However, that was going against pro bowler Joe Haden, who is no longer with the team and most would argue Jones has gotten even better. It will be a tough task for the Cleveland secondary, but thankfully by Week 10 they can likely lean heavily on rookie Denzel Ward.
1. Antonio Brown, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers (Week 1, Week 8)
In the past two seasons, the Browns have only had to deal with Antonio Brown once a year due to Pittsburgh resting players for the playoffs and an injury late last year. However, if we see a healthy Brown in 2018, it will result in two match-ups in the first half of the season against the electric star.
Next: Ranking the Browns schedule based on difficulty
Seeing him week one will pose a tall task for first year corner Denzel Ward, who will most likely be asked to cover Brown. Talk about a nice welcome to the NFL, rookie. If he can hold his own though, we’ll know Cleveland got themselves a stud.