Cleveland Browns: Kevin Zeitler will be vital against Bengals
By Dan Justik
Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler has been one of the best guards in the NFL this season, but he will have his hands full against the Bengals.
2018 has been a great season for Cleveland Browns right guard Kevin Zeitler, as he has become one of the most underrated offensive linemen in the NFL.
The offensive line has been a weak spot for the Browns this season, but Zeitler has been one of the reasons it has not been worse.
Pro Football Focus has given Zeitler’s pass blocking this season a grade of 91.0, which falls under the elite category. His pass blocking grade has been the best Pro Football Focus has given out to any guard this season.
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Zeitler has only given two up sacks so far this season. For a team that has allowed 35 sacks, it goes to show how stout Zeitler has been. In fact, the right guard has only given up eight total pressures in 2018, according to Pro Football Focus.
Over the past couple of weeks, Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield has looked much comfortable in the pocket. Against the Bengals, he is going to need Zeitler to be on his game if he wants that to be the case again.
For the better part of Sunday’s game, Zeitler will likely be lined up against Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins.
Atkins remains one of the best interior defensive linemen in the NFL. This season, Atkins has compiled 31 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, six sacks, and 15 quarterback hits.
Atkins is easily the best player on the Bengals defense, and the unit relies on him to be at his best every week.
The Bengals are statistically the worst defense in the NFL this season, and they have the 11th fewest sacks. Without Atkins’ presence in the middle of the defensive line, who knows how much worse the Cincinnati could be.
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The Browns offense should have another strong game on Sunday. But in order for Mayfield to have time in the pocket to process the Bengals defense, Zeitler will need to be at the top of his game against Atkins.
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